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Loft conversion increase house value


Does a loft conversion add value to a house? Property experts reveal all

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(Image credit: Emma Lee)

If the primary reason you're planning to embark on a home improvement project this year is to eventually sell at a great price, then you'll want to know the best ways to add value to your home by adding, remodelling, or renovating one or perhaps multiple areas.

However, if the return on your investment is your main concern, not all home improvements are created equal. Some, while they may be very desirable to you, the current owner, may even do more harm than good to your property price.

Most of us have limited resources when it comes to funding a major home project, and typically the choice is between making a few cosmetic changes here and there, or go for one substantial improvement – usually an addition to the existing liveable space. Which one should you go for?

(Image credit: Future)

According to brand new research, you should definitely go for the latter renovation idea, and the one home improvement that will almost certainly make a dramatic difference to your home value is an attic – or loft – conversion. 

The research into live Rightmove listings* revealed that adding a loft conversion to your home can add almost 20 per cent to its value (or even 25 per cent if you live in a big city where space is limited) – although expert opinion on whether it's always the best option for every house varies. 

Attic conversion experts at Abbey Lofts point out that the maximum value add-on of 20-25 per cent will likely be achieved only if you create 'the perfect self-contained sleeping space' in your attic – that is, a bedroom with an ensuite. And this will only work in an area where larger, family homes 'are scarce'. If you already live somewhere where spacious, multi-bedroom homes are abundant, a loft conversion is unlikely to have the desired effect on your house price.

(Image credit: Future)

Louis Harding, Head of London Residential Agency at Strutt & Parker , advises to also be aware of the inevitable impact of a conversion on the amount of storage the home will have. 

'You will have to consider how you incorporate additional storage space into your home to make up for the storage space you are losing,' he explains. If you are planning on living in your home for a good while longer, adding a loft conversion may simply not be practical enough.

However, having said all that, loft conversions are having a renaissance, not least because home owners are increasingly using theirs as home offices. Once something of a niche offering, a home office is now one of the most in-demand property features, with demand in London alone going up from eight to 27 per cent in 2020, according to Benham & Reeves . 

Although converting your loft into a home office won't fetch you as much added value as an ensuite bedroom – 10 per cent as opposed to 20 – it is also likely to be at the cheaper end of the typical loft conversion cost, so can still be well worth the investment.  

* Research conducted by Flooring Superstore

Anna Cottrell is Consumer Editor across Future Plc Home titles. She has a background in academic research and is the author of London Writing of the 1930s. She writes about interior design, property, and gardening .On H&G, she specializes in writing about property – buying, selling, renting, mortgages – sustainability and eco issues.

How much value does a loft conversion add to a property?

Posted by OnTheMarket November 23, 2020

If we cannot build out sideways, perhaps we should try building upwards? That is the thought process which more and more British home-owners are going through.

In a crowded urban environment, building a large lateral extension to a property can sometimes be impractical or unlikely to get planning permission. But a loft conversion – provided it does not jar with the surrounding buildings – is another matter.

All over the country, once neglected attics are enjoying a new lease of life as bedrooms, studies or playrooms for children. The family gets the short-term benefit and in the long run, the property should be worth more – often quite a lot more.

A Nationwide study found that a loft conversion which added an extra bedroom and en-suite bathroom would add an average of 21 per cent to the value of a property. In London, according to another study by Abbey Lofts, the increase in value was likely to be even higher, at 24.5 per cent.

It sounds like a no-brainer although, depending on the property and the area, the financial costs and benefits are quite finely balanced.

“Bear in mind that the average dormer loft conversion with a double bedroom and en-suite is going to cost you in the region of £35,000 to £45,000,” explains Louis Harding, Head of London Residential Agency at Strutt & Parker.

“You will also have to consider how you incorporate additional storage space into your home to make up for the storage space you are losing.”

Although a loft conversion can make excellent sense and greatly increase the value of a property, it will involve a sizeable investment of time and money, so should not be undertaken lightly.

Here are OnTheMarket‘s top tips for anyone contemplating taking the plunge.

1) Make a hard-headed assessment of whether a loft conversion is a better option than other ways of extending your property.
If other options, such as ground-floor extensions, are open to you, weigh up the costs and benefits of the various options. Talk to a local estate agent on how much value a loft conversion would be likely to add.

