Tips for Converting Your Attic into an Additional Bedroom

A loft conversion is no small task, but the end rewards could be well worth the trouble. According to Move with Us, a loft conversion typically adds around 10% to the value of your home, more than a new kitchen, bathroom, or even a swimming pool.

You should expect to pay, at minimum, around 15,000 for a small renovation, while larger projects could command a fee closer to 35,000. Ultimately, though, the sky’s the limit which is why your decisions here are so important.

Building Everything to Code

One of the biggest advantages of an attic conversion is that it’s so versatile. Whether you’re looking to build an additional bedroom, a playroom, or a home office, though, you’ll need to follow certain guidelines to ensure it goes to plan. Generally speaking, you’ll need a space that’s 7 feet 6 inches high over a minimum floor area of 70 square feet. This is typically referred to as the “Rule of 7.”

Similarly, you will need to ask yourself if you have enough space to incorporate a stairway to the space below. A standard staircase or a spiral staircase is fine, but a retractable ladder is not permitted due to fire safety regulations. If you have a walk-in wardrobe or a closet on the floor below, you could consider converting this to make room. You could then use the space underneath the new staircase to regain the storage space you’d previously lost.

Incorporating Electrical Work

In addition to structural and insulation considerations, ensuring that all electrical work is up to code is critical for successfully converting your attic. Installing new electrical wiring, outlets, and lighting fixtures requires carefully observing building codes and safety regulations. An experienced electrician bentleigh like the one found at Fernee Air and Electrical or a similar firm, can ensure that your electrical system is properly updated to handle the new demands of your converted space. To further ensure both safety and functionality, they may be able to make sure that all installations are compliant with local electrical codes.

Whether you’re adding new electrical outlets, integrating high-wattage appliances, or installing specialized lighting, consulting an electrician can help prevent potential hazards and ensure that your electrical setup enhances the usability of the space. Rather than improving the value of your home, poorly thought-out or badly executed extensions can actually have the opposite effect. However, make sure this doesn’t happen to you by planning out your project in advance, including all necessary electrical considerations.

Tackling Your Biggest Hurdles

One of the biggest hurdles of converting your attic is installing suitable insulation. Because the room is closer to the roof, it will be much more susceptible to the weather outside. Luckily, many roofing companies like Galaxy Builders, Inc. provides roof repairs if you need them, and can check over the quality and durability of the roof to make sure it is acceptable. It doesn’t matter if it is hot or cold, the person in this room will be able to feel it, and it makes the temperature of the room nearly impossible to control. This is especially true if your roof has any damages or leaks in it that can contribute to the poor insulation in an attic room. The first thing you should do to alleviate this issue is call a Woodlands roofing contractor to make any necessary roof repairs before you start to fix the insulation. The three main types of insulation typically used are rigid insulation, flexible insulation, and thermal lining boards. Rigid insulation is available in various sizes, and tends to be thicker than your other options, but it’s also less versatile.

Likewise, the windows you choose will play a significant role in the amount of heat loss in the room. For the best, long-term results, it’s important that you choose highly efficient, double or triple-glazed windows. If you’re converting your attic into a spare bedroom for visiting friends or family, such as older inlaws, Rocburn Limited stock a variety of electric window openers that would be ideal for the occasion.

Rather than improving the value of your home, poorly thought-out or badly executed extensions can actually have the opposite effect. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you by planning out your project in advance.