If you’re lucky enough to have one, an attic can be more than just another storage room. Scroll through popular social media sites and you’ll find thousands of examples of attics being turned into stunning living areas, seemingly with nothing more than the addition of some lights, furniture, and cool art prints, like the ones we have here at DROOL.
However, there is a world of difference between an attic that looks great on Pinterest and one that is actually pleasant to be in. In the UK, at least, most newer attics are not generally designed as living spaces. As such, many of them lack proper floors and have exposed joists, rafters, and beams. In many attics, standing on anything other than the joists may even cause you to fall through the ceiling, possibly hurting yourself. As they are, many attics are not even suitable for storage, let alone lounging.
Fortunately, it is possible to transform most suitably sized attics into spaces that are not just safe but also comfortable to be in. Such conversions may be costly projects, particularly if you need to install new flooring, insulation, electricals, and ventilation. However, they’re generally quite worthwhile, as they can significantly expand the space available to your household. If the conversion is properly managed, it may even add value to your property.
Transforming an attic into a comfortable living space involves several considerations, not just limited to structural constraints but also legal red tape. To convert your attic into a safe living space you will need to do the following:
1) Check for Feasibility
As mentioned, contemporary attics are no longer built like they were used to. If you have an older home that’s still in great condition, however, the cost of converting your attic may be less given that many older attics were once often designed to be living spaces. Regardless, you’ll want to check with your local authority to see whether your attic is suitable for conversion. Depending on where you live, you may need a certain ceiling height, square footage, and a specific type of stairway access before you’re allowed to proceed.
2) Plan the Purpose
This is undoubtedly the most fun part of converting the attic outside of actually using it. Think about how you want to use the attic space. Do you need an extra bedroom, an office, a music studio, an art room to enjoy graphic design and photography prints in, or something else? Have your family pitch in with their own ideas. The purpose you set must influence the design and layout decisions throughout the conversion process. Keeping to a defined plan will ensure truly coherent results, giving you a space that is a joy to be in.
3) Get the Needed Permits and Regulations
If a conversion is technically feasible and you’ve already set your mind on what the attic would be good for, you can start obtaining the necessary permits to begin the conversion. The permits you need to get may vary depending on your location and your intended use of the space.
4) Address Structural Needs
Before you order your art prints and posters from DROOL, you’ll want to make sure that you actually have walls to hang them on as well as floors and beams to keep everything else from falling through the ceiling. If you have exposed floor joists or are not sure if the attic lacks sufficient structural support, you may need to consult with a structural engineer. They should be able to provide recommendations to contractors that will let your attic safely accommodate your intended use.
5) Choose Suitable Flooring
Select flooring materials that are suitable for your attic’s future function. Typical options include hardwood, laminate, carpet, or engineered wood flooring.
6) Install Adequate Insulation
The “dead space” in the attic often serves as the insulation of the rest of the house. This means that most unprepared attics are prone to extreme temperatures, being unlivable in the height of winter or summer. Fortunately, the proper installation of modern insulation materials can help mitigate these issues. As a bonus, they will also serve to cut down noise and improve energy efficiency.
If you’re planning to set up something like an entertainment centre or a music studio, it would be a great idea to install insulation under the floors as well as in the interior walls and ceilings. If your attic space doesn’t have those features yet, plan to install the insulation beforehand.
7) Ensure Proper Ventilation
Attics will rarely have proper ventilation. You want to address this as soon as possible since the moisture buildup and stagnant air of unprepared attics can have negative effects on people and on the items stored in them. Consider installing vents, fans, or even new windows, as necessary, to ensure adequate airflow.
8) Upgrade Electrical Wiring
Even on the off chance that your attic already has a couple of outlets, chances are, they will be wholly inadequate for your plans. In most cases, you will need to hire a certified electrician to install electrical wiring to safely support the electrical needs of your new living space.
9) Add New Lighting
Have your electrician incorporate lighting fixtures that complement the future function of your attic. For instance, you can have them put up ceiling rail lights that illuminate your collection of DROOL art prints.
For a brighter, more inviting atmosphere, you can also consider installing skylights or dormer windows to maximise natural light. If you choose to go this route, make sure that objects in the room are adequately protected from UV radiation. If you’re planning to put up DROOL art prints in your new attic, be sure to order them framed so that they are protected by UV-blocking, premium acrylic glazes.
10) Design the Interior
Finally, once the essentials are done, you can start filling out the interior of the attic to reflect its new function. Consider further maximising the available space with built-in storage solutions and compact furniture. Prime yourself to enjoy your space with more DROOL prints and other decorative elements that communicate your unique sense of aesthetics.
Create a Cosy Oasis in Your Attic
With these simple steps, you can safely convert your attic into a living space that’s not only functional but also eminently comfortable. Aside from creating real improvements in your quality of life, well-executed attic conversions also add value to your property. For the best results, just remember to plan carefully, adhere to local regulations, and enlist professional help when needed.
