Building & Home Improvement

Attic Conversion

If you're looking to add more value and versatility to your home, then consider converting your attic. Whether you want an additional bedroom, a new family room, a studio or just a quiet place to relax and read, an attic conversion can easily give you more useable, livable space. However, depending on the current state of your attic, you may have to do more than add a proper staircase and walls.

Going Straight to the Top
One of the most important decisions you will have to make about your conversion is whether or not you need (or want) to make structural changes to your home. If there is a low ceiling or a truss roof system, then you will most likely have to do some construction on your home.

However, this is not the only thing you will have to consider. Other changes that you will need to think about inlcude:

Where the staircase will go
Adding dormers, skylights and/or standard windows
Placement of electrical outlets and phone jacks

What to Expect
If your attic is not already finished, you will need to bring the space up to code. This can involve:

Framing the walls and ceiling
Hanging and finishing the drywall
Installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
Plumbing (if you want a washroom or bathroom up there)

Finally, to make the space beautiful and inviting, you will need to do some finishing touches, like installing some hardwood floors or carpeting, painting or wallpapering the walls and perhaps adding a door to give the space some extra privacy.

You can expect to spend around $16,500 for a 16 foot by 36 foot finished full attic. This includes two standard windows, two large rooms with closets, oak hardwood flooring, insulated knee-wall and all walls are completely painted.

Ask all your questions on attic conversions in our forum.