Convert an Attic to a Finished Room
Attic space can be converted to good living space with basic materials and tools. Design the room to utilize all wasted space under slanted ceiling areas and eaves. Small spaces can be good for storage closets and cubbyholes. A finished room in the attic makes a great home office or study area or a separate private space for overnight guests. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Evaluate the attic space to make sure you will have adequate building space. Measure the central beam of the potential new room. Check to ensure there is at least 10 feet of height in the middle of the space. Use a measuring tape to ensure you will end up with at least a 9-by-12-foot room with 8 feet of ceiling height after the room is finished. Design slanted ceiling areas beyond these parameters to open the room even more. Get a building permit before you start construction.
2. Build a staircase into the area you will convert to a room. Create a set of stairs 4 feet wide to accommodate building materials and eventual furnishings you'll bring to the space. Frame the staircase and a stairwell with 2-by-12 boards. Frame the attic room with 2-by-4 boards and include storage areas and a large closet. Install particle board subflooring.
3. Run electrical wiring and housing for outlets. Install insulation between studs and drywall the room. Place double insulation in ceiling areas. Finish the drywall with joint compound and sand for painting.
4. Install wood trim and framework for the room's door. Place crown molding around the ceiling's perimeter. Hang the room's door and any closet doors for the area. Paint the drywall with flat or semi-gloss paint. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint on the wood trim, doors and crown molding.
5. Install wood flooring in the new room. Cut baseboard material to fit the entire room and inside closet space. Paint or stain the baseboard material before installing.
Tags: ceiling areas, Attic Finished, Attic Finished Room, baseboard material, Convert Attic
