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June 25, 2006
Take advantage of your attic!
Attic rooms add space
With housing prices at high levels, many homeowners seeking more space are renovating their existing home. Many are considering finishing their attic rather than purchasing a larger home.
Creating an attic room offers a unique space that adds to your home’s livability. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of creating a home office where you can escape to browse the Internet, read a great novel or pay bills. Or perhaps your teenage daughter has been pleading for a room of her own. Or maybe a themed playroom will offer a charming space for your child or grandchildren. Whatever the reason, creating an attic room can provide the much-needed space for growing families.
Attic spaces can be converted into such spaces as storage rooms, home offices, extra bedrooms, libraries, exercise rooms and more.
It’s unlimited to what you can use the space for -- especially if you add some dormer windows for natural light and ventilation, If you have a pitched roof, there is a high chance an attic space is usable. Remember, the same floor space below can double by using the attic space above.
Where can an attic ladder be installed? I prefer a hallway. However, that may not be possible due to the direction of the ceiling joists. An attic ladder generally is made to fit between these joists.
The ceiling joists need to be structurally sound to carry the extra live and dead loads. Live loads are foot traffic, and dead loads include storage and furniture items. If your joists are 12 inches or more deep, you generally are in good shape, But check with a structural engineer to be sure. Trust me, it’s worth the expense.
Permits. Check with local officials to find out whether you need a permit. If you don’t, it may be a problem when you go to sell your home. An un-permitted area of your home can become a liability rather than an asset.
Natural light, insulation and ventilation. You also want to make sure you have adequate insulation, ventilation and natural light in your attic space.
Her are some classic mistakes when converting an attic space to livable space.
People sometimes neglect to figure out how to get the materials into the attic. Or they may not know how to divert electricity or air ducts. They also may not be wearing protective clothing when working with the existing insulation. Or they may install an attic ladder incorrectly.
To avoid these mistakes, have a game plan in place before you start the project to get a better understanding what materials are needed. Create a drawing prior to starting. This will help you with the floor layout, and what materials and tradespeople you will need to complete the project. This also will enable you to create a budget so you will have an understanding of the amount of money you will need for the project. Follow this advice and it should run smoothly for you.
When you go up into your attic to explore, take flashlight, wear a disposable mask and only walk on the joists. Be very carefull not to walk on the plaster ceiling. Goodluck!!
Posted by karlchampley at June 25, 2006 8:25 PM
Comments
Hey Carl, Just wanted to drop a line and say what's up. It was truly a pleasure to meet up in Raleigh doing all this stuff for Habitat. Good luck on the production schedule... I know it keeps us all busy. Next time we meet up, we'll have to find another excellent thai restaurant.
Adam
Hi Adam,
Great to hear from you mate!
It was a good event! We received a great response. Yep, the production schedule is extremely busy at the moment. A good thing!
I look forward to meeting up with you again at another great resturant but only if I can buy you a beer.
Salute
Karl
Posted by: Adam Farver at June 26, 2006 11:23 AM
I have a question. Why does my toilet water keep running after I flush it? Do I need to replace everything inside the tank? Thanks.
Generally no.
It’s likely just the flushing valve and it’s very easy to replace! There is also (most models) a black rubber ball like fitting that acts as a plug to a hole outlet in the bottom of the tank. This particular part corrodes and water slips by it causing the tank to constantly run trying to keep its level. But as it could be a number of things so I would recommend you turn off the water at the wall valve, check this rubber ball or vertical flushing mechanism carefully dismantle it and take it to a local hardware, show them the part and simply replace that piece.
Its frustrating isn’t it!
Good luck.
Posted by: Peter Hernandez at June 27, 2006 3:55 PM
What is the best way to anchor the crown molding to metal studs?
Thanks in advance
Posted by: Nino at July 5, 2006 11:46 AM
Hi Karl...there is a hole in our curved ceiling. I want to patch it but it is almost a foot in diameter (caused by water damage). It seems impossible for me to use cut out dry wall because of the curvature of the ceiling. I need your expert advise on how to fix this. Thank you and more power!
Nonette
Hi Nonette,
I would first fasten 3 strips of 2 x 1 to the back of the drywall. Feed them through the hole, hold them so they catch on both sides then fasten them with drywall screws from the front of the drywall. Space them evenly. This will create the right curve as its following the existing ceiling.
Then cutout 1/4" drywall (it is available) and fix this to the strips. The thinner the drywall the easier it is to bend. Then set it with 20 set until its almost right then apply a finish set and sand.
Good luck and make sure the roof is completely water tight.
Cheers
Posted by: Nonette at July 11, 2006 12:18 PM
Karl-
Hello! I have a unconventional question for you regarding the attic renovation of a 100 year old family home.
We are converting our attic into a master suite. Our attic ceiling is covered with a lovely wood, however, it is also covered with blown-in insulation. Question: Is there a any type of reputable, cost effective insulation product that is clear so we could see still see the wood ceiling? Help!
Tracy
Posted by: tracy at July 29, 2006 12:34 AM
HI. I would consider myself more of a decorator DIYer (painting and millwork) but I've been looking at my house for years now and finally have a plan to give us the room we need, I just don't know if it's possible. I want to add 5 more feet to our 12f. wide family room but hate to go to the cost of digging and pouring 5 feet of foundation. Can we cantilever a 5 foot addition? Or would that be more difficult than just doing the foundation? Thanks for your imput!
Posted by: Lindsay at September 7, 2006 7:47 PM
I have a question about Rfid Digital door lock's. Are they safe and secure? I have been taking a look at this mykey4000R and It come's with a remote. Is it safe to have a lock function off RFID technology? It also has a keypad that you can program..
Posted by: tai206 at September 14, 2006 3:39 PM
Hi Karl! I recently purchase a HE front-loading washer. The spin causes my house to vibrate....it was built in 1894 (2-story colonial), very sturdy. I need new linoleum, but is there something i can put under it to help eliminate the vibration?
This is an interesting one?
I think your best bet is to build a sturdy plinth/platform. Place it on a rubber mat, like a yoga mat. This way the weight of the washer will be distributed over a larger area and the rubber mat will help isolate it.
I hope this helps you out!
Best
Posted by: Pauline Cordeiro at September 30, 2006 11:43 PM
we just bought a home with an office in the attic space. its finished but we are looking for ideas of what to do with the unuseable space on the sides of the room.
Posted by: michael bridges at October 29, 2006 11:30 PM
I have a garret i want to remodel into an office. Is it possible and if so... How can I remove the slopped wall? Thanks
More info. needed here mate.
Do you mean a garage? and sloped floor?
Posted by: markus at September 28, 2007 10:25 PM
