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Converting An Attic
By Doris A. Black
Many older homes were built with large unfinished attics used mainly for storage. These can sometimes be converted to livable space. There are many questions to consider when designing a new space, such as who will use the space and what function will it perform.
Look at the shape of the room. Attics generally have angled walls, which can make it difficult to place large pieces of furniture, and in smaller attics, almost impossible to walk through without bumping your head. Be sure your space is acceptable for the type of function you require. Look 10 years ahead and try to imagine what you will use the space for at that time. Perhaps you need an office now, but down the road when your son becomes a teenager he might like to have that space as a bedroom and a private place to hang out with his friends.
Ample space will be necessary. If the attic is going to be a bedroom, is there room for a closet, a dresser and a bed? What about a desk for doing homework, a television and a computer? Will it be possible to include a bathroom? Is the plumbing on the first level located in a position where it can be accessed in the attic space? Is there enough space for a full or half bath?
You may need a contractor to answer some of these basic questions. Thoroughly discuss the possibility of turning your attic into a finished room. A project of this size may require new flooring, windows, wallboard, heating and if necessary, air conditioning. The contractor will be able to tell you if the supporting walls are strong enough to support the extra weight of a finished room. They will also be able to tell you the feasibility of running ductwork into the space for both heating and cooling. Often a separate heating/cooling unit (like those found in hotel rooms) will be recommended.
As you are considering a conversion, take a good look at any existing insulation between the rafters. If there is none, a conversion is the perfect time to include it. Good insulation will reduce your heating and cooling needs, making your home more comfortable and cost efficient. Insulating the floor will also reduce the noise level for those on the lower floor.
Once you’ve decided to proceed with the project, go to your local library for ideas. The home improvement section will have many books you can browse through or take home. Even books that may seem out of date will have ideas worth considering. The periodical section of most libraries also contains the latest home improvement and design magazines that you can look through for additional ideas.
As the conversion gets underway, there will be even more questions your contractor will ask you, such as where to locate the electrical outlets, light switches, telephone line, cable connection, etc. Thinking about these important elements ahead of time will keep you from making hasty decisions.
While the contractor is working on the remodel, you can choose the finishing touches, such as paint color, flooring and furniture. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stairway leading up to the attic. Some stairways can be quite narrow in older homes, making it difficult, if not impossible, to get furniture upstairs. You should measure the doorway at the bottom of the stairs as well as the stairway itself, in conjunction with the pieces of furniture you hope to move.
Converting an attic can easily run between $8,000 and $10,000 depending on the size and condition of your existing space. It is an investment in your home and your future, so make wise decisions. Get estimates from several contractors, and hire a reputable contractor who does good work, not the one who brings in the lowest price.
Finishing the attic in your home will definitely raise the value of your property, but not necessarily dollar for dollar. So make the improvements according to what best fits the needs of your family and you’ll be happy with the outcome.
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