2) Check whether you will need planning permission.
A good start is to visit the planning page of your local borough’s website. In some areas, e.g. conservation areas, you will need planning permission for some kinds of loft conversion.

3) Decide whether you want the simplest possible loft conversion or one incorporating a dormer window.
The latter are significantly more expensive and may require planning permission. They will certainly add more value to your property and may be the best option for your family.

4) Remember that loft conversions take away existing space as well as adding new space.
If you have been using an attic for storage you will have to find somewhere else to put your clutter. You may also have to sacrifice a small bedroom on your landing to make space for the stairs accessing your new loft conversion.

5) Get quotes from more than one contractor and check out their previous work in the area.
There are plenty of reputable specialist firms but it is important to reassure yourself that you have chosen the best one.

6) Budget for possible overspend.
“You will need a contingency fund of around 10 per cent for any problems that might come to light once work starts,” says Robin Chatwin, Head of Savillls, South West London.

7) If your loft conversion is going to be used mainly as an extra bedroom, make sure to install an en-suite bathroom.
Nobody wants to clatter down the stairs in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

8) Take a realistic view of how long the building works are likely to take.
“The good thing about loft conversions is that the majority of the work can be accessed from the roof which minimises disruption,” says Lisa Simon, Head of Residential at Carter Jonas. But you will still need to allow a minimum of six weeks, probably longer.

9) Make sure that your loft conversion satisfies the relevant fire safety regulations.
Your builders should be up to speed on this important area, as will the planning authorities, but you will sleep easier at night if you acquaint yourself with the relevant regulations.

10) Remember to inform your insurers if you have added an extra bedroom to your property.
This is a standard requirement of many house insurance policies.

You only need to look around you to see that loft conversions have become an intrinsic feature of modern Britain. The best conversions both add financial value and create versatile living spaces – a true win-win.

Content provided by OnTheMarket.com is for information purposes only. Independent and professional advice should be taken before buying, selling, letting or renting property, or buying financial products.

Converting an attic into an attic. Fashion or necessity?

Today, the construction of this architecturally complex building under the very roof has become not just a whim of summer residents, but also a social necessity associated with the limitation of living space in large cities of Russia. So, first we will consider the advantages and features of the attic as a floor in the attic space, the facade of which is formed by the surfaces of an inclined or sloping roof.

Useful living space

Turning an attic into an original room, a cozy office, a billiard room or a library is a tempting idea. In addition, attics have always been deservedly popular in Russia as an additional and by no means superfluous living space, especially in summer. As twenty years ago, so now, this acute housing problem is being solved without large material and financial costs. “Only” the approach to the use of mansards has changed, the quality of their architectural and construction performance has improved. And in general, it is not advisable to leave the unused space of a cold attic, there is always a desire to convert it into an attic.

The functional and planning aspect of the use of the attic floor is determined mainly by the purpose of the premises, and the planning features are associated with the structure of the building and with the premises located below.

It is necessary to distinguish three main types of attic floors:

So why do we love the attic? First of all, for the fact that during the construction of the attic floor, the living area of ​​​​the house increases (at the same time, the cost of one square meter is 30-50% lower compared to capital construction). Secondly, after the completion of construction and insulation of the attic, heat losses are significantly reduced and, accordingly, the comfort of living improves. And from the aesthetic side, a beautiful unusual attic floor gives a peculiar style to both a city building and a cottage. During the construction of the attic, a whole range of tasks is effectively solved. This is a deep study of the architectural solution, determining the optimal scheme of the supporting structures of the building when designing the attic floor and, of course, ensuring reliable thermal protection and tightness of the attic itself.

For lovers of original architecture, the attic will serve as the embodiment of creative and aesthetic ideas. The geometric shapes of the attic floors can be different: they can have a triangular or broken silhouette, be symmetrical and asymmetrical, be located along the entire width of the building or only on one side of its longitudinal axis. With a broken shape of the roof, the lower part of the attic is given a steep slope (60 ° -70 °), and the upper one is flat (15 ° -30 °). In relation to the outer walls, the attic can be located in the alignment or go beyond their boundaries. With a limited extension of the attic floor, it is supported on the cantilevered extension of the underlying floor, with a large extension - on additional supports: columns, walls, suspensions. External fences of mansards can be fully insulated or only within the boundaries of heated rooms with a device in the last sloping, broken or flat ceilings.

