Alternatively your attic may already have some sort of floor but this doesn t necessarily mean you can build rooms.
How do you build in an attic space.
They ll most likely have to be moved to open up the space.
If it satisfies this and the following criteria in this section you re good go get started in finishing the project.
Once you convert attic space into living space you need to bring it up to the standards of modern building codes.
Have risers that are at least 7 1 4 high.
Chances are you ve got plumbing and bath fan vents running through your attic.
This is often cheaper than building a new wardrobe yet you have access to a whole lot more space.
The previous homeowner may have simply covered the joists with plywood to use the space for storage.
If your attic joists won t bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage you can install inch plywood or.
Consult your local building code or a.
Check that converting your attic is actually feasible.
Measure the clearance and estimate the square footage of your attic.
At least 50 percent of the attic space must have 7 foot 2 1 m clearance.
Building codes will not allow a permanent living area without a permanent stairs leading to it.
Adding a floor to an attic can increase storage space or create a new room.
Be at least 36 wide.
The best way to accomplish this is to have an inspection done by a contractor so that you can learn exactly what you need.
Then you ll need to build a grid like structure that can hold up the plywood flooring.
That means you ll need 2x10 floor joists or maybe 2x8 in rare circumstances and at least 2x12 roof rafters.
The missing piece of information is those miserable little beasts called the building and energy codes.
If you already have an attic a pull down ladder can cost anywhere from 400 to 1300.
In the case of a rental unit you may build a staircase on the outside of the house if desired.
You probably don t have a permanent staircase leading to your unfinished attic space but you will need one.
Do not be tempted to diy any building project you will be breaking the law and it could put you and your family at risk.
Provide a minimum of 6 8 of headroom the entire walking length of the stairs.
To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder.
Attics with existing flooring.
Make sure the attic has a full size staircase.