Adding Up: An Attic Conversion Planning Guide

If your family is growing and you need extra space, or you would simply like to expand with a home office or hobby room, you might be considering a room addition. However, with the cost of a room addition ranging in the tens of thousands of dollars, it may be wise to first take a look at your attic and see if it can qualify for an attic conversion.

Be Aware of Rules & Regulations

As with most building projects, there are a multitude of building codes and regulations to consider before doing an attic conversion. They may vary slightly from place to place, so be sure to ask your Callen representative about building codes for your community.

• Adequate space. Your attic room should have at least 70 square feet of floor space, with half of the usable space having a ceiling height of at least five feet, and the other half being 7-7.5 feet or higher. There must be at least seven feet of floor space in each direction, so the room at minimum should be 7’ x 10’.
• Strong floors. For your attic floor to be strong enough to support a habitable room, it must be able to bear a load capacity of 30 pounds per square foot. Callen, the leading remodeling company in Milwaukee, is familiar with and responsible for following the codes that will ensure a strong floor.
• Safe stairs. An attic being used as a living space must have a structurally sound staircase to allow access to it. It must be at least 36″ wide, with treads 9.5-10″ deep. Risers should be 7¼- 7¾” high, and the stairs must allow for 80″ or more of headspace.
• Exit points. In addition to stair access, an attic must have another point of egress to meet fire safety codes, which means that you will need a window that can be opened in case of an emergency. The size and placement of attic windows is regulated and local codes must be consulted before installing.

If you think your attic may be a candidate for a conversion and you’re looking for advice from the best remodeling company in Lake Country, look no further than Callen. We know the codes and will have you well on your way to a new living space before you know it! Call us today at 414-529-5509.