How Many Square Feet Is My Attic?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Calculate the square footage of your attic.

Measure the length and width of the attic space using a tape measure

. Multiple these two measurements to arrive at a square footage number. For example, an attic that measures 40 feet by 60 feet has a total of 2,400 square feet.

How do I know how big my attic is?

If you're laying the foil down on top of existing attic insulation (on the attic floor) then you just need to know the square footage of the attic area you're covering. You determine this

by multiplying the LENGTH x WIDTH of the space

. For example, if you attic is 30′ x 50′ then you're measuring 1,500 sq ft.

How big is an average attic?

The average size of an attic is typically

between 1600 sq. ft and 1800 sq. ft

, but that can vary depending on the building's design.

What is the standard size for an attic opening?

What is the Minimum Size of an Attic Access? The code requires the rough framed opening of the attic access to be

not less than 22 inches by 30 inches

. When located in a wall, the width must not be less than 22 inches and the height not less than 30 inches.

What is considered attic space?

Attics are

the space between the roof and the ceiling of the highest floor of the house

. They're usually full of insulation, and sometimes heating or air conditioning equipment as well.

Is my attic square footage the same as my house?

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.

Does a finished attic count as square footage?

Stairways and closet areas are included in the square footage length. Finished attic square footage

is included if an area has at least seven minimum feet of clearance

. Covered, enclosed porches can only be included if they are heated using the same system as the rest of the house.

How much does it cost to finish an attic?

Average Cost

$40,000
Low $4,600

Does a loft count as square footage?

If a loft is within the property but does not have walls,

it is still considered part of the home and its square footage is measured

.

How tall should an attic be?

Account for Codes and Safety

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 access bathroom in attic?

An attic can have access in a bedroom or

bathroom so long as the opening has sufficient headroom over the access point

. Current standard building codes indicate 30 inches of uninterrupted vertical space is necessary from the opening to the bottom of the ceiling frame.

How much space is needed for an attic ladder?

Basic Space Requirements for an Attic Ladder

Full-size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is

at least 22 1/2 x 54 inches

. Looking for a space adequate to this opening is your first step.

Does attic count as a floor?

Architecturally speaking,

an attic is not considered a full story unless

it has at least 8-foot walls and the roofline ends above the windows on that floor. If the roofline ends at floor height and there are dormers or windows, then it is considered a half story.

Does a finished attic need to be vented?

Does a finished attic need to be vented?

Yes

, but it will need to be done differently than an unfinished attic. It is common for homeowners to turn their attic into a room as they outgrow their home.

Does attic count as a story?


An attic is considered a story if it meets all of the requirements

. … Does it have adequate ceiling height, floor area, or both? It is most likely an attic. It may be a story if it contains a large amount of space and is finished.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.