Is your family growing and the space in your home disappearing as each new child is born? This is a situation that many families face as more children are added to the family. For many families who face this type of a situation the thought of moving to a bigger home is not always a viable option. Therefore, how can a growing family increase the size of their home?
One of the best ways to increase your living area is to venture skyward into the attic. Most families never consider the extra space that can be obtained by converting the attic into an extra room. However, there have been many successful attic conversions that can add an extra bedroom, playroom, study, or recreational area to the home.
One of the main reasons why converting an attic is a good choice is because you already have everything in place. You have the floor, ceiling, and walls already there and ready to go. It is simply a matter of including a few extra pieces of building material and voilà, you have a new room.
Another reason why converting your attic into whatever room you want is because of the value. Converting an attic is a lot cheaper than doing an addition. It will also add value to your home if ever you decide in the future to sell. In fact, a recent magazine reported that you will get up to 80% of your investment back on the cost of converting an attic.
There are however a few things that you should understand before deciding upon this type of conversion. If you plan ahead and do a thorough research, you will save yourself both time and money. A conversion can be done by a professional builder or if you and your mate have a few simple talents, you might be able to do it on your own.
One of the best things that you can do in an attic is add a dormer window. To add a dormer window you will need to know what you are doing. If you do not know how to properly install a dormer window you will need to rely on the services of a professional builder. Do not try to do this if you do not know exactly what you are doing.
One of the advantages of adding a dormer window is that you will dramatically increase the amount of light and fresh air that enters into the attic area. Also, a dormer window is a great place to install a window seat. A place which you can enjoy on a cold, sunny day while reading your favorite book with a mug of hot chocolate.
You need to consider the room below the attic room you are going to convert. For example, if you convert an attic into a playroom and the playroom is above a bedroom, then you may want to also add some sound insulation.
The sound insulation can be added between the attic floor joists or you could install a thick foam pad and carpet to cut down some of the noise. Whatever you decide, just remember that an attic conversion is a great way to increase the size of your home.