Attic Conversions: What You Need to Know

Many people buy a house assuming that it has plenty of space for anything they could ever imagine. However, things change and more space is needed. Not everyone wants to go through buying a new home, especially when it’s in a completely different neighborhood. Some people don’t want have the space on their lot to add an extra room. In this case, an attic conversion could be an excellent choice, but there are things you need to consider.

What Type of Access Is There?

You will need to determine if there is already existing access to your attic. Is there a staircase? If there isn’t, do you have the room to build one? Ceiling height is another big thing. Some cities have codes that require at least seven to eight feet of clearance in order to convert the attic.

Is There Adequate Floor Support?

A structural engineer may be required to inspect your attic floor joists. They need to be up to code and they need to be able to handle the additional weight of electrical, drywall, etc. that will be installed during the conversion. Plus, they’ll need to be able to hold up flooring, the weight of furniture, etc.

Do You Have Trusses or Rafters?

As a general rule, it’s virtually impossible to convert an attic if you have trusses. This is because of the shape and design of the trusses as well as the size of the lumber that was used to build the trusses. In most cases, trusses aren’t of the right size to hold up to an attic conversion. Plus, you would be putting your roof and ceilings at serious risk of damage, which is the last thing that you want to do.

It’s always recommended to speak to a professional before making any type of chances of the structure of your home. If you’re interested in undergoing an attic conversion, speak to a contractor to see if your attic is a good candidate.