As your family grows and you acquire more furniture and household items, you might find yourself needing more space at home than what it currently offers. Before thinking about finding a bigger house or expanding your current one, you might want to look up and see the answer to your problem – literally! Your attic may be there, acquiring dust, waiting for you to notice and transform it into a more functional space. 

Compared to room additions and home extensions, attic conversion services are less costly. Breathing new life into your attic will also probably take less time than most other renovation projects. But before you start getting carried away and start dreaming of the final look of your attic, you must first find out how you can ensure that things go according to plan. 

Here are some points to remember before you convert your attic:

1. Always consider your family’s safety

You need to follow specific regulated codes to ensure that your family is safe during and after the project’s completion. Generally, codes dictate that the attic must be at least 7 feet high, 7 feet wide, and 70 square feet. The job won’t likely be as complicated as second-story additions, but it still needs to be up to code.

If you are not sure of your attic’s measurements, you might want to call a pro from Incredible Homes to check how the codes will apply to your existing attic and the modifications you wish to achieve. Our team can also inspect your home’s foundation and frame to see if they can handle the additional load.

2. Insulate the floor

Insulating the attic can help make it more comfortable during the colder months and save you money on energy bills simultaneously. Another benefit is that it can help minimize the noise that people downstairs could hear. You may also choose to use decorative carpets and area rugs for additional “padding.” 

3. Choose the right type of lighting for your attic

Keep in mind that the type of lighting makes a huge difference in any room. Do your research or consult with your general contractor to know which one makes the most sense in the space and the attic’s function after the renovation. You might want to consider tucked LED fixtures that won’t be in your way when you move around and won’t generate excessive heat.

4. Install a ceiling fan

If there’s enough space for one, a ceiling fan can effectively make your attic cooler when the weather is warm. Come wintertime, and you can use it to push warm air down. There are also different styles and sizes of ceiling fans, so you can surely find one suitable for your new space!

5. Think about how you’ll access the space

Carefully think about how you want to access the renovated attic, and weigh in important factors like how often you’ll be using the space. For instance, if you’re just going to use it as an extra room for visiting friends or family, folding or spring-loaded ladders would be fine. You can also ask your contractor about the possibility of a permanent staircase if you’re planning to use the attic daily as an office or perhaps a play area for the kids. 

Conclusion

A carefully planned conversion can turn your attic into a space that you and your family can enjoy. It can also significantly add to your home’s resale value if you decide to sell it down the road. This is why you should not rush your decisions regarding the changes you want to make. 

Likewise, it’s not a project that you can do yourself. Remember that it’s not as simple as redecorating the space, which is why you’ll need a professional who can deal with electrical, flooring, insulation, and plumbing. Unless you have the right training and certification, it’s a home improvement project best left for the pros. 

Incredible Homes & Renovations is the best choice for attic conversion services in Houston and nearby areas. Our team will be with you every step of the way, from the first site visit to the day we place the last decoration in place. Connect with our home remodeling experts today and request a free quote!