If you are looking to create more room in your home, converting an attic space above your garage may be the best choice. It is cheaper and takes less time than adding an addition. Additionally, you can have a unique living room. Converting an intic doesn't come easy. The key is to obtain a permit, and comply with all applicable building codes.
Your local building department should be able to help you get a permit. You will also need to inspect the attic for plumbing and electrical wiring routes. Roof leaks should be checked. A licensed contractor is able to inspect your attic. He or she can also offer advice regarding remodeling. Ask three contractors for bids and to discuss their services.
Converting your attic into storage space will increase the versatility of your home and give you more storage. The price can be quite high. You should also remember that you are increasing the structural load on your home.
You must ensure that you comply with all building codes when converting an attic. These codes are intended to protect you and your family against dangerous situations. Many local authorities require that attic extensions have a defined height and floor plan. They should have at least 7' ceilings and 70 square feet of livable space. You will need a permanent staircase if you have attics that cannot be reached by ladder.
Dormers are an efficient way to convert an attic space into a living area. Dormers can be a great way for your attic to get more light. Your attic should be properly insulated so that it can keep up with the outside temperature. You might also consider adding a skylight to your attic.
Trusses for the attic are a manufactured roofing system. Trusses are made to support the roof and ceiling above. Trusses contain several small triangles, known as webs or chords. Trusses can convert an attic to a room. It's a complex task, but it can be rewarding.
To get started, make a list of your needs for the attic. The space might be needed to make a room for your kids, or it might be used for storage. If seasonal items clutter up your closet, it might be worth considering storing them in the attic.
Once your attic is ready for use, it's time to install flooring and decor. It provides insulation and is a great choice for an attic. Another option is hardwood or particle board flooring. Secure the drywall to the studs and seal the seams with drywall cement.
You will also need an attic ventilation system. This is especially important in warmer climates. An attic can easily reach 140 degrees on a sunny day. UV radiation can destroy cardboard and other materials in the attic. So, consider adding a skylight to increase natural lighting.
FAQ
What is the cost of completely renovating a kitchen?
If you've been thinking about starting a renovation project for your home, you may wonder how much it would cost.
The average cost of a kitchen remodel between $10,000 and $15,000. You can still save money on your kitchen remodel and make it look better.
One way to reduce costs is to plan ahead of time. This includes choosing the design style and colors that best suits your budget.
Hiring an experienced contractor is another way of cutting costs. A professional tradesman knows exactly how to handle each step of the construction process, which means he or she won't waste time trying to figure out how to complete a task.
It is best to decide whether you want to replace your appliances or keep them. Remodeling a kitchen can add thousands of pounds to its total cost.
Additionally, you may decide to purchase used appliances rather than new ones. You will save money by purchasing used appliances.
You can also save money by shopping around when buying materials and fixtures. Many stores offer discounts during special events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
What is the cost of tile for a shower?
You might want to go big if you are going to do it yourself. A full bathroom remodels an investment. But when considering the long-term value of having a beautiful space for years to come, it makes sense to invest in quality materials and fixtures.
The right tiles can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your room. So whether you're planning a small project or a major renovation, here's a quick guide to help you choose the best products for your home.
First, choose the flooring type you wish to use. Common choices include ceramics and porcelain as well as stone and natural wooden. The next step is to choose a style. Choose a color combination.
It is important to match the tile to the rest in a large bathroom remodel. For example, you may opt for white subway tile in the kitchen and bath area while choosing darker colors in other rooms.
Next, estimate the scope of work. Is it time to update a small powder room? Do you want to add a walk-in wardrobe to your master bathroom?
Once you have determined the scope of your project, go to local shops and look at samples. You can then get a feel of the product and how it is installed.
Finally, shop online for great deals on ceramic and porcelain tiles. Many sellers offer discounts and free shipping for bulk orders.
What's the difference between a remodel or a renovation?
A remodel is a major change to a room or part of a room. A renovation refers to minor changes made to a particular room or area of a given room. Remodeling a bathroom is a major job, but adding a faucet to the sink is a minor one.
Remodeling is the process of changing a room or part of it. A renovation involves only changing a portion of a room. For example, a kitchen remodel involves replacing counters, sinks, appliances, lighting, paint colors, and other accessories. You could also update your kitchen by painting the walls, or installing new light fixtures.
Are there any savings on a remodel of a bathroom or kitchen.
Remodeling a bathroom and kitchen can be costly. But considering how much money you spend on energy bills each month, it might make more sense to invest in upgrading your home.
Small upgrades can help you save thousands of dollars per year. A few easy changes like adding insulation to ceilings or walls can reduce heating/cooling costs by as much as 30%. Even a small addition can increase comfort and resale values.
