DIY Attic Finishing

An attic window can provide additional ventilation.

Finding usable space in your home can be an issue as your family grows and the number of possessions you own increases. If moving or building an addition isn't an option, you could convert an existing space in your home, such as your garage, basement or attic. A finished attic can be used for a variety of purposes, although if you're planning on using it as a bedroom, many municipalities require you to build a second staircase or provide an exterior fire escape in case of fire or other emergency.

Things You'll Need

• Rolled fiberglass insulation
• Loose-fill insulation
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Mask
• Tape measure
• 1/2-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Windows
• Ceiling fan
• Electrician
• Drywall
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Paint
• Carpet
• Hardwood flooring
• Tile

Instructions

1. Inspect the insulation between the floor joists in the attic. Over time, insulation tends to settle and become compressed, which causes it to lose its effectiveness. Replace it if necessary. You can use rolled fiberglass insulation, or loose-fill insulation, which can fill the small, irregular nooks along the eaves of the attic fairly easily.

2. Construct a subfloor by nailing sheets of 1/2-inch plywood to the floor joists. Stagger the plywood boards so that there's no point where the corners of four boards meet.

3. Install new windows. These can provide ventilation and natural lighting to the attic. Replace existing windows with new windows, but if the attic doesn't currently have windows, cut holes in the walls and build framing for the windows according to your local building codes. Install the windows and seal them with caulk to prevent leaks.

4. Provide ventilation for the attic. This can range from installing a ceiling fan to connecting the attic to your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Installing a ceiling fan, or an exhaust fan on the roof or wall can be completed by a homeowner with intermediate do-it-yourself skills, but you may be required to hire a certified contractor to connect to your home's HVAC system. Consult your local building codes to be sure.

5. Install any new electrical boxes or light switches in to attic. If you're not comfortable with electrical work, hire an electrician. You'll most likely have to hire an electrician to connect any new wiring to your home's main electrical box as this is highly dangerous and is often required by local municipalities.

6. Cover the roof rafters with drywall, attaching the drywall sheets with drywall screws. Cover the seams between the boards with two layers of joint compound and drywall tape. Apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry, then paint the walls.

7. Install the new surface for the floor. Options include tile, carpet and hardwood flooring.

Tips & Warnings

• If the spacing between the floor joists is 24 inches instead of 16 inches, as can be found in older homes, consult with a building inspector or contractor to see if you need to install additional joists to strengthen the floor.

• Learn the building codes you must follow during construction by contacting your local zoning board before beginning the project.

• Wear safety goggles, gloves and a mask when installing insulation.

• Wear safety goggles when sawing wood.

References

• This Old House; Attic Becomes a Suite Retreat Upstairs; Charlotte Barnard
• This Old House; 5 Steps to Finishing an Attic
• Extreme How-To; Remodel Your Attic Space; Mark Clement