It is easy to think of home value found in granite countertops or a remodeled master bath, but your attic holds a lot of potential for increasing what your home is worth. What many have relegated to dusty storage is square footage bright with possibilities. An attic conversion will be worth the investment, but there are several things to know before getting started.
Safety First
Before any work gets done on your top floor real estate, make sure you have it professionally assessed for structural concerns. Inadequate ventilation, sagging floors or weak floor joists will jeopardize the safety of a conversion investment. Not every space will be able to be used in its existing condition, and a contractor can help evaluate your options for the space.
Draw Up Plans
Recognize what the size of your attic space would lend itself to. Is it large enough for an extra bedroom? Can you have an office or hobby room? There are endless possibilities, but you can’t know for sure what it doable without professional insight. There are building code requirements, exit spaces and access concerns from the main or second floors. Have plans in hand before work begins. Make sure your plans take into account any features that cannot be changed, such as a chimney stack or an HVAC unit.
Make It Functional
As you design your space, take into account the need for good lighting and ventilation. Often, you will find an attic space looking cramped and dark because of the slope on the ceiling. By adding dormers or bigger windows, you can make the space look bigger and brighter. A skylight is another great way to bring in natural light and the beauty outside whenever the room is used.
An attic conversion is an expensive way to bring more functional space into your home. However, the results and the value-added are well worth the expense.
