How to Remodel an Attic

Most everyone would love to add space to their home. A great way to do that is to remodel the attic. Depending on how big your attic is, remodeling can add at least a room or two. As long as you have storage space elsewhere, you can remodel your attic to increase your living space.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electrical wiring
• Plywood flooring
• 2-by-4 inch boards
• Insulation
• Ducting (if necessary)
• Wallboard
• Spackle
• Paint
• Door and window trim

1. Run wires and install outlets and light switches while the walls of the attic are still open. If necessary, hire an electrical contractor to complete this work.

2. Lay down a plywood subfloor over the floor joists, if a floor doesn't already exist. Joists may need strengthening to support the additional living space.

3. Install kneewalls and frame rooms. Insulate between the studs of the kneewall and the roof rafters. If necessary, raise the collar ties to increase the ceiling height.

4. Add heating system of your choice. If using forced hot air or a central air conditioning system, install duct work while walls are still open.

5. Finish the room with wallboard on the walls and ceilings. Lay the flooring of your choice. Make final electrical connections.

6. Spackle and paint the walls. Hang doors and install door and window trim.

Tips & Warnings

• A staircase to access the attic rooms is necessary, as building code doesn't allow for ladder access to finished rooms. Allow for a space on the floor below the attic to install a staircase.
• Houses built after 1970 may need to have floor and ceiling joists in lower floors strengthened before remodeling an attic. Check with your local building inspector or contractor for the building code requirements for your house.