You are in desperate need of some additional space. A new bedroom, office or playroom, it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a few extra square footage. Household improvement trends are many, so how would you choose the right one? The thought of renovating an attic crosses your mind, and you soon realize that it’s actually a pretty good idea. You will save the money and the time that would otherwise go to any other additions. Of course, when you renovate an attic, you want to do it like a pro, and get the most out of this undertaking. Now, there are many ways to go about this project, all depending on your desired end goal. Still, they all have in common the necessity of making the new area safe, efficient and a pleasing place to live in. Without further ado, let’s see what you ought to be mindful of.
In order to renovate an attic, you will need to account for codes and safety
Enforcements vary and depending on the state you are in, the code may be different. Typically, they say that a minimum of half the finished attic must be at least 7 feet high. In addition, the area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and have a surface of 70 square feet. We strongly advise that you check what are the regulations in your state, so as to ensure you are not breaking the law. Still, these ought to give you at least an approximate picture of the situation. We also suggest that you hire an engineer to inspect your house’s foundation and framing. He needs to ensure that they can carry the extra load. If this is not the case, you cannot proceed to renovate the attic, or it will collapse, and we certainly don’t want that.
Consider a ceiling fan for better climate control
If the hight of the ceiling allows you so, it would be very wise to put a ceiling fan. In the summer months, your freshly renovated attic will be rather unbearable for living. You see, hot air is less dense and thus lighter than cold air. This means that all the cool air from the downstairs will push the hot air upstairs. You know, physics. So, in order to keep your attic cool and more pleasant in the warmer months, invest in that fan. It will grant you with a breath of cool breeze indoors, making you rather pleased about every cent you spent on it. What’s more, if you flip the reverse switch in the wintertime, you will push the warmer air down, and keep this area super cozy.
Think about the sound isolation
Attic activity can prove to become quite an issue for the rooms below. It does not have to include particularly loud talking, nor running around. A simple walk from one part of the attic to another or even a normal conversation over the phone with your local movers Los Angeles about the upcoming move can be heard with great ease. So, in order to properly isolate the sound, the first step would be to consider investing in beefier floor joists. They will quiet things down by a large extent. If you proceed to fill the bays with blown-in dense-pack insulation, we are talking about some serious quiet room. As a cherry on top, the low-tech fix, such as carpets or rugs will only add to your previous work.
The roof insulation dilemma
Two most common options for roof insulation are the spray-foam and fiberglass batt. Before we delve into the specifics, take into consideration that the roof is a major pathway to heat loss, as well as gain. Now, here’s what it comes down to:
- Spray-foam roof insulation forms a much tighter air barrier, whilst giving you the same R-value with fewer inches of the stuff. This means that you will have extra room overhead.
- The fiberglass batt insulation costs two to three times less.
This decision will not be as easy as it was choosing moving companies West Los Angeles for your relocation. It’s your money that’s on the line, so we won’t have any strong opinions on the matter. It is up to you to decide whether it is best to spend more now, and know that you have quality over your head, or save the money and use it for something more urgent.
Be mindful of the plumbing
If the thought of installing a new bathroom has crossed your mind, know that it would be best to site it above a bath or a kitchen below. Minimizing the distance between new and existing plumbing will not only reduce the costs but will also limit wall damage as pipes are installed. Some people opt for tying new pipes to the old ones. However, it is preferable that you run the attic’s supply and drain lines all the way to the basement. This will provide optimal water pressure and proper venting of sewer gases.
Take the ruthless approach when it comes to storage
If you ask any of your family, friends, and colleagues if they could use some additional space, we believe you would get a positive response every single time. While storage units are rather easy to come by these days, many wish to have something closer to home. Preferably inside the home. As you plan to renovate an attic, consider using every nook and cranny for storage since it will come in handy. Utilize the often awkward floor shape, and fit as much of perimeter drawers, cabinets, and cubbies as you can. Do not restrain from the awkward niches, such as those alongside chimneys and pipe chases, or near low walls. Perhaps you can take up a simple DIY project and design a perfectly fitting shelf for a certain troublesome corner. Be creative and bold, and it will certainly pay off.