Inspiration

I don’t have an attic to remodel, but if I did, I’d take some design cues from two projects that I’ve discovered from Desert Living Magazine and This Old House Magazine. Click on the thumbnails below…and don’t miss the comments at the bottom.

Tips

If you are eager to get started on your own attic project, take some time to consider how to make the space functional. It’s easy to clean boxes of Christmas ornaments out of the attic and then hang some drywall to make the space look like a room. But to re-purpose your attic as a comfortable living space requires smart planning.

  1. Plan for Climate Control. Consult an HVAC technician to see if your existing heating and cool system can properly handle the extra space. You’ll need a strong system to keep the attic from getting too hot in the summers and too cold in the winters. Next, make a strategy for insulating the space. Are you on a tight budget? Consider rolls of fiberglass insulation. But if you want to do it right, it’s hard to beat sprayed-in foam. In the summer months, good insulation will keep the heat absorbed into your shingles from the sun from passing into your living space. And don’t forget to use inexpensive can of spray foam to insulate around the windows or an exterior door. If properly insulated, your upstairs room will stay comfortable year round.
  2. Lighting. Attics are often dark spaces, so you will want big windows. (If you are using the attic space as a bedroom, you may be required to install a special window to allow for an easy exit in case of a fire.) If it’s in your budget, consider adding dormers to pull in plenty of sunshine all the while adding curb appeal to your home. A less expensive option is to install a skylight, but just make sure you know what you’re doing. A poorly installed skylight will leak in heavy rains. If adding natural light is not an option, then plan to have plenty of recessed lights or a track lighting. Don’t think that a couple table lamps will make an attic room feel right.
  3. Plumbing. Do you plan on adding a bathroom upstairs? Consult a plumber to create a smart strategy for configuring your piping. I’ve heard horror stories of people who built too far into the project and lost time and money to rework the attic for proper piping.

Summary: Do you homework! An attic remodel might seem less intimidating than building an addition to your home, but that doesn’t mean a homeowner should hurry into the project. With smart decisions and good planning, you can save time and money. Plus you’ll gain usable space that will be fun for your whole family.