You need more space to add a bedroom, office, or even a home theatre, and your home’s area needs to get fixed for your needs. If an extension to the backyard isn’t possible, climbing is the only way to move forward. Making the attic more living space is an excellent method to get the most out of your home on an affordable budget. If you’d like the project to go smoothly every step of the way through, ensure you adhere to these guidelines.
Safety and Codes
However, the building codes and permits differ according to the location of the attics. Before doing anything, you should hire an engineer to inspect the foundations of your home and supports to determine if they can keep the additional load.
Don’t Save on Insulation
Undoubtedly, the price of fiberglass batt insulation can be double or triple that of spray foam roof insulation, usually used to construct walls. But, the roof is an essential highway in heat transfer and heat gains; therefore, investing more in spray foam is appropriate. It differs from inferior materials that are less effective; spray foam can be found in all crevices and corners, creating the perfect air barrier. The most beneficial thing is that you’ll get the same R-value for fewer feet of foam, leaving you with more room.
Make Sure You Have an Independent Plumber
If you’re considering converting the attic space into an additional living space with everything you need, reduce your distance to the kitchen and bathroom fixtures and those below. You can utilize the same pipes to supply the kitchen and bathroom downstairs. However, if you wish to ensure that the drainage and pressure are uniform, hook up the drain and supply lines directly from the basement.
Create a Separate HVAC Area
The current thermostat will not be compatible with the addition to your attic. Improve comfort and ease by making a separate zone for the new area, which has an individual thermostat. That allows you to prevent significant temperature variations in the loft and throughout the home. When working with a central heating system, it may be necessary to boost the power by a little to accommodate the larger space it requires to cool or heat.
Install a Ceiling Fan
If you have space over it, think about setting up a ceiling air conditioner. It has to get proof that it could cut down on the cost of energy by increasing the effectiveness of the AC or heating equipment. Although it won’t create a cozy room, the draft helps mix cold and hot air, making the space more comfortable in summer. In winter, turn the blade’s action, and warm air is drawn downwards from the ceiling without creating a draft.
Maximize Storage
Not all of your attics will be usable. However, there’s sure to be lots of space for storage. Recessed knee walls with cabinetry, drawers, and cubbies can accommodate your other items. If you use your attic for storage space, ensure that your attic flooring is durable enough to handle the job. Even crawlspaces with embarrassing niches around pipelines and chimneys allow plenty of room to build shelves.
Create Access to the Right Place
If you intend to convert the attic into a bedroom, the standard building requires a regular staircase to get built by the rules. A traditional staircase takes place in the space below. A simple ladder is going to take longer to cut it. That can be solved by repurposing an existing closet into stairs or using the area beneath the new staircase to store things. You may build an outside staircase that directly accesses the outside. However, an exterior stairwell may be considered a sign of an apartment complex in specific locations.
Make Use of Natural Light
The unusual position of the attic enables you to consider all possibilities for maximizing sunlight. The size and function of the room you’re remodeling will determine whether you’ll opt for skylights, dormers, or standard window frames, such as roofs or wall windows. Dormers are likely the most effective method to let more light in and save space; however, they’re more costly than the alternatives listed.
Ottawa Home Pros provides Home Addition services within the Ottawa region. We invite you to allow the Ottawa general contractors to gain your trust and business. We will assist you in the design and selection of products process and let our professionals build your dream home. Call us at (613)-288-9145 or email us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
