Building An Attic Room

Joist dimensions are only part of the equation.

Building an attic room.

A modular sectional makes a great place to snuggle and lounge. Some communities will allow homeowners to do their own construction but they are still subject to. If your attic is a playroom pile on vibrant colors to make the space bright and happy. Every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation.

You may need to reinforce. Need more headroom in the basement. That s measured after you finish the ceiling. Besides clever use of light fixtures is also very important.

Turn ceiling into something beautiful. Enforcement varies but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet. Attic flooring intended for a living space must be installed in compliance with building codes. Usually there isn t much sunlight in attic bedrooms so think about using light colors.

You ll need a stationary staircase not a pull down in order to meet most building codes as well as ceilings that are at least 7 feet high in more than half of the attic. Step 4 measure your joists. For example you could whitewash it. Carpet tiles are also a brilliant choice for playrooms.

In most cases though the joists cannot support live loads and may not even be covered with boards. A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings. Attic joists that are made from 2x8s may be acceptable for building your attic floor but because every room is variable there are no absolutes. You also need to ensure that the joist spacing is adequate.

Here are those things you should consider when creating a bedroom of your dreams. We ve got plenty of attic room ideas from guest bedrooms to extra bathrooms and even a writer s retreat. Follow the rule of 7s. Get inspired by 16 attic rooms to unlock this little nook s full potential.

Building codes vary by location but most require at least a 7 foot clearance for attic expansions. In rare cases especially in new construction homes the attic may have been built unfinished with the correct flooring in place with the idea that the homeowner could later on finish the space. Think about the lighting.