How to Turn an Attic into Usable Space

You can convert a cluttered attic into an office or studio.

Many people view their attics as storage space, but if the attic is large enough, it can be used for other purposes, such as a bedroom, an office or a studio. If the attic is unfinished, however, you need to put work into remodeling it to convert it into usable space. The scope of this project depends greatly on how much work must be done to finish the attic.

Things You'll Need

• Rolled fiberglass insulation
• Loose-fill insulation
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Mask
• Tape measure
• 2-by-6 boards (for floor joists)
• 1/2-inch plywood
• Circular saw
• Windows
• Ceiling fan
• Electrician
• Drywall
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• Primer
• Paintbrushes
• Paint
• Carpet
• Hardwood flooring
• Tile

Instructions

1. Clean out the attic.

2. Insulate the attic. Inspect the insulation between the floor joists. If the insulation has become compressed, replace it, as insulation is more effective when it's spread out. Use rolled fiberglass insulation for the ceiling, but loose-fill insulation may work better for the floor because it's easier to use when filling the crevices along the eaves.

3. Build a floor for the attic. An unfinished attic often has no floor boards over the floor joists, so you need to install a subfloor over the joists. If you live in an older home, measure the spacing between the joists before installing the subfloor. The common standard is 16 inches, but in older homes, the joists can be as much as 24 inches apart. If needed, install more joists between the existing joists for more support. Nail sheets of 1/2-inch plywood to the joists to complete the subfloor.

4. Install new windows to provide more natural lighting and ventilation. If the attic has windows, replace the old ones. If it doesn't have windows, cut holes in the walls and build frames for the windows, following local building codes. Install the windows, following the manufacturer's instructions, and seal them properly to prevent leaks.

5. Install ventilation in the attic. You can do something as basic as installing a ceiling fan or extend your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system into the attic.

6. Complete any needed electrical work. If you're comfortable doing this work yourself, you can install outlets, light switches, a ceiling fan and light fixtures, but hire an electrician to connect any needed wiring to your home's electrical box. This is an extremely dangerous task, and building codes often forbid anyone who isn't a certified electrician from doing the work.

7. Attach drywall sheets to the ceiling rafters with drywall screws. Apply joint compound and drywall tape to the joints between different sheets, then coat the walls with primer and two coats of paint.

8. Install the new floor surface. This can be carpet, hardwood flooring or tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your local zoning board before you begin construction to learn the building codes you must follow.

• If converting the attic into a bedroom, many municipalities require that you install a second staircase or an emergency exit in case of fire.

• Wear safety goggles when sawing the wood.

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

References

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