How to Finish an Attic
- 1. Clean Out Your Attic Before you begin converting an attic, you need to clean out the area and remove any old junk and building materials you will no longer need. ...
- 2. Wire the Attic for Electricity ...
- 3. Build a Subfloor ...
- 4. Insulate Your Attic ...
- 5. Install Drywall and Ceiling ...
- 6. Paint Attic Ceiling and Walls ...
- 7. Choose and Install Attic Flooring ...
- Clean Out Your Attic. ...
- Wire the Attic for Electricity. ...
- Build a Subfloor. ...
- Insulate Your Attic. ...
- Install Drywall and Ceiling. ...
- Paint Attic Ceiling and Walls. ...
- Choose and Install Attic Flooring.
How much does it cost to finish the attic?
You should also have a professional check whether it is feasible to finish your attic as a finished attic will weight a lot and you would need to know if your attic can carry the weight of the frame and materials. A finish attic price will be about $50 per square foot.
Do you need a subfloor when finishing out an attic?
This type of flooring simply snaps together and comes in squares, but you will still need a subfloor. The most common temptation in laying down attic flooring is to start in a corner and begin installing the plywood sheets or wood flooring from there.
Do I need a permit to finish my attic?
You usually need a building permit for structural additions, renovations and even electrical or plumbing projects on your home. Because attic conversions require structural changes and may also include electric- and plumbing work, a building permit is almost always required. What If You Convert an Attic Without a Permit?
How to heat a finished attic?
- Use a thermostatically controlled roof mounted ventilator. ...
- Using insulation only keeps the attic’s heat from traveling through your home. ...
- Radiant barrier: This is a coating material that gets sprayed onto the outside of your roof to help reduce the amount of heat that is radiated into your attic. ...
How do you finish an attic opening?
Cut scuttle hole in ceiling. If it's not already done, cut a hole in your ceiling for the scuttle hole access point using either a hack saw or sawzaw. ... Frame out edge of attic access hole. ... Cut new drywall panel for attic access hole. ... Fill nail holes. ... Caulk edges of framing. ... Prime and paint.
Is finishing your attic worth it?
Generally, updating your attic space is a strategic way to expand your home's footprint without the costly task of adding an addition, which risks taking up valuable yard space. Just by adding insulation to an attic, you'll get over a 100 percent recoup on that investment—so you might as well think bigger.
Is it possible to finish an attic?
Yes, finishing an attic is a great way to increase a home's resale value. Based on 2019 data, converting an attic to additional living space had a 56 percent ROI. This number can be even higher if additional bedrooms or bathrooms are added, including converting an attic to a master suite.
Does a finished attic need to be vented?
Why Your Roof Needs Air Chutes. To effectively ventilate your roof, create a 1-inch airspace from the soffit to the ridge by installing a continuous air chute in each rafter bay. Note: Air chutes, when combined with soffit vents and a ridge vent, will help prevent problems with condensation and ice dams.
How can I finish my attic cheaply?
How to Finish an AtticClean Out Your Attic. ... Wire the Attic for Electricity. ... Build a Subfloor. ... Insulate Your Attic. ... Install Drywall and Ceiling. ... Paint Attic Ceiling and Walls. ... Choose and Install Attic Flooring.
Should I insulate my attic floor or ceiling?
The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.
Can you put drywall in an attic?
As in most rooms, attic drywall is installed on the ceiling first, then on the walls. This arrangement gives the edges of the ceiling drywall natural support from the sheets on the walls below it. When finishing attic drywall, it's better to work on a mild day or wait until the attic heating and air is functional.
Should an attic be completely sealed?
Air sealing an attic goes a long way to maintain your home. Besides keeping energy costs low, it'll mainly help to keep your home feeling comfortable long-term. Without a sealed attic, hot air can get inside the living space (heat gain) during warmer months and get outside (heat loss) during colder months.
How do I make my attic a legal bedroom?
