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Using An Older Finished Attic?

Name: Carrie  City: Ann Arbor

Question: My 2 bedroom 1950's ranch has an attic that already has wood flooring, 2 windows, walls and drywall, and a light. The floor seems really sturdy to walk on, and it appears to have been used as a bedroom before. But the floor to ceiling height is only 5'8", and there is a beam downstairs that has seperated from the ceiling by 2 inches. Can this space ever be strengthened to serve as any kind of sleeping loft, or any useable space? I REALLY need the space! It's about 15'X36'.