Converting an attic into an attic

There are two ways to build an attic. The first is the construction of an attic in an existing attic. Here you can take advantage of the opportunity to lay the floor, insulate the roof, install skylights or glaze and put in order the existing dormer windows at a small cost. After the supply of electricity and heat, additional work or living space can be landscaped. Roof replacement can also be combined with an attic device. In this case, two problems are immediately solved: the dilapidated, leaking roof is completely renewed and the main facade of the building is insulated. The simplest solution for an attic device may be to equip an attic for an attic when repairing a building or during reconstruction.

The second option is for larger attics. It involves the superstructure of the floor, for which it is necessary to completely disassemble the old roof and attic. Here, a complete removal of the old roof is required: in its place, an attic structure with an insulated roof is being built. The cost of such reconstruction is twice as expensive as the first option. However, such construction makes it possible not only to obtain additional residential and utility areas, but also to change the architectural appearance of the building.

In any case, the construction of the attic in the attic or the construction of the attic with the dismantling of the attic should be attributed to the reconstruction of the building, and these activities require permission to carry out various types of work. It should be noted that usually the supporting structure of the attic is made of rolled metal, and the enclosing structures are made of sheet metal or wood. After the installation of the roof of the attic, finishing is carried out according to the principle of European-quality repair with all the provided engineering communications.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that the conveniences of the attic will be available if all construction works are carried out according to the rules during the installation of the roof: vapor barrier, insulation and ventilation of the roof. Errors during installation and selection of materials will lead to freezing of the roof, the appearance of condensate, moisture on individual surfaces, leakage during a thaw and, consequently, dampness in the room. Proper, competent installation of the roofing system is a complicated matter. It is better to entrust it to specialists who have been professionally engaged in this for a long time.

Social solution of the housing problem

The topic of mansard construction is now the most relevant for large Russian cities, especially for their central part, where there are no places for building. Attic construction is carried out primarily in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Development of attics in Moscow was initiated in 1996 by the mayor's decree "On the Arrangement of Attic Spaces for Residential Purposes". It would seem that over the past eight years, a lot of attics should have appeared in the city. However, attics converted into living quarters are still a rarity in Moscow. Journalists believe that the reason for this is the monstrously long execution of permits.

For several years, the leadership in the construction of mansards was retained by the Central Administrative District. This is easily explained: in addition to the fact that the Central District has become an experimental training ground in the field of re-equipment of attics, there was a particularly great need for attics and the most opportunities for their construction. Attic construction in new districts of Moscow is not relevant - houses are being built already with ready-made two-level apartments and buildings with a flat roof predominate. Another thing is the city center. After some time, the experience of the Central Administrative District was adopted by the Northern, North-Eastern, Southern and South-Western districts. Now the focus of attic construction in Moscow has shifted from the city center to the Sokol, Aeroport, Golovinka and Begovaya districts.

Muscovites' attitude to attic construction cannot be called even. Some categorically deny the possibility of "living in the attic", while others, on the contrary, are interested in the appearance of attics. The city authorities are approached by customers living in apartments on the top floor, ready to shell out a lot of money for the opportunity to privatize the attic and make an attic in it. At the moment, according to officials, the highest price for the purchase of attic space is fixed in the Sokol area - $450 per 1 m2. According to experts, if all expenses are taken into account, the construction of an attic will cost the customer about $1,000 per 1 m2. Speaking about the price of an attic, it is necessary to take into account in which area the house is located. For example, one Moscow entrepreneur who bought out the entire attic in the area of ​​Malaya Gruzinskaya Street, the attic cost $2,000 per 1 m2, with an estimated construction cost of less than $500.