To officially be a bedroom in most locations, a room needs to meet these requirements:Minimum of 70 square feet.At least 50% of the room has ceilings 7 feet or higher.At least 7 feet in any horizontal direction.Two means of exit.A means of heating and cooling.
How do you tell if attic is properly vented?
How to tell if your attic is properly ventedExcessively warm living areas caused by the heat having no place to go.Moisture or frost in your attic during the winter.Ice dams forming at the edge of your roof in winter.The lack of vents in your eaves or exhaust vents on your roof.Rotting or decaying home exterior.More items...•
Does an attic need to breathe?
Proper ventilation of the attic space reduces the surface temperature of the roof, eliminating moisture that can eat away at your home. The best way to achieve balanced ventilation in your attic is to create continuous airflow along the entire underside of the roof sheathing.
How do I vent my attic with no overhang?
What do you do if your attic doesn't have soffit vents and you are unable to add them?Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation.Use “eye-brow” vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit/eave area.Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic.
Is redoing attic insulation worth it?
Installing attic insulation this winter is a worthwhile long-term investment because it can significantly decrease your heating bills. As an added benefit, when the hot D.C. temperatures come back, the attic insulation will also minimize your air conditioning bills.
Does finishing an attic add square footage?
Finished basements and attics do not add to the primary square footage.
Should an attic be completely sealed?
Air sealing an attic goes a long way to maintain your home. Besides keeping energy costs low, it'll mainly help to keep your home feeling comfortable long-term. Without a sealed attic, hot air can get inside the living space (heat gain) during warmer months and get outside (heat loss) during colder months.
Is it better to finish an attic or basement?
Unlike a finished basement, a finished attic has more access to and potential for beautiful natural light. Additionally, depending on where you live, your attic may offer some of the best views of any natural beauty or man-made marvels in your neighborhood.
Introduction
Are you finishing your attic? Here's how to save the most headroom when installing insulation.
Why Your Roof Needs Air Chutes
To effectively ventilate your roof, create a 1-inch airspace from the soffit to the ridge by installing a continuous air chute in each rafter bay. Note: Air chutes, when combined with soffit vents and a ridge vent, will help prevent problems with condensation and ice dams.
How much clearance is needed for an attic?
Code generally requires a full-size staircase with a minimum 6-foot 8-inch clearance above it . For fire safety, there must be two ways out—a second staircase, for example, or a window.
Why did the Lyons install windows on the roof?
This often means having to add air-conditioning, ceiling or window fans, and/or windows. The Lyons installed windows at each end of the roof to promote cross-ventilation.
How much headroom is needed for a house?
Any living space requires at least 7 feet of headroom over a floor area of at least 70 square feet, measuring at least 7 feet in each direction. At the Lyons' house, this meant that only a portion of the attic was usable, though some of the low-clearance area was tapped for storage.
Do attic floors need to be reinforced?
Attic floors generally need to be reinforced with additional joists and a subfloor. The Lyons used a web of 16-inch-deep engineered trusses to accommodate wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, then topped the plywood subfloor with oak or tile.
How much does a wireless doorbell extender cost?
Hook it up and the two will ring in tandem, so you'll never miss an important delivery or guest again. About $35, smarthome.com
What is required by code for bedrooms?
Required by code for bedrooms, and a good idea for any attic room, is a window that can be used for an escape in case of an emergency. An in-wall rope ladder installed beneath it, hidden by a cabinet door, will give you extra peace of mind. From about $300, egressescapewindows.com
How big is an attic?
Follow the "rule of 7s": Enforcement varies, but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high, and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet.
What to do if there is no room for recessed storage?
If there's no room for recessed storage, go the other way. Built-in cabinets with drawers or doors below make handy window seats.
Why do you need a roll up insect screen?
Roll-up insect screens to keep out bugs and debris. The screens can be retracted for cleaning the glass.
Why do we need skylights?
Because it's cut into the rafters, a skylight can provide a few much-needed inches above a sink or toilet that's tucked under the eaves, so you can use them without fear of bumping your noggin.
Why run new pipes to old pipes?
