Homeownership often means you’ll need to make certain changes throughout the life of your home. The reason behind those changes ranges from personal preference to making modifications to get more practicality.
It is often recommended that a complete home renovation be undertaken to ensure that everything is new and improved. Unfortunately, not everyone has the budget for that, so they renovate one part at a time.
People often renovate their living quarters and forget about other parts of their homes. The attic is a good example of this, as it often remains unrenovated for a long time.
If the time has come for you to renovate the attic, here are a few tips on what to consider when taking on this project.
What Is Your Budget for This Project?
Before taking on any renovation project, including the attic, you should consider the budget first. The costs of renovating that part of your home can vary depending on what you plan to do with it.
It also depends on the current condition of the attic. You may be able to renovate with a smaller budget if the place is in good condition and doesn’t need a lot to be in great shape.
What You Plan to Do With It?
In most people’s homes, the attic is usually a storage place for keeping things that aren’t commonly used. It’s also the place where most keep junk they don’t need. Planning a renovation means you’ll need to consider what you’ll be using it afterward.
One option is to do smaller overhauling projects while keeping the same functionality. You’ll still have your attic to store items, but it will be improved, and you can use the project plan to make it more practical. Adding elements is a good idea to keep things more organized.
The second option is to convert the attic into living quarters. In most cases, it’s used as kids’ play rooms or guest bedrooms, depending on your needs.
Clean out the Attic
Before you start working on the attic, you should clean it. Over the years, we accumulate a lot of junk, so removing it before you start the project is a good idea. It can be a long project, so plan it right.
Ideally, if you’re doing a larger renovation project, you’d want the entire attic completely empty. This will allow you or the project’s contractor enough space to work. Moving the items from one side to another can work, but it’s not ideal.
Cleaning out the attic also brings some additional advantages. During the process, you may throw out many things that aren’t worth keeping. You can donate or sell some of them as well. The idea is to reduce the clutter and have a more usable attic.
Don’t Forget the Condition of the Roof
While you’re renovating the attic, it’s a good idea to check the roof’s condition. It’s not a part of the house that needs a lot of maintenance, but checking if it’s in good shape is essential to ensure it’s doing its job properly.
If you’re remodeling your attic to make rooms, you may need to consider raising the height and adding windows. Naturally, this depends on the current situation. Also, if you’re already changing it, you may consider adding a metal roof ridge vent. It’s an aspect that can greatly help with ventilation, so it’s a good idea to consider it.
Insulation
Regardless of what kind of project you have planned, one thing you shouldn’t skip is insulation. If you already have one, it’s a good idea to check the condition and see if it needs some work. If you don’t have it, you should consider investing.
Having a well-insulated roof and attic means you can keep the temperature normal on extremely hot or cold days. It’s also worth it because you’ll save on electricity or gas bills. After all, the system won’t have to work too hard to reach ambient temperature.
Floor and Walls
Like with most aspects so far, the current condition of the attic will dictate what you’ll need to do with it. If you’re converting the existing ones into rooms, you should consider the floor. Since the attic is where we don’t pay too much attention to minor damage, you can expect the floor to be damaged.
Most people’s attics are just large spaces used for storing stuff. Going for a project where you convert it into rooms means you’ll need to consider adding walls and doors. While you’re there, you shouldn’t forget the stairs because you’d want more accessible access to them.
Renovating an attic is an often overlooked aspect by most homeowners. With that said, when the time comes, there are certain important considerations you’ll need to make before starting the project.