Many construction companies are convinced that the problem of building attics in Moscow should be solved in a comprehensive manner, gradually updating the entire housing stock. “In order to create an investment-attractive scheme, a certain concept is needed,” notes Aleksey Ishkov, general director of the Moscow construction company. - Here is one of the possible schemes. An investment contract is concluded with the city administration for the reconstruction of a five-story building. At the expense of the city's share, the enclosing walls are being reconstructed, glazing is being carried out and engineering networks are being replaced. The reconstruction goes like this: a new frame is being built around the house, which makes the structure more durable and allows you to add three floors. Elevators are being added. Tenants from the first floor move to the sixth. The areas on the ground floor are being sold for infrastructure - parking, shops, hairdressers, etc. The seventh and eighth floors are occupied by duplex apartments. Thus, the attractiveness of the house increases. The enclosing structures increase its thermal insulation, and the new frame gives the inhabitants of the lower floors additional usable space.” Nevertheless, some difficulties will arise in the implementation of this concept, primarily related to the need to resettle residents from the reconstructed house. In addition, a company that undertakes such a project will inevitably face investor distrust.

Attics of big cities

The original architectural appearance of the building is not the only advantage that an attic provides. In large Russian cities, the construction of the attic floor fully or partially uses the infrastructure of old housing. Thanks to this, the cost of building a square meter of an attic is less than when building a new building. At the same time, it is possible to create almost any interior layout on one or several levels.

The construction of an attic makes it possible to solve such an urgent problem for most of our cities as the unsatisfactory condition of the roofs of residential and public buildings. The use of modern technologies and materials can significantly improve the quality and durability of the roof, make it insulated.

When creating an attic floor, specialists take into account all the interweaving of the theory of designers with the practical knowledge of builders. Thanks to this, the projects take into account all the complexities of organizing the construction process at each specific object, the nuances of the behavior of such a “capricious” structure as an attic. According to experts, it takes at least a year and a half to turn an attic into an attic.

Nevertheless, engineers and builders cannot but admit that the Russian climate is different from the French one. And, by and large, our city attics are better equipped for non-residential premises: offices, restaurants, warehouses. However, a special approach was found to the construction of this form of housing. For example, if in France the climatic conditions make it possible to rebuild attics without removing the roof, then this is not suitable for us. And not only because it is much colder in Russia. Large temperature fluctuations lead to the fact that the condensate, which inevitably occurs in any attic, freezes and accumulates in the form of lenses. When warming, the lens melts and hopelessly spoils the expensive attic finish, so the roofing cake must be completely removed and redone. According to the builders, the roofing pie for the attic is fundamentally different from the usual roof. For example, for an ordinary attic, only floors are insulated. During the construction of the attic, it is necessary to insulate the roof itself, which involves the creation of several layers (hence the gastronomic name - “pie”): a layer of ventilation, waterproofing, vapor barrier, insulation is placed. It is also necessary to take into account the peculiarities of our climate when glazing. So, sloping French-style dormer windows in Russian conditions do not justify themselves too much. It is better to use vertical windows, because the snow layer sometimes reaches 50 cm. Since the roof warms up more in the window area, the snow begins to melt, seeping into all the cracks of the structure. Morozova appears - the most terrible phenomenon in building structures. The coverage is broken, and the window "does not work". However, with the diligence of engineers and builders, attics in Russian cities are absolutely suitable for housing.

Attic how to equip a room under the roof of a house

The arrangement of the attic in a private house requires a special approach. It is important to take into account the design features of the attic and decide on the method of roof insulation. From the attic, you can make a living room, while saving the area of ​​\u200b\u200ba private house and money.

Features of the premises

An attic in a private house or in a country house is a living area in the attic of a building. Previously, the attic was used as a storage room for various things. Since 1630, the space under the roof began to be equipped for housing. In the attic, you can decorate a room for any purpose in a variety of interior styles. When arranging the attic, it is important to take into account all the design features of the attic and the amount of free space.

Mansards are equipped not only in wooden private houses, but also in some apartment buildings. However, in multi-storey buildings, the attic is rarely reserved for a living room.

Attic space can be of various sizes: it all depends on the dimensions of the residential building, as well as on the shape and angle of the roof. The attic is a rather dark room, as it is not replete with windows. Therefore, in advance you need to think about additional light sources.

These can be various lighting fixtures or additional windows that you can make yourself. When installing conventional windows, it becomes necessary to adjust the truss system. This process takes a lot of time and effort, so most often special roof windows are installed.

When designing a room under a roof, it is worth giving preference to light colors. An attic in light colors will visually look more overall and less gloomy. In addition, when finishing surfaces, walls and ceilings should not be weighed down with building materials. Therefore, it is better to use paints and varnishes, wallpaper, sheathing boards or drywall as finishing materials.

