What to Do With an Attic
The attic—an often overlooked space in a home—can be a transformative room. With the proper organization for the project, this space has the potential for various uses. Attics typically make life more comfortable and convenient as extra storage spaces for the house. However, it’s possible to make them more effective depending on your interests and the local buying market.
Here are some ideas on what to do with an attic to make the space more functional and value-adding when selling.
Creative Ideas to Transform an Attic
Unless it was a part of your plans in building a new home, odds are your attic is just for storage. But instead of a storage space, an attic can become a living space. Here are several ideas on what to do with an attic.
1. Home Office
Working from home has become popular, and an attic office is perfect for those who need a dedicated workspace with plenty of privacy and quiet. Homeowners could even add soundproofing if necessary to make the space more comfortable during windy weather.
2. Game Room
An attic can be transformed into a game room with vintage arcade games, pool tables, or even foosball tables. This can be the perfect spot for hosting friends and family while having fun together. It’s also ideal for teenagers, so they can enjoy games night without disturbing the rest of the house.
3. Playroom
A playroom is great for a home with young children or grandchildren. Transforming an attic into a playroom can provide hours of creative playtime without taking over the entire house. It’s also an efficient way to keep the rest of the home clean if all toys are contained in one room.
4. Library
An attic library is great for those with lots of books, but not a lot of room for an entire library. Adding a comfortable chair and some shelves filled with books will allow for hours of peaceful reading time. Installing a new window is also a good idea for attic libraries to make the space more inviting to spend time in.
5. Craft Room
An attic craft room gives hobbyists plenty of space to spread out and create. Homeowners can also add cabinets, tables, or other storage options, so everything has its own special place.
6. Home Gym
Attics can provide the space necessary for a home gym. Installing some gym-oriented flooring will help maintain the existing floor from wear and tear. Weights and cardio machines like stationary bikes or treadmills are great additions to an attic gym, providing the floor can support the weight.
Finishing a Home Attic: What to Know Before You Start
Once you’ve decided what to do with an attic, the next step is to prepare the space for the transformation. Before getting started, some things should be considered to ensure the process goes smoothly. This includes considering structural considerations and building codes.
Here are the most important things to consider before proceeding with attic renovations.
1. Structural Considerations
The first thing a homeowner should consider when finishing an attic is the structural aspects of the space. For it to be functional and safe, it needs to have:
- Adequate support
- Ventilation
- Insulation
Depending on how old the house is, it may not already be set up with these features and they will need to be added or updated. For instance, if the attic doesn’t already have floor joists, a contractor will need to install them.
Additionally, if there isn’t any insulation or ventilation in place, this will also need to be taken care of before moving forward. Homeowners should remember to insulate the attic door as well. Insulating attics not only provides greater comfort but also helps homeowners save energy.
Regardless of the construction material, a roof does not require insulation. An attic conversion is the right moment to check the structural integrity of your roof. Different roofing materials have different construction requirements, for instance, a metal roof doesn’t always require guttering but a tiled roof does.
2. Building Codes
Another important factor that needs to be considered when finishing an attic is building codes and permits. Depending on where the home is located, there are likely certain regulations in place regarding how much square footage is allowed in an unfinished attic space versus a finished one.
To ensure that all applicable building codes are met during the renovation process, it’s always best practice to check with the local government office first.
Summary
With a little effort and creativity, your attic can be just as special as the rest of your house. Whether you want to add furniture or opt for a full remodel, you can transform it into whatever you want. A quality attic remodel can add value to your home, but more importantly, provide extra living space for you and your family!
Are you renovating an attic before selling? At Brotherly Love Real Estate, we buy houses fast for cash in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. If you need to sell a house quickly, we can help. Contact us today to get your FREE cash offer.