Turning an underused attic into a comfortable
loft
can be a very smart move for any homeowner looking to add space. As your family grows, an attic loft may be your most economical alternative compared to the costs of moving, constructing an addition, or finishing a basement.
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 every attic be converted?
Gilbert says that while
most attics can
, technically, be converted under current building regulations, 95 per cent of the work he has done falls into the more popular and cheaper option: an attic room that is considered a storage rather than a habitable space.
Can you DIY attic conversion?
If you’re craving extra storage or living space, an attic conversion could be a cost-effective solution. Many houses have up to 30
per cent
of their total floor area hovering above.
How much does it cost to turn an attic into a room?
Average Cost to Convert an Attic to a Bedroom
The price to convert an attic to a bedroom is
$8,000 to $30,000
. This includes aspects like finishing, flooring and painting. For example, installing a closet costs $1,200 to $3,000. You’ll pay more for larger rooms or if you need to install a window.
Can I put a floor in my attic?
Adding a floor to an attic
can increase storage space or create a new room
. Before you start creating a floor for your attic, you must make sure that it can handle the additional load. Then, you’ll need to build a grid-like structure that can hold up the plywood flooring.
Can I turn my attic into a storage place?
While
attics can be turned into makeshift storage units
, most of them are not suited for large, heavy objects such as furniture or temperature-sensitive items like electronics or documents. Always choose the right storage space for the right item in order to avoid any headaches later on.
Is it worth converting my attic?
Recent research carried out by the Nationwide Building Society has shown that by converting a loft space,
your house value can increase by as much as 20%
. … It often costs less per square metre to convert a loft rather than build a conventional extension, as much of the structure you need is already in place.
Do you need planning permission to convert an attic?
Will I need planning permission?
Most straightforward conversions won’t need formal planning consent
. Instead, many projects are allowed under what’s known as permitted development (PD) rights – often even if you’re adding a modest amount of extra space via dormer windows.
Is attic tall enough to convert?
Measure the head height
Take a tape measure and run it from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest part of the room. If it’s
2.2m or more
, your loft should be tall enough to convert.
Can you convert your loft yourself?
Most loft conversions don’t require a planning permit.
You are required to obtain permission
if your loft design will alter your roof space. Nevertheless, you cannot leave matters to chance; hence, check with your local council or planning officer to know whether you require a planning permit.
Can a finished attic be considered a bedroom?
If you’ve converted an attic and want to count it as a bedroom, it has
to have at least 70 square feet of space
. This is large enough to fit a bed and a small dresser. While a 7 x 10 bedroom is not spacious, it would fit the legal requirements in most locations.
What do you do with low attic ceilings?
An attic with low ceilings lacks space, light, and cool air. Approach these issues creatively by installing
skylights, ceiling fans
, and smart organization hacks like floating shelves. Brighten the space by painting the walls and ceilings all white.
How much does it cost to fix an attic?
Traditional extensions can cost anywhere from $1900 to $4000 per square metre while building a new attic room costs around
$1500 per square metre
. Depending on what type of attic or loft conversion you want, expect to pay: $2,500 installed for a basic storage loft which includes an attic ladder and basic flooring.
Is it OK to put plywood in the attic?
If your attic joists won’t bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage, you can install
1⁄2-inch plywood
or oriented strand board (OSB) in 4-foot-by-8-foot panels over existing 16-inch OC joists.