When developing an attic project in a country house, it is worth considering the space costs for roof insulation. As protection against cold and wind, they often resort to the installation of drywall structures. Such material, in combination with insulation and trim, cuts the attic space by about twenty centimeters from all walls and ceiling.

Even after the insulation of the attic, there is still a lot of free space in the corners, which is inconvenient to use for arranging furniture. Empty corners can be equipped as a place for shelves for household appliances or small cabinets and cabinets.

Insulation and soundproofing

The attic is not as warm as other rooms in a private house. The attic is characterized not only by large heat losses, but also by poor sound insulation. When designing an attic, first of all, it is worth taking care of the insulation of the last floor and improving its soundproofing properties.

The degree of sound and heat insulation of the attic room depends on the quality of the material , which was used for roofing. Heat loss can be as high as twenty-five percent. Insulation work will significantly reduce this figure and help save money on heating the room. It is possible to insulate the attic space both from the outside and from the inside of the rafters.

To improve the sound and heat insulation characteristics of a do-it-yourself attic, mineral or stone wool is most often used. Cotton slabs are more convenient to use for warming horizontal surfaces, and it is better to use rolled material to finish vertical places or inclined surfaces.

When choosing a thermal insulation material, the following characteristics should be considered:

Finishing work begins with the laying of insulation around the entire perimeter of the attic. It is necessary to insulate all existing partitions, ceilings, roofs and gables. When carrying out repair work, the key point is laying a vapor barrier membrane to the insulation. The vapor barrier material will protect the insulation from moisture, which will improve the thermal insulation characteristics of surfaces.

After finishing work on sound and heat insulation, surfaces inside the room are usually sheathed with plasterboard. Do not forget about the insulation of windows in the attic. To improve the level of sound insulation, first of all, the floor of the attic floor needs to be finished. Stone wool is usually used as a soundproofing layer.

Decoration of individual rooms

Whatever room you decide to equip in the attic, you will have to decide on the choice and arrangement of furniture. The slope of the roof and multiple beams prevent the free placement of large furniture. Built-in furniture is the best option for such conditions. With it, you can use all the free space inside the attic room as efficiently as possible.

Many furniture manufacturers produce built-in structures in the desired shapes and sizes to order. However, such products will be significantly more expensive than finished furniture in standard sizes. If it is not possible to order built-in structures, you should choose low furniture for arranging the attic. In the country, instead of upholstered furniture, you can lay out mattresses and pillows with original covers.

Particular attention in the design of a room should be given to the windows in the attic. The level of illumination of the room, as well as the visual perception of the area, will depend on the size and number of windows. Small windows visually reduce the space and poorly fill the room with light.

The attic space does not have any particular purpose. In the attic, you can equip absolutely any room. When planning a future dwelling, one should take into account the number of oblique walls and windows, the presence of open beams for rafters, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, and the type of roof.

When equipping the attic, pay attention to the following recommendations:

Recreation area

In the attic you can equip a home cinema, billiard room or living room with comfortable furniture and original design.

Other options for arranging the attic floor can be:

Bedroom

The attic bedroom is one of the most popular options for decorating the attic space. Thanks to the design features of the attic, with the right choice of design, the bedroom will look very cozy.

Bedroom decor doesn't have to be limited to a spacious bed and wardrobes. In the attic it is quite possible to place a small coffee table, chairs or armchairs, bookshelves and other items for a comfortable stay. When designing a bedroom, you should take care of good thermal insulation of the room.

The bedroom can be designed not only for adults, but also for children. The room for younger family members can be equipped as a play area or a full-fledged children's room. A children's room can be equipped even for several children, if the attic area allows it.

When creating a children's room in the attic, it is worth taking care of a safe staircase, as well as the efficient use of attic space. The bedroom for children also needs a good level of lighting and thermal insulation. When choosing a color scheme, be guided by the preferences of your child, not forgetting that you should not use too dark tones.

Beautiful examples of design

A nautical-style lounging room on the attic floor that will please both children and adults.

A small loft can also be used as a living space. The narrow space between the roof and the floor can be filled with low bookshelves.

