Attic Conversions

Even if you are doing some of the work yourself, a permit will be necessary. Call the local building permit office and talk to an inspector about your plans. Ask for advice, recommendations, what permits will be required and how many inspections will be needed. Some regions ask for a large deposit with the permit application, but when the final inspection is passed the deposit will be returned to you.

When considering attic conversions keep in mind you will have to have a staircase, add some kind of window or windows, install electricity and possible even put in a phone line.Other portions of the attic conversion to consider could include wall framing, ceiling, drywall, heat, air and plumbing if you need water or a bathroom. Plumbing and electricity are two main areas that should be completed by a professional. It may cost you more upfront but it can save you trouble later on.

But in these types of conversions, you must be sure to contact your home insurance provider, because they will modify the terms of your policy. And because it is a pretty large job, make sure that you meet with a professional and hire one to work for you. Have your plans drafted so you will be aware of the design which may include central heating boilers, water pipes and other parts that will be included. You need to make sure that you have everything you need before starting this whole project to avoid issues and problems later on.

Converting an unused attic can be a wonderful way to add space as well as value to your home. The unused real estate above your head can be transformed into an area with almost endless possibilities. However, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before attic remodeling begins.As attics tend to be colder in winter and hotter and stuffier in summer than other areas of the home, the issue of providing adequate ventilation and insulation needs to be addressed as one of your first concerns.

Attic conversions not only add versatility to your home and it also increases the floor space and re-sale value as well. You can have that office, studio, bedroom or just plain extra living space you have always wanted.

You should obtain the correct estimates before you begin your attic conversion. Calculating the cost of the materials, furnishings and all the other supplies won't be difficult. To make things easier and more efficient for you, you may also want to hire a professional to work with you on the project. These conversions are an opportunity for you to get more out of your home while increasing its value for you and your family. Hiring a professional and allowing him to assist is a much better opportunity at success.

As previously stated, checking for electricity in the space is important, as well as how many junction boxes there are. A single light hanging from the ceiling is not going to be adequate for a living space. If you are planning to include a powder room, see if there is plumbing coming up to the attic. If your home is heating via a furnace and cooled in the same manner, locate the nearest ducting to see if it can be extended. Depending on the size of the attic, the age and condition of the home, it may be necessary to consult a structural engineer. This is an important step. When you are adding so much extra weight to the structure, it is crucial to have an expert evaluate the integrity of the building.

While most people opt to finish their loft to improve the quality of life, it comes with an add-on benefit of exceptionally improving the retail value of your property. According to industry specialists, a thoughtfully carried out attic conversion will increase the overall value of your property by 30% to 40%.

Another great benefit to having an attic conversion is for someone who's running a business from home. From experience I know a home office can quickly be turned into a quasi-nursery or ad-hoc laundry room. If you're serious about running your own business then the fewer distractions you have - the better. So being away from the hustle and bustle of the daily goings on of the house will help you focus much better on your business.

An attic normally occupies about 30% of your floor space. With a worthwhile loft conversion, you can easily add space to your existing living space without moving to a new location or causing any structural changes to your property. It is a cost effective and convenient solution for families looking to incorporate a new bedroom, a guest room or even a game or study area for kids.