Attic Conversion

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

I hope to utilize my attic as a small office/guest room. There's a drop hatch access through a small closet there now. It' s on the third level of my colonial farmhouse type of house.

The house is 80 years old.

Anyone done an attic conversion or renovation before ?

I am having some contractors come in on Monday to see if I meet codes and if I do, get some estimates.


I have books and videos on the subject and am taping (love that DVR) upcoming shows.

Thank you.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

Make sure they pay particular attention to Load Support for whatever is going up there.

Water Proofing insulation is important for temperature control and condensation buildup. Make sure you get the specifications and ensure they don't cut corners on you.

Enjoy.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

For me, the biggest question that would determine if I would go ahead or not is, How much space am I going to hae to give up on the second floor to put in a staircase. They really do take up a lot of space.
Sometimes they can put them over the existing 1st to 2nd floor one or even a spiral - but a spiral really limits what u can bring up there.

I will be interested to hear what they tell you.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Pat has a good point about the staircase area. Also, how much livable space will you gain in the attic, considering the slope of the roof and the footprint that the steps will be taking up? You can pop out a part of the roof to raise the height of the ceiling--we have lots of neighbors who have done that.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Thought of another. How will you cool the area? Attics get really hot in the summer.

[Elan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Elan]

Hey, you live back where Norm Abrams was always filming This Old House. Maybe you could get his crew to do it.