Wooden furniture is in perfect harmony with the blue wall decoration in the children's room, equipped in the attic of a private house. Large windows visually increase the space of the room and provide a good level of natural light.

Simple and at the same time stylish interior design of the attic room in the country house.

In the attic of a small area, you can equip a bathroom.

Home cinema on the attic floor will be a great place for the whole family and your guests to relax.

On the arrangement of the attic, see the following video.

Lofts | Living spaces, storage options and more

Attic purpose

What is the purpose of an attic? Attics (also commonly called lofts) support the roof with rafters or trusses. Rafters are ordinary beams, but trusses are a little different. They are triangular in shape and fill most of the attic space. A well-insulated attic will also help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Building codes and regulations vary from one place to another. However, usually a certain amount of insulation is required in the attic.

Insulation, ventilation and sealing

The attic is an important part of your home, but if it is not designed or maintained properly, many problems can arise, especially with ice buildup and water damage. It is important that the attic is properly insulated, ventilated and insulated from the main body of the house.

Insulation: Attics must be properly insulated. Whether you leave it as empty space or turn it into additional living space, insulation is key. In cold climates, the recommended R rating for attic insulation is 50. So wherever you live in Canada, you're likely to get a fairly high R rating. Before you insulate your attic, make sure there are no leaks on the roof. Wet insulation is useless insulation. It also becomes a breeding ground for mold. In winter, without proper insulation, heat from your main living space rises up into the attic, causing the roof to heat up, snow to melt, and ice dams to form. Not a good situation.

Ventilation: Most experts agree that ventilation is required in attics. The air inlets bring fresh air in from the outside, and the outlets let the old stale air out. Without proper ventilation, moisture can accumulate in the attic, which not only causes mold to form, but can also lead to rotting of the attic structure. And make sure dryer vents, stoves, and exhaust fans go outside. Blowing anything into the attic is against most building codes, and if warm, moist air is vented into the attic, you'll have mold problems again.

Some experts say that vents were previously required to remove moisture entering the attic through leaks, but in modern homes, attics are sealed and ventilation is not required. The type of climate you live in can also have a bearing on whether or not attic ventilation is a good idea. In cold climates, vents can help cool the attic, thereby preventing ice blockages from forming, as well as getting rid of damp air escaping from the rest of the home.

In hot climates, vents can vent hot air out of the attic, making it easier for the air conditioner to work. In very humid climates, outside air is more humid than inside air, so vents that let moist air in may not be a good idea. The best way to find out is to check the building codes in your area. The Building Science Corporation has an excellent document that you may want to refer to for more information on attic ventilation called the Roof Ventilation Crash Course.

Seal: Assuming you leave the attic empty, you want to close it. Close all areas that open into the main house, including openings for wiring, pipes, and vents, and gaps around the attic entrance, any attic windows, and any chimneys. the rest of the house, you will spend energy on heating an empty attic

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If you are using the attic as a storage area, there are a few things to consider. The entrance to the attic is most likely not airtight, so warm air from the house can enter the attic. Also, unless you've built a raised platform to accommodate stored goods, these items will flatten the insulation, making it less effective. Sometimes it's better to just leave the attic alone to let it do its thing.

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How much does it cost to turn an attic into a living space with a false roof? | Home Guides

Emily Beach Updated December 17, 2018

When your growing family leaves you crammed into the walls of your home, renovating your attic can serve as an effective and cost-effective way to expand your space. According to a report by Remodeling Magazine, the average attic renovation, including a 15-foot skylight for extra headroom, cost $49 as of 2014. $438.

Attic Living Area

$49,438 price tag for a medium attic renovation includes a 15-foot-long attic attic building, increasing height above most of the attic floor. It also includes a 15 by 15 bedroom and a 5 by 7 bathroom , as well as all plumbing, electricity, heating and air conditioning necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of the new space. This price includes new windows along the attic wall, carpeted floors, insulation, and an upgraded staircase to access your new attic.

Geographic differences

The cost of renovating an attic in the US varies greatly depending on the cost of living in your area. The average price of around $50,000 reported by "Remodeling Magazine" has fallen to a low of $44,581 in the West South Central region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma and several neighboring states. In the Pacific region, which includes California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii, it skyrockets to $58,550.

