If you wish that your house had extra space, you can add to your home’s square footage without dipping too much into your finances. This is through an attic conversion. The attic can be converted into a bedroom, a playroom, an office, a walk-in closet, or a relaxing nook with the right steps. You should first measure the existing space in the attic, including its narrow passages, low eaves, and small nooks to see what furniture the room can accommodate.
The next step is to invest in attic insulation installed by a Houston-based professional, regardless of what you will be using the space for. This is crucial to keep the temperatures in this area and in the rest of your home consistent. It also guarantees that the items in your attic will remain unaffected by the humidity and temperature in the room. Some of your insulation options include fiberglass, radiant foil, spray foam, and rigid board. Once you identify the insulation that works best for your climatic condition and the design of your attic, picking your conversion alternative is the next step. Here are the types of attic conversions:
Dormer Conversion
This is among the most popular attic conversion options. It comprises a structural extension that will spread vertically from an existing roof slope, creating a box shape. The dormer loft conversion needs no dramatic alterations and will allow the installation of traditional windows. It adds headroom to an otherwise cramped attic, leaves flat ceilings and straight walls, and guarantees optimal ventilation and light. It might not be the most aesthetically appealing pick, though.
Mansard Conversion
In this conversion, you will raise the party wall of your home. This is the one you share with your neighbors. Your roof will remain flat, while one of your outer walls will slope inwards gently. Mansard conversions are typically done on the back of the house. Although they match all property designs, they are often done on terraced homes. A mansard conversion allows more headroom than other conversions and is highly aesthetically appealing. Its construction is, however, expensive and takes a long time.
Hip-to-gable Conversion
This works best for detached and terrace homes. It straightens your inward slanted end roof to generate a vertical wall, thus maximizing the living space of your attic. The hip-to-gable conversion is considered aesthetically appealing since it automatically blends with your home’s design, though it is more expensive than the dormer conversion.
Roof Light Conversion
Here, you will neither expand nor alter your existing attic space. Instead, you will only add windows then reinforce the doors to make the attic space comfortable. The roof light conversion is up to 25% less expensive than other alternatives, and it is the often approved one in conservation areas. It can generate considerable storage space if the eaves are creatively used. But the limited headroom might place the stairs in the center of the attic.
Most homeowners assume that the attic needs none of the mentioned conversions to transform it into a usable space. This assumption not only reduces the functionality of this space but also affects the integrity of the items you place in it. Your investment in a professional attic conversion will undoubtedly be worth it.
