How’s It Built?
Grab a flashlight and take a peek up there. If you see a network of W-shape trusses supporting your roof, forget about it. You could probably build an addition more cost-effectively than remodel this type of attic. If, however, you find rafters that form an A shape to support the roof – with open space underneath the rafters – you’ve got a potential remodeling candidate.
Think Up and Down
Figure out how you’re going to get up and down from the finished attic space. Enlarging an existing stairway or adding a new one will affect spaces below. A straight-run stair will chew up 10 to 14 feet of floor space; a stair designed with an intermediate landing and two runs needs about 8 feet on the lower level. Spiral staircases take up only about 5 feet.
Measure for Headroom
Most building codes require that a living space be at least 7-1/2 feet high over 50 percent of the floor area. (Consult your local codes for specifics.) Keep in mind the thickness of finishing materials when you calculate headroom.
Evaluate Light and Access
You may need to add windows or skylights. If you plan to use the attic as a bedroom, many codes require egress through a window in case of fire.
Consider Adding One or More Dormers
These small additions that raise the roof over a portion of the attic will boost usable space and create the feeling of living in the treetops.
How’s the Temperature?
Consult a heating and air-conditioning contractor to evaluate the cost of routing (or rerouting) ducts. You’ll also need to insulate.
Look at the Floor Framing
If you have 2x4s, you’ll need to reinforce them to carry the new load of people and furnishings.
Assess the Plumbing
If your attic plans include a bathroom, try to locate it above a bathroom on the floor below to reduce costs and avoid the need to cut a hole in the room for a new vent stack.
Get Creative with Minor Obstacles
Vent stacks and brick chimneys can be hidden behind walls and cabinets. Modern furnaces don’t need to vent through a chimney, so if an existing chimney doesn’t vent a fireplace or water heater, it might be removable.
