How do I convert my garage attic to living space?

If this is your first remodel, consider hiring a professional to help you convert your attic.

  1. Clean Out Your Attic.
  2. Wire the Attic for Electricity.
  3. Build a Subfloor.
  4. Insulate Your Attic.
  5. Install Drywall and Ceiling.
  6. Paint Attic Ceiling and Walls.
  7. Choose and Install Attic Flooring.

How do you know if your attic can be converted?

Roof Rafters or Trusses Another factor that determines whether you can convert your attic is the presence of roof rafters vs. roof trusses. Traditional rafters look like triangles; trusses look like triangles with smaller triangles inside of them—the boards forming these small triangles are called chords and webs.

Does converting an attic add value?

According to the 2019 National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, by converting an attic to a living space—we’re talking bedrooms, home offices, and playrooms, for example—homeowners can expect to recoup 56 percent of that investment.

How much value does a finished attic add?

If the average attic finish is 16′ x 17′, that’s 272 square feet. At a price per square foot of $100, that adds $27,200 to the value of the home at selling time, at a minimum. But it might be even more, if special features are added into the attic finish, like fancy woodwork, built-in cabinetry and another bathroom.

Can I convert my attic without planning permission?

For a loft conversion to be considered permitted development, not requiring planning permission, it must: Not exceed the volume allowance of 40 cubic meters of additional space for terraced houses, or 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses.

Is planning permission required for an attic conversion?

An attic conversion is one of the most affordable ways to add space to a home, but before you invest you need to know all the facts. You are allowed to convert your attic without planning permission provided that it is a “non-habitable space” once there are no alterations to the side or front of your house or roof.

How long does it take to convert an attic?

about 10 days
A basic attic conversion will take about 10 days to complete, Gilbert says, but to make the attic space look and feel habitable, you need to factor in good sources of natural light and ventilation.

Do you need an architect for a loft conversion?

In practical terms, you will need someone to provide architectural drawings for your loft conversion. You will need drawings for building regulations approval, and construction drawings for your builders to work from. But a good architect will do so much more than that.

Can I use my attic as a bedroom?

But when it comes to being a bedroom, a converted loft room cannot be called a bedroom merely because it offers enough space to fit a bed in, or because one has been put in there: a loft needs to be converted for the purposes of being a sleeping area, and in accordance with building regulations, in order to be called a …

How much weight can attic floor hold?

Attic Joists for Live Loads In many cases, ceiling joists for dead loads are designed to carry 10 pounds per square foot (psf), as opposed to the 40 or greater psf that live-load joists must carry. Span length is different for every room.

How to finish attic above garage?

Number and types of trusses

  • The joists and the roof pitch
  • The number of windows in the attic
  • The method of heating
  • Safe installation of stairs
  • How to insulate a room above the garage?

    Carpeting. Having wall-to-wall carpeting can help to keep a room substantially warmer.

  • Rugs. If you don’t want to install carpeting,thick rugs can do the trick.
  • Window furnishings. Try implementing heavy drapery or curtains.
  • Heaters/fireplaces. The simplest solution is to buy a space heater or an electric fireplace.
  • Fiberglass batts.
  • How to add a bonus room above a garage?

    Think from the Outside in. After the house was expanded to include a garage addition.

  • Make Sure the Structure is up to Snuff. Before the house was expanded to include a garage addition.
  • Keep it Safe in Case of Fire.
  • Insulate While You’re at It.
  • Think about Where to Put Plumbing.
  • Don’t Forget the Impact on Adjacent Spaces.
  • How to convert your attic into living space?

    Remove everything from your attic,and sweep the floors to see how much space you have to work with.

  • Look for signs of leaking or other damage,and if you find evidence,call a building contractor to take a look.
  • Investigate for evidence of wildlife or pests,including hives,nests,and droppings.