By Yakove Vahava

The idea behind every attic remodeling project is for every homeowner to make efficient use of the spare space and expand your living area. Household owners with step roofs and cozy attics where they can stand up without bumping their heads on rafters often find an attic renovation project appealing. There are plenty of things that can be made out of attics and are limited only the owners creativity and available space.

Home inspection: Checking your Attics Suitability for a Renovation Project

When planning for an attic renovation project, there are several things that you need to get done even before moving forward with a room design. Conducting an extensive home inspection will help you determine if your attic framing and ceiling joists are still structurally sound. You cant proceed with a renovation project when your structure is not that sturdy and durable anymore. The last thing every homeowner would want is a newly remodeled attic that comes crashing down the ceiling and onto the wooden floors below. If your home is structurally sound and there is enough room currently available, then here are other factors that you need to consider.

1. Renovation space. With a minimum of 8 feet above joists, the general rule for attic remodeling space is a roof pitch that is 6/12, it must have a 40-feet wide roof; an 8/12 pitch roof should be 32 feet wide. The roof pitch angle is usually calculated by measuring its slope and angle.

2. Ceiling joists. These are wood frame structures that people stand on when inside the attic. It should be a minimum of 2×6 inches. If your ceiling joists measures around 2×4 inches, then your ceiling is not able to support the weight for the additional room in the attic without adequate support.

3. Access. If the present access point is a fold down ladder or stairway, then you would probably need an appropriate area for a standard staircase connecting the attic.

4. Electrical systems. A comprehensive inspection must also be made to determine if the current electrical systems is able to handle the expansion. Consult professional and certified electricians for this project.

5. Air conditioning and heating. A well insulated attic can get pretty warm during the summer and cold in the winter months. An attic renovation project should also include heating and cooling for a more comfortable outcome.

6. Bathroom. Added structural strength may be required to support a tub which can be extremely heavy if filled with water.

Attic Design Tips for Comfort

Most building codes call for walls that are 7 feet high. Fire codes also require windows as emergency exits.

The installation of skylights in roofs will support dormers structurally. It is also a good option to allow natural light and ventilation inside the attic. Dormers can also serve as emergency exits.

The spaces on the attic walls are great for the installation of built in drawers, cupboards, shelves and etc.

Home remodeling has its own sets of challenges to every homeowner. Make sure you hire professional general contractors to do the job for you.

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