Converting Attics Basements Or Garages To Living Space

A guide to convert attic space to living space.

Converting attics basements or garages to living space.

Think of load as weight that additional load at the top of your house was not planned for structurally when your home was built. Today s homeowner serves cookies to analyze traffic and better serve you. Depending on the scope of work your project may also require electrical plumbing or mechanical permits. A building permit is required to convert attics basements or garages to living space.

Converting an attic into a living space is a great method of adding another room to the house but it is not a job for the average diy person. Whether you envision your house s top floor as an away from it all master suite a quiet home office or a kids hangout don t lift a finger until you ve read toh s expert advice. The wiring is often sufficient. You ll need a skilled contractor for either project.

Download pdf file converting attics basements and garages to living space 476 21 kb printable information provides information for homeowners who want to increase livable space in their single family homes by converting an attic basement or garage or who want to legalize existing space that was converted without permits. The bureau of development services sells a residential combination permit package. A garage conversion can be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to add living space to a home. In order to turn your attic space into living space the ceilings must be 7 feet from the floor.

Depending on the scope of work your project may also require electrical plumbing or mechanical permits. If your attic isn t 7 feet you could lower the floor or raise the attic height. 14 expert tips for finishing your attic remodel whether you re converting it into a living space or a more functional space. Basics of converting a garage to living space.

Add enough window space to provide for natural light and air. In some municipalities this means 5 1 2 square feet or a percentage of the total garage space. Converting an attic has house wide structural implications. If the garage is attached to the house the entry already exists.

Technical issues such as locating a safe staircase and the distribution of additional joists required to accommodate the new load bearing and stress factors. The foundation walls and roof are already in place. Turning that attic into living space is going to add some previously unaccounted for load upstairs. While converting an unused basement attic or garage into additional living space is a popular option careful planning is needed to prevent potential problems.

This may be difficult to do if you are also raising floor height.