It’s a dream of having your attic become an extra bedroom either for your kids or guests; it’s essential to plan it out and perform the conversion work. Though attic conversion is quite a common home improvement task in Australia, it’s not as easy as placing up new walls and adding up some new floors. It needs thorough planning and trusted experts to get things done.
But don’t worry, make sure to hire professionals to leave the working task to them. If you hire the right workers for your attic conversion, it can be as simple as you may think. Remember, a well-built and created attic bedroom would be worth your investment and effort.
Building Codes
Note that regulations and codes may vary from country to country; however, most attic conversion building codes need the following:
- At least 70 sq. ft. of floor space, because you don’t want to have a room designed for relaxation to feel cramped
- A minimum of 7 ft. in each direction, meaning, the size of the new bedroom should be at least 7’x10’. A small attic with the size of 3.5’x20’ isn’t a comfortable room, to begin with. The aim for suitable floor space is to give access to people to use exit in case of emergencies immediately
- A minimum of 50% of the ceiling should have at least 7.5 ft. High. This size can make sure that people have enough space to stand without hitting their head on the attic roof
- A stable and full-size staircase. Having this kind of staircase can avoid possible accidents and allow a speedy exit in times of emergencies. Other codes require the stairs to have at least 6’8’’ headroom; 10” deep threads, and lastly, 7.25’’ high risers
- Windows also have required systems for window exit to make the available space more secure and safe.
Your chosen contractor will inspect the regulation code in your area and discuss all the necessary improvements you need to create for your future bedroom safe and compliant. Also, they will help to make the process easier and acquire any required building permits.
Insulation
If you tend to ignore your attic’s insulation, then it’s now time for you to give extra time for that. Proper insulation helps to maintain electricity bills to a minimum cost because it blocks all the outdoor conditions from affecting your home’s indoor temperatures.
Also, the insulation process is vital to the comfort of the residents. Since you’re going to create a new bedroom in the attic, insulation must be secured, adequate, and tight. Or else, no residents would get a comfort sleep there. So, hiring insulation specialists is a must before making your attic into another bedroom.
Different Sign of Inadequate Insulation
Below are the following signs that your attic needs insulation upgrade:
- Ice Dams: If you see sharp icicles lining on the roof every winter, then your attic insulation might have irregularities happenings. Ice dams are produced when the snow from your roof that covers it gets flows, melts and drips. The water freezes as it reaches a colder area of the roof, which can result from an ice build-up on the ridges
- Increase in Energy Bills: When you haven’t added any electrical appliance, and you see a sudden spike in your bill, then probably something is happening from the house insulation
- Water Leaks: Moisture can seeps in through insulation, which can cause water damage and the start of a viable home for molds and mildew.
Have it check by insulation specialists, so you can know if there’s any problem that persists in your house before deciding to have an attic conversion.