Estimate of additional services

Depending on where you live, local requirements may further increase the cost of adding loft accommodation. For example, in areas prone to seismic activity, installing a large skylight to raise the roof may require a seismic retrofit of the entire home. Other homeowners may face the expense of reinforcing truss trusses to support the weight of the new living space. If you plan on using high quality finishes or fixtures, these items can also add to the cost.

Cost Analysis

Dormers used to raise an attic roof come in many shapes and sizes, but adding any functional dormer is expensive due to the complexity of the job. Dormer windows cost between $10,000 and $30,000, according to Time Magazine's 2014 estimate. In a 2014 report, Dryden Mutual Insurance Company estimates the cost of basic dormer windows, where the dormer roof faces away from the house, at $11,647 to $17,470. More fashionable gabled roof windows cost between $14,883 and $22,235. Dormers with arched, curved, or other fancy profiles can drive up costs even further. According to a 2014 article in the Prairie Voice Companion, after you increase your ceiling height, expect $80 to $120 per square foot to make the space livable.

Adding value to your home

While the value of more living space may seem like the most important factor in renovating an attic, this project also adds value to the home. transforming the attic into living space when it's time to sell your homes. That figure could drop to 83 percent in the West South Central region, or as low as 102 percent in the expensive Pacific market.

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How to turn an attic into a room

Turning an attic into a room requires planning.

Turning an attic into a room can add value to your home and increase living space for your family. Many old houses were built with steep pitched roofs and plenty of headroom available, making attic conversions simple and inexpensive. There are many things to consider before you get started. Building codes can make it impossible to obtain permits unless certain safety and structural requirements are met. Roof design, structural integrity and support, accessibility, light sources, headroom, comfort and safety are all matters of paramount importance. All this must be taken into account before starting the appeal.

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Roof of a house with an attic. Types of roofs with an attic in private houses

For several decades, the attic has been very popular. An attic is an attic-type living space, which is equipped between the upper floor and the roof.

Mansard roof applications

Mansard roofs are additional living spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as equipping a gym, guest room or bedroom, and so on. And if you do the right vapor barrier, waterproofing and glazing, you can adapt this area for a winter garden.

Construction of the roof of a house with an attic

The attic floor can be either a small part of the attic or its entire space. In addition, make structures that protrude beyond the walls of the house. If the protrusion is small, they rely on the cantilevered extension of the lower case. With a large extension, and if there is a possibility of wall collapse, attic structures are placed on additional support, such as, for example, columns or walls.

The geometric proportions of the attic completely depend on the shape of the roof, which makes it possible to use the most daring decisions in its design. For example, a room can be located both on the entire area of ​​the attic, and on a small part of it. It can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical, and the shape has a broken or triangular shape. If a polygonal shape is chosen, experts recommend making the upper part of the attic more inclined (about 15-30 degrees), and the lower one with a greater slope (60-70 degrees).

If you are planning to make a roof structure of a house with an attic on an already finished building, then it is necessary to assess the condition of the foundation and load-bearing walls.

When choosing building materials, it is necessary to proceed from the fact that the structure must have a minimum weight. Attic roofs are made of wooden beams, pre-treated with flame retardants and antiseptics, or from a metal profile.

Benefits of the attic

The main advantages of the attic include:

Attic Disadvantages

Attic is not recommended for use under a children's room or office. According to psychologists, staying in a room with sloping walls for a long time can cause a feeling of danger. In addition, the disadvantages of such a room can be attributed to:

Roofs of houses with an attic: projects, types

When choosing a project for a future building with an attic, first of all, it is necessary to decide on the design of the roof and its shape. A properly selected project of a house with an attic will not only save building materials, but also use the area with maximum benefit.

The following main types of roofs of houses with an attic can be distinguished:

Each of these types of structures has its advantages and disadvantages.

When developing a project, it is necessary to take into account the load of the roofing system on the walls and foundation of the house, as well as how effectively it will withstand atmospheric loads (wind, snow).

Attic with a shed roof

Shed roof of a house with an attic is one of the simplest roofing options. It has the form of an inclined plane, which is fixed on load-bearing walls of different heights. This option of the roof allows you to make the attic floor quite comfortable and spacious.

When designing a shed roof, it is very important to correctly calculate the angle of inclination.

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