How do I convert my attic into usable space?
If this is your first remodel, consider hiring a professional to help you convert your attic.
- Clean Out Your Attic. …
- Wire the Attic for Electricity. …
- Build a Subfloor. …
- Insulate Your Attic. …
- Install Drywall and Ceiling. …
- Paint Attic Ceiling and Walls. …
- Choose and Install Attic Flooring.
Can I turn my attic into a room?
Once you convert attic space into living space you need to bring it up to the standards of modern building codes. That means, you’ll need 2×10 floor joists (or maybe 2×8 in rare circumstances), and, at least, 2×12 roof rafters.
Does a finished attic count as square footage in NJ?
In general, areas like staircases and closets count as finished square footage. Spaces like garages, three-season porches and unfinished basements or attics are not included in the square footage of a house.
How much room should you have in an attic?
Every attic is different, but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. Follow the “rule of 7s”: Enforcement varies, but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high, and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet.
Can you finish an attic with trusses?
The truss webs would need to be removed in order to provide the necessary clear space for your attic remodel. Unfortunately, this can’t be done … at least in an affordable manner. If you have roof trusses, you will probably want to ditch the attic remodel and look at other options.
Can my attic support a floor?
That begs the question; can my attic support a floor? The answer, in most cases, is a definite yes. Even though it wasn’t put there, the joists supporting your ceiling are quite strong. Putting down flooring won’t stress them any more than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath.
How much value does a finished attic add?
If the average attic finish is 16′ x 17′, that’s 272 square feet. At a price per square foot of $100, that adds $27,200 to the value of the home at selling time, at a minimum. But it might be even more, if special features are added into the attic finish, like fancy woodwork, built-in cabinetry and another bathroom.
How tall can an attic be?
Ceiling Height
While most attics have low ceilings, it’s important that you can stand up comfortably. At least half of your usable floor space should have a ceiling height of 7ft or more. In other words, if your attic has 140 sq. ft.
What is unfinished attic space called?
Scuttle Attic
Any attic space that does not have a permanent staircase for access is considered a scuttle attic.
How do you know if your attic can be converted?
Roof Rafters or Trusses
Another factor that determines whether you can convert your attic is the presence of roof rafters vs. roof trusses. Traditional rafters look like triangles; trusses look like triangles with smaller triangles inside of them—the boards forming these small triangles are called chords and webs.
Can roof trusses support a floor?
The reason trusses shouldn’t hold the weight of flooring or heavy boxes is because they are typically made from relatively small boards (2×4’s in some cases) and the bottom board is already carrying a significant roof load because of the design of the angled elements.
How far can attic trusses span without support?
A roof truss can span up to 80′ without support, however in any home that distance would be impractical and incredibly costly. Trusses are designed to span spaces without interior supports, and spans of up to 40′ are the most common in today’s homes.
How thick does attic flooring need to be?
You need 3/4-inch plywood. The thinner plywood is acceptable when the joist spacing is 16 inches. If you plan to finish the floor in the attic and turn the room into a living space, however, you should always use 3/4-inch plywood.
Can I put plywood over attic insulation?
Once the insulation is down, you can turn your attic into valuable storage space by covering the floor with plywood. It will also make the attic a safer place in which to walk.
Can you board straight onto loft joists?
Can I Board directly onto joists? The simple answer is no. The most common joist heights in use in modern properties are between 75mm and 100mm.
Can you floor over attic insulation?
Place flooring over insulation to make your attic space functional. Attics are generally covered in batting or blown insulation. If blown-in insulation is used, control the height or thickness of the layers so boards can by laid over top without having to compact the filler.
