If you have an attic that is not being used, consider turning it into a living space. By converting the attic, you can gain additional square footage and breathe new life into your home. However, before you begin this project, there are several things to consider. In particular:
Clean the Attic
The first thing you’ll want to do is clean the attic. This will remove all the accumulated junk and make it much easier to see what you’re working with. To clean out the cobwebs, use a broom and dustpan to sweep up large amounts of loose dirt and dust. Then vacuum up any remaining dust or dirt in hard-to-reach places (like behind furniture). Afterward, take a break before moving on!
Add Windows and Doors
To install a door, you’ll need to determine the distance between the framing members and cut out a rectangle for the door in the wall. Next, you’ll mark where to install jamb studs (the vertical pieces of wood) on both sides of this opening. Then, you can nail or screw them into place using construction adhesive and screws or nails to secure them into place. Finally, add an exterior casing around your jamb studs with 2×4 lumber boards that have been planed smooth on one side and installed vertically between each other.
Once all necessary measurements have been taken care of, move on to measuring how big each window should be. To do this, simply measure from floor level upward until reaching either side.
Check for Signs of Leaks
Whether you are renovating an attic or doing a garage makeover, you should always check to see any signs of water damage. Look for discoloration, mold growth, or rust on the roof panels and framing. If you find any leaks, dry them immediately and contact a professional roofer to fix them.
Line the Floors with Wood Planks or Plywood
If possible, cover the floor with wood planks or plywood. This is a good option if you have a large space to cover and want to keep it clean and uncluttered. You can also add carpeting on top of this material if you’d like a warmer feeling underfoot.
When laying down your flooring, install one piece of plywood per wall section so that none of the seams are visible when viewed from above (i.e., from outside the attic).
Choose a Type of Flooring
Even if your attic floor is good enough to support the weight of carpet or tile, those options can be expensive. Vinyl and laminate floors are cheaper alternatives that will still look great.
Wooden floors are a common choice for attics because they’re easy to install and relatively affordable. You’ll need a subfloor underneath the wood so that it doesn’t crack under pressure from moisture, as well as insulation between layers so that heat doesn’t escape through the ceiling below. Hiring a professional installer may be worth it if you need to become more experienced with home renovations, given how complicated this process can get when working on an uneven surface like an attic floor.
Reinforce the Walls and Ceiling
Once you’ve decided to convert your attic into usable space, one of the first things you’ll want to do is reinforce the walls and ceiling.
Your structural support must be sound for your finished room to be functional. It would help if you used plywood sheathing between 2x4s (2 inches by 4 inches) along the walls and ceiling. You can either screw or glue this plywood sheathing into place; we recommend both methods, as screws tend not to hold up well over time when subjected to constant moisture. Once you have secured everything in place with a good amount of wood glue or screws, let it sit overnight before continuing with any other construction steps.
Insulate the Walls and Ceiling
Insulation must be added to help keep the attic cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulation can be installed on the attic floor and walls. Many types of insulation are available, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Before installing your new home improvement project, choose the right kind based on local building codes.
This project will help to save you money on energy costs over time by lowering your monthly bills from utilities such as heating/cooling systems and electric lighting fixtures (which are used less often, thanks to natural light).
Install Drywall and Prime It
It would help if you ensured that the drywall was straight and level, ensuring smooth plastering. Use a drywall saw to cut the drywall flush with your ceiling joists so that it’s straight. If you don’t have a drywall saw, you can always use an electric saw or ask someone who does.
Once you’ve cut the drywall, use a tape measure to measure up from each side of the attic door opening. Mark where each wall meets your plywood subflooring with painter’s tape. This will give you an idea of how much space there is between walls when they’re plastered (and what areas will need joint compound). Cut any excess pieces using either a utility knife or an electric jigsaw (depending on how much work is needed).
Use joint compound for sealing gaps between sheets of drywall—it comes in two parts: one adhesive paste and one sandable filler. Apply these two components using separate tools: spread some joint compound onto bare spots using a putty knife. Then apply more adhesive paste with another putty knife so that they bond together well enough that you can sand them down later without falling apart again.
When applying joint compound over seams between sheets of paper-backed gypsum board be sure not to apply too much pressure when spreading it out evenly because doing so might cause cracks along those lines later on!
Finish the Walls and Ceiling by Painting or Wallpapering Them
Paint or wallpaper are the most popular ways to finish a newly-converted attic, and for a good reason. Having walls that match the rest of your house will make it feel more like an extension of your home rather than an outlier that doesn’t quite fit in. Pick a color that complements what you’ve already got going on in your living space. That way, everything feels cohesive and intentional. If you’re choosing wallpaper (or any other wall covering), follow the instructions on the box carefully! In particular, remember to put up crown molding around all four sides of your ceiling before hanging up any paper or painting over existing woodwork.
Conclusion
Attics are a great place to turn into usable space. Still, there are many things you need to do for it to be safe and comfortable. If you have an attic and want to turn it into a room or office space, you must take the time to plan out what needs to be done before starting any work on this project.