When planning for renovations, it is important to select durable and easy-to-maintain products. Solid wood flooring, porcelain tile, and stainless steel appliances last longer than vinyl and laminate countertops and require less maintenance.
It is possible to reduce utility costs by replacing older fixtures with more modern models. By installing low-flow faucets, you can lower your water usage up to half a percent. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with inefficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 75 percent.
How much would it take to gut a house and how much to build a brand new one?
Gutting a home involves removing everything within a building including walls and floors, ceilings as well as plumbing, electrical wiring, appliances, fixtures, and other fittings. It's often necessary when you're moving to a new house and want to make changes before you move in. It is often very costly to gut a home because of all the work involved. Depending on the job, the average cost of gutting a home is between $10,000 and $20,000
A builder builds a home by building a house frame-by-frame, then adds doors, windows, doors and cabinets to the walls. This is usually done after buying a lot of lands. Building a home is typically cheaper than renovating, and usually costs between $15,000-30,000.
It comes down to your needs and what you are looking to do with the space. You will probably have to spend more to gut a house. But if your goal is to build a house, you won't need to disassemble everything and redo everything. You can build it the way you want it instead of waiting for someone else to come in and tear everything up.
What are the most expensive expenses for remodeling a kitchen.
There are several major costs involved in a kitchen remodel. These include demolition, design fees, permits, materials, contractors, etc. These costs seem small when you look at them individually. However, when you add them together, they quickly become quite large.
Demolition is likely to be the most expensive. This includes removing any cabinets, appliances, countertops or flooring. The insulation and drywall must be removed. Then, it is time to replace the items with newer ones.
Next, hire an architect who will draw plans for the space. The permits will be required to ensure the project complies with building codes. The next step is to find someone who will actually do the construction.
Once the job is complete, you will need to pay the contractor. Depending on the size of the job, you could spend between $20,000 to $50,000. This is why it's important to get estimates form multiple contractors before hiring one.
You can sometimes avoid these costs if you plan. You might get better deals on materials and even save some time. It is possible to save money and time by knowing what to do.
Many people install their cabinets by themselves. They believe this will save money, as they won’t have to hire professional installers. The problem is that they usually spend more money trying to figure out how to put the cabinets in place themselves. A job can typically be done in half the time than it would take for you by professionals.
Another way to save money is to buy unfinished materials. Before purchasing pre-finished materials like cabinets, you must wait until all the pieces are assembled. Unfinished materials can be used immediately by you if purchased. If things don't work out as planned, you can always modify your mind later.
Sometimes it is not worth the hassle. Plan is the best way to save on home improvements.
Statistics
- According to a survey of renovations in the top 50 U.S. metro cities by Houzz, people spend $15,000 on average per renovation project. (rocketmortgage.com)
- About 33 percent of people report renovating their primary bedroom to increase livability and overall function. (rocketmortgage.com)
- Attic or basement 10 – 15% (rocketmortgage.com)
- bathroom5%Siding3 – 5%Windows3 – 4%Patio or backyard2 – (rocketmortgage.com)
- $320,976Additional home value: $152,996Return on investment: 48%Mid-range average cost: $156,741Additional home value: $85,672Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
External Links
How To
How to Install Porch Flooring
Although installing porch flooring can be done easily, it is not without some planning. Installing porch flooring is easiest if you lay a concrete slab first. A plywood deck board can be used in place of a concrete slab if you do have limited access. This will allow you to install porch flooring without having to invest in concrete slabs.
Secure the plywood (or subfloor) before you start installing porch flooring. To do this, you must measure the width of the porch and cut two strips of wood equal to the porch's width. These should be placed on each side of the porch. Next, nail the strips in place and attach them on to the walls.
You must prepare the area in which you plan to place the porch flooring after you secure the subfloor. This usually involves cutting the floorboards' top layer to the required size. Finish the porch flooring by applying a finish. Polyurethane is the most common finish. A stain can be applied to porch flooring. Staining is more straightforward than applying a coat of clear paint. After applying the final coat, you just need to sand down the stained areas.
After completing these tasks, it's time to install your porch flooring. Next, mark the spot for your porch flooring. Next, measure the porch flooring and cut it to size. Finally, set the porch flooring in place and fasten it using nails.
You can install porch stairs if you want to add more stability to your porch flooring. Like porch flooring, porch stairs are typically made from hardwood. Some people prefer to add their porch stairs before installing their porch flooring.
Now it's time to finish your porch flooring project. You must first remove your porch flooring and install a new one. You will then need to clean up any debris. Make sure to clean up any dirt and dust around your home.