Think an attic conversion could offer an extra bedroom your guests can use when they crash at your house? This is a handy guide to help you convert an attic into a cosy bedroom.
When you first decided you need an extra bedroom you considered converting the garage or the basement because they have an easy-to-work-with shape and a better temperature. But, you should also look at your attic because it has unique potential. You only have to empty the space and transform it according to your vision.
If your house is blessed with an attic here is how to make good use of it.
Why should you consider it?
Only because your attic is unfinished it doesn’t mean you’ll break the bank to build a cosy bedroom. Proper planning and pre-conversion considerations can transform the project into a major success.
All home renovations add value to your house, but converting the attic in a bedroom has great potential to boost your home’s selling price. Because you add an extra bedroom to your property, expect to receive a larger return on your investment if you sell it. Realtors state that the houses with an attic bedroom get a return on investment of 60% when sold.
Even if you don’t sell the house, it can add value to your house in the form of extra income because you can rent the room. But to rent it, you also need an exterior entrance and a connected bedroom. Your prospective tenants want comfort.
Check the local building codes and permits
All home renovations and conversions require permits. The local code includes safety standards you must meet to ensure you maintain the stability and safety of the building. The building codes include the minimum ceiling height, the width of the bedroom, and the total square footage of the space. If you plan to sell the house later, it’s crucial to meet the local codes.
Don’t start the conversion before you check with the local authorities the permits this project requires. For them to provide an accurate answer you need to offer a complete plan. The plan includes the alteration your house experiences, how you plan to modify the roofline, additional windows, and how you change the exterior of the house.
Hire a contractor to build the new addition to your house because they know all safety standards.
How to
You need a plan
Before hiring a contractor to handle the building process you need a plan to decide how you want to upgrade the space. Decide where you want to place the bed, the position of the light switches and the size of the vanity. Before starting the building process, you need to know the locations and sizes of the items you want to add.
If your attic isn’t too large make good use of every inch of space. You’ll need a bed, storage space, and a bath.
The layout
You should tuck the bed into the knee wall to keep the room open. Frame the openings and build drawers underneath the bed to compensate for the lack of storage space. If there are any elements you cannot move, incorporate them in the design of the room. For example, if there’s a chimney you can build the bathroom around it. When it comes to the bathroom, check with a plumber if you can install a tub on the second story of the house because it adds additional weight. The constructor should know if the house can support the extra weight the new bedroom adds.
Insulate the attic
To prevent cold from entering the bedroom during winter, install spray foam on the underside of the roof and the exterior walls of the attic. You may find useful to hire a spider lift to facilitate your access to the attic during the insulation process. You can use blown-in cellulose to insulation to boost energy efficiency. Cover the floor with acoustic insulation to prevent the noise from getting downstairs.
Install the floors
You should match the look of the attic bedroom with the rest of the house. If you chose a modern style for downstairs, extend it to the attic. Pull out the old floor and take it to a recycling centre because they’ll make good use of it. Usually attic floors are chippy and full of gaps to work for a bedroom, and if this is the case you need to change it. Decide the level of traffic the room will get and buy new one from the local store. Before installing it don’t forget to lay down the acoustic underlayment to keep the rest of the house undisturbed when guests crash by.
Build the bathroom
If you want to rent the extra bedroom to get a return on your investment you need to add it a bathroom. Use the same cabinet design as for the bedroom. Visit IKEA store because they have plenty of equipment perfect to place in a small bathroom. When the space is limited or the house structure doesn’t allow, you need to switch the tub for a shower cabin. Get in touch with the plumber before installing the shower and toilet because they may need a special platform.
Finish the bathroom with a mirror, lights, and storage space.
Work on the last details
Once you build and insulate the bedroom there are many little details to decide. Install a board door to easily access the mechanicals placed in the attic because the last thing you want is to trap them behind a wall without being able to reach them when needed.
Buy carpets, curtains, pillows and small furniture items to adorn the room and make it feel welcoming. Because the windows are oriented towards the sun, the room gets natural light all day long so it’s cosy and bright.
The conclusion: you can easily turn an empty room into a functional space with less than $10,000. If you don’t need an extra bedroom, you can convert it in an office, dressing or library.
