In the never-ending search for space in the home adding on a room or finishing the basement are the most popular options. Adding a room, or large portion of the home, to an existing structure almost always includes foundation work which is highly expensive. It also depends upon where your lot boundary lies and if you have the room for such a project. And as for the basement, this space may already be maxed out with other uses. So to get more room you either have to buy a new home or pay the cost of an expansion. Or you can look up to the attic.

In most cases the renovation of the attic means creating a cathedral-style ceiling which follows the roof line. This creates an open space which is made more airy and bright with the addition of windows and skylights. The result could also be a loft-type idea which could be used as an extra bedroom or play area. In this case the space can be open to the room below where access is more convenient with an open staircase rather than one which has to be enclosed. Attics have traditionally been living spaces but not all attics can be converted into a bedroom or loft office.

Attic Space

The space needed is based upon three (3) main points:

1. Standing Room: You have to be able to stand up in the attic or your cozy bedroom or living space will be obsolete by the time your kids become teenagers. No one likes walking hunched over.

2. Rafter or Trusses: If it's a home built within the past 20 years it�s probably filled with triangular trusses. The only way to get space out of this design is to replace the trusses with beams and this would make the job both costly and time-consuming. The best use for this space would be storage.

3. Roof Pitch: Renovations are best with a low-slope roof unless your attic has very high, cathedral ceilings. The advantage you want to have is standing space and the last thing you want is to get the space by installing dormers. This alters the roof-line which usually means an expensive re-roofing job added to the cost of building the dormers.

Attic Renovation

Even with these points to consider you also have to check with a structural engineer and architect to go over:

1.Building Codes: Depending on the age of the building an inspection may be needed to see if the renovation meet the codes.

2. Floor and Building Strength: This is a very important point. Older homes had thinner walls and rafters. To support a storage area you could get along with the original structure but building a living space may require strengthening the walls and ceiling of the area below. This is especially true if a bathroom or kitchen, or apartment, is being put in.

3. Accessibility: There is more than one way to gain accessibility to an attic. Newer homes have retractable ladders. While these are alright for the odd trip to the attic they are probably not up to code for a living space. Outside entrance ways are expensive but may be necessary, especially if the attic is to be used form an apartment. If space is a problem a spiral staircase may be the answer. For a normal stairway the average space needed is a minimum of 3' x 13', rising at a 30-35� angle.

4. Window Placement: In a smaller space skylights can give both light and ventilation. And with windows on both gable ends the attic becomes a cheery place. With added dormers both the light commitment and space are enhanced.

5. HVAC: Heating and air conditioning are important considerations especially if you are tying them to an existing system. Ductwork and vents have to be planned out to fit with the needs of the area. If no central HVAC is available then electric heating might be put in. Check the fuse panel to see if the service can handle appliances, lighting and electric heat.

6. Plumbing (if applicable): For an attic apartment plumbing consideration have to be addressed. This means hooking up pipes and drainage from below.

7 .Storage: If the space is going to be used for storage there still is a matter of electrical and heating although the demands will not be nearly as high. As in any renovation skilled eyes and hands are preferable to piecemeal do-it-yourself efforts.

In the long run getting professional help for an attic renovation will pay off in spadefuls. For help on your renovation project contact Renovation Experts.