DIY: Attic Remodeling
Attic space yields significant room for storage or living areas. The areas under a sloping roof makes a perfect place for tucking away shelves for toys or Christmas decorations, for example. You can build a bedroom, playroom or small in-law apartment in the attic as well. Dormers and skylights can add to the beauty of the space, too, increasing light and lending a sense of greater space. Because the attic is already enclosed, it's easier to work on the project as you find the time and money. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Evaluate the exact placement of attic access stairs. Measure the attic space in detail, so you can make sure anyone walking up the stairs will have sufficient overhead room. Draw the attic room or rooms in basic sketches. Figure their dimensions around the staircase opening.
-
2
Plan the route for any plumbing and all electricity. Look at a bathroom on the floor under the attic to see if you can extend water pipes to an attic bath above it. Try to connect new drain lines into what's already in place in the bathroom underneath. Check out the best way to route electrical wiring into the attic for light fixtures and outlets.
-
-
3
Repair any roof leaks and take care of maintenance issues. Take care of replacing shingles, caulking around attic windows and replacing any window glass before attic construction begins. Look for any evidence of birds or rodents living in the attic, too. Call a pest-control company to manage these issues if there is a problem.
-
4
Build the access stairs and add a subfloor. Cut the opening for the attic stairs by driving a long nail down beside the rafter where the cut is needed. Drive four nails from the attic side downward into the room or hallway below, so you can mark the attic opening outline before removing flooring material. Construct a set of stairs to enable taking building materials into the attic and nail down subflooring, so you can walk about in the attic.
-
5
Install framing for the rooms to enclose the space. Use 2-by-4-inch boards to enclose one or more rooms and closet space. Secure the vertical studs on 16-inch centers and create openings for doorways and closet doors as you frame each room.
-
6
Route electrical wiring and plumbing while walls are open. Run wiring through the open studs to where you want electrical outlets and light fixtures. Install water pipes and drain lines while walls are uncovered, too, for a bath.
-
7
Insulate the space throughout and cover walls. Use roll fiberglass insulation between studs and in overhead areas to insulate the attic well. Nail up drywall to finish walls and fill gaps with drywall tape covered with joint compound. Sand the walls and roll on paint.
-
8
Finish up wall details and complete flooring. Install crown molding, wood trim around windows and doorway openings, and door jamb materials. Add tile or hardwood flooring last to avoid dripping paint on the floors or scratching them while the room is under construction.
-
9
Install bath fixtures before hooking up electricity and plumbing. Secure a bathtub and sink in place, for example, and seat the toilet over finished flooring. Use a wax ring seal to seat the toilet. Install baseboard materials and hook up light fixtures. Connect water lines and finish up all plumbing in the bath.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jeffrey Hamilton/Lifesize/Getty Images
