The attic is a great place to utilize when you want additional living space in your home.
The first thing that you have to do in order to achieve satisfactory results in such an endeavor is to naturally consult with a specialist about the things that you can do in order to make full use of your attic. In addition to designer tips you should seek a consultation about the materials that are best to be used. You should have in mind that the attic is the place where people tend to store all household junk and piles of old and unnecessary items too. If that is the case with you, you might think about calling a professional rubbish removal firm to help you clear off the space. If you attempt to do the job on your own, chances are that you will end up so tired after that you will postpone the actual redecoration.
After you are finished with the preparation stage, you can go on to the next steps which are:
- Further increase the work space by adding a dormer. This is a peculiar structure that goes on the window by protruding from the roof slope. Its main purpose is to provide more headroom in an attic. A thing that you should have in mind is that you are changing the windows, you should look for energy efficient substitutes unless you want a great increase in your monthly utility costs.
- Think about adding additional floor support. Attics are usually not constructed as a living space and not planned to be used as one. The best thing to do is ask the professional you have contacted in advance if such thing is needed in your attic and what the best course of action would be.
- Pick up the access method you are going to use for entering the attic. You will probably have to add a small staircase. You should calculate the space carefully in order to make sure that the stairs are safe to climb at any time. In addition to all that, you should think about what the best method for lighting would be – whether you will have to install additional windows next to the stairs, or just proper fixtures.
- Attics usually have problems with insulation. In addition to increase of energy consumption, this can lead to much headache caused by moisture, which leads to mold, which leads to considerable health hazards. Just make sure that the ceiling is properly installed before you do anything else and you should not have problems.
- In order to make full use of your new living space, you should be sure it is heated properly. You can either expand your current heating system and install floor heating, or alternatively choose to go for a portable heating device. If you pick up the second option, just make sure that the unit in question meets the necessary safety standards.
Well, that’s it. Doesn’t sound that scary, does it?
