Planning an Attic Conversion

First, not all attics are capable of being converted into finished living spaces. Roof pitch, type of roof framing construction, undersized ceiling joists, and easy access to the attic are just a few of the issues that need to be first considered and planned for with an attic conversion.

If, for example, the roof pitch is shallow then chances are you’ll have finished room height issues. There are also very specific building codes on ceiling heights and minimum square feet attic areas that may prevent an attic conversion from being constructed. So even if you think you might be able to live with the lower ceiling heights and limited room size, you may not be allowed to finish your attic. Building code requirements state that at least 50% of the height in the finished attic be at least 7 feet tall.

There are also specific minimum glazing (window) area building code requirements. For example, there needs to be a minimum of 8% glazing area relative to the finished attic conversion area. Thus, for a 100 square foot attic conversion floor space, there needs to be 8 square feet of glazed (windowed) area.

Also, if roof trusses were used in the construction of the roof then an attic conversion is most likely not feasible, not without major construction work.

Another concern when planning an attic conversion are the lower level ceiling joists. These ceiling joists represent the floor joists in the attic. In many cases builders do not use sufficiently sized ceiling joist lumber to support a finished room in the attic. Consequently larger sized lumber, e.g. 2x8s or 2x10s may need to be sistered to the existing attic floor joists. Adequate heating is another building code requirement for attic conversion projects. The building code requirements state that the home heating system must be capable of keeping the finished attic space at a constant 68 degrees F temperature.

Ingress and egress is another major issue with attic conversion projects. Building code requirements must be met for the installation of properly sized stairs to the finished attic space. For example, the stairs must be 36 inches wide and have a maximum rise height of 7.75 inches and a tread depth of at least 9.5 inches.

Also, when planning an attic conversion project consider putting in knee walls as close as possible to the roof eaves to maximize finished floor space. Often you can install built in cabinets along the knee walls to maximize use in the finished attic space.

Finally, make sure to insulate the attic conversion finished space extremely well, as an attic can be extremely cold during the winter months and extremely hot during the summer months.