Structure
The ceiling structure of a home is not normally built the same as it would be if there were to be a living space above. The wood structure may need to be beefed up or a new floor reframed on top of the ceiling for additional support.
Weight
That extra addition will add a lot of weight. If dormers or gables are added, the roof weight will be increased and put pressure on the foundation. The foundation may need more support (i.e. wider).
Height
A minimum height for habitable space is 7 feet.
Clearance
Door frames and the like need to be properly positioned to be able to be used in this space. Appropriate clearance with the pitches is a critical aspect of remodeling an attic.
Insulation
The framing usually used is 2×6 and that is not deep enough to fit standard insulation. It can either be reframed in 2×8s, add 2×2s to the exisiting 2×6s or sister 2×8s on to the exisiting 2×6s.
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Hi Kathleen,
Good information. There are many factors that have to be dealt with when finishing an attic. If the attic area is a third floor attic area egress becomes an issue, along with many other code requirements.
I think the best practice is to check with the local municipal building inspection department and an architect for guidance.
Here's to your best year ever, may everything your touch turn SOLD,
John Villella, Your Personal Building Consultant
All Pro Home Inspection 716-772-2548
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Kathleen...A very tough subject for many. The underlying structure is the most important because of the damage that can occur...
Hope you are keeping warm up there!
Kathleen, That can be some valuable added space. My neighbors had it done and it looks lovely--except for the stairs. What I hadn't thought of was the added stress on the foundation. Thank you for some good information!
Jahn - I do wish that I could use your slogan but alas that would sound a bit grand "Everything I list turns to SOLD"
William - I wear many layers & if I fall will not be able to get up!
The Christmas Story movie is about my life
Carole - Some of these can be really cute - if done properly they will work out and last.
Great information, I have a lot of clients with the question of attic space to living space, I have always advised them to contact a contractor for the house in question but having this additional knowledge is great for my own understanding.
Linda - An expert is always the best place to start for any major remodelling work.
Kathleen there are so many people that don't realize that you can't just finish an attic unless the joists are sized properly to support the weight.
Bill - I have seen some of those projects - cute but saggy and dangerous. It takes far more to fix them than to do it correctly in the first place. Some spaces are just not feasable for this project.
Those are good things to keep in mind! Nice pic.
Gworgina - the phtoto is from Flickr Creative Commons -a great place to find photos to enhance or clarify your posts.
Good points! We don't have many homes with usable attics in LA, though I really wish we did. We use ours just for storage.
We have a lot of beach bungalows where the owners are converting attics to extra space, so this is good information. I'll re-blog it within the next couple of days.