Minimize the distance between new and existing plumbing to reduce costs and limit wall damage as pipes are installed. You can sometimes tie new pipes to old ones, but it's often preferable to run the attic's supply and drain lines all the way to the basement, for optimal water pressure and proper venting of sewer gases.
What is the best insulation for an attic?
For a DIY project, the best insulation for an attic is batt insulation with a vapor-retardant facing. This insulation is great for finishing an attic because it is flexible and easy to install and can even be layered for additional coverage. Before installing the batts, caulk any spaces or leaks where air can pass to the rooms below.
What to do with an attic remodel?
You’re almost finished with your DIY attic remodel. Your next step is to choose and install flooring for the room. Carpeting is a good option for an attic because it helps reduce sound and adds additional insulation to your floor. Follow installation guidelines based on the flooring of your choice.
How tall is batt insulation?
Batt insulation is usually cut to fit between standard wall joists and 8-foot-high walls. Attic walls are not always this tall. If the batts don’t fit, trim pieces with a utility knife.
What to do if your attic does not have duct work?
If your attic does not already have duct work, you will need to find out if your current HVAC system will support an additional room. Bring in an expert to look at the capacity of your current heating and cooling system and find out if additional ductwork can be added to reach your attic.
How much space do you need to convert an attic to a living room?
To meet most building codes your attic should: Have at least 7 feet of vertical clearance in the majority of the room, be a minimum of 7 feet wide and have at least 70 square feet of space available.
How much does it cost to convert an attic?
The average cost of an attic conversion is $49,438, according to Home Advisor. The cost of the project will depend on the elements your project includes.
How much gap between panels?
Install the next panel with a ¼ inch gap between the existing panel. When installing the next row, avoid placing end seams on top of one another.
What is the best insulation for a vaulted ceiling?
Spend some time checking out the newer high-density fiberglass insulation products, mineral wool and spray foams. High-density fiberglass is the perfect choice for vaulted/cathedral ceilings where you need a high R-value in small depth cavities. Spray foam also works well for ceilings and walls, and you can do it yourself! In fact, the latest DIY spray foam kits allow you to get professional results without expensive equipment. Lastly, consider mineral wool for walls— it’s making a comeback. Plus, it’s easier to install and won’t leave you itching for days on end.
Why do you bump out your attic?
We won’t kid you, adding a bump out to your attic expansion plan will bump up the cost by a lot. That’s because they require structural modifications. But an attic bump out is also the most cost-efficient way gain maximum usable space. Plus, a bump out is a great way to add windows, and that gets you more natural light and fresh air. Check out these very cool attic spaces.
What type of foam is best for vaulted ceilings?
High-density fiberglass is the perfect choice for vaulted/cathedral ceilings where you need a high R-value in small depth cavities. Spray foam also works well for ceilings and walls, and you can do it yourself! In fact, the latest DIY spray foam kits allow you to get professional results without expensive equipment.
How to pull a permit?
To pull a permit you’ll need to a detailed plan that’s been reviewed by a licensed structural engineer/architect. You can still do a lot of the work yourself, but you’ll have to do the work according to the latest building codes in your area and you’ll have to have it inspected.
Is drywall ceiling boring?
A drywall ceiling is cheap but boring. Turn a typical attic expansion into something dramatic simply by taking the ceiling treatment up a few notches with natural wood, beadboard panels or tongue and groove paneling.
Can you move a furnace flue?
But moving a furnace flue isn’t that easy; you can’t just jog it to the side of the room and then angle it up through the roof. That leaves you with two choices; plan your attic layout around the flue or upgrade your HVAC and water heater to a high-efficiency power-vent models that don’t need a flue.
Can you add walls to an attic?
Your attic floor may be strong enough to store your Christmas decorations, but that doesn’t mean it’s strong enough to support the weight of furniture and people. Don’t assume you can add walls, flooring and drywall and call it an attic expansion. Start by hiring a pro to conduct a structural analysis. They’ll detail any floor and roof structural modifications and come up with recommendations for placement of any bump outs.
