If you are looking to create more room in your home, converting an attic space above your garage may be the best choice. It's less costly and time-consuming than building an addition. It can also give you unique living spaces. Converting an attic is not easy. The first step is to get a permit.
Your local building department should be able to help you get a permit. Additionally, you will need to inspect your attic for electrical and plumbing wiring. You should inspect your roof for leaks. A licensed contractor is able to inspect your attic. He or she can also offer advice regarding remodeling. Ask for quotes from three contractors and ask about the services they offer.
Converting your attic into storage space will increase the versatility of your home and give you more storage. But, the cost can be high. You should also remember that you are increasing the structural load on your home.
If you're converting an attic you need to ensure you adhere to the appropriate building codes. These codes are intended to protect you and your family against dangerous situations. Local jurisdictions often require attic conversions to have a certain height and floor plan. They should have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet and a livable attic floor area of 70 square feet. Permanent staircases are required for those attics which cannot be reached via a ladder.
Dormers are a practical way to transform an attic into a living space. Dormers can be a great way for your attic to get more light. Make sure your attic is properly insulated to match the temperature outside. You might also consider adding a skylight to your attic.
Attic trusses are a manufactured roof system. Trusses are designed to support the roof above and the ceiling below. Trusses contain several small triangles, known as webs or chords. It is not an easy task to transform an attic or loft into a room with trusses. However, it can be very rewarding in the end.
Make a list of what you need for your attic. Perhaps you need to create a separate room for your kids' playroom or store the space. If seasonal items clutter up your closet, it might be worth considering storing them in the attic.
Once your attic's ready to use, it is time to put in flooring and other decor. It provides insulation and is a great choice for an attic. Particle board or hardwood flooring are another option. You should secure the drywall to studs. Also, cover seams using drywall mud.
Finally, you will need a proper attic ventilation system. This is especially important for warmer climates. On a sunny day, an attic can reach 140 degrees. UV radiation can damage cardboard and other materials. So, consider adding a skylight to increase natural lighting.
FAQ
What is it worth to tile a bathroom?
If you're going to do it yourself, you might as well go big. A full bathroom remodel is considered an investment. When you consider the long-term benefit of having a beautiful space for many years, it is a smart decision to invest in quality fixtures and materials.
The right tiles will make a big difference in the way your room feels and looks. Here's how to choose the right tiles for your home, regardless of whether it's a small renovation or major project.
First, you need to choose which flooring material you want. The most common options are ceramics, stone, porcelain, and natural timber. Next, pick a style like classic subway tiles or geometric designs. Choose a color combination.
It is important to match the tile to the rest in a large bathroom remodel. For example, you might opt for white subway tile in your kitchen or bath and choose darker colors elsewhere.
Next, decide the scope of the project. Is it time for a small update to the powder room? Or, would you rather have a walkin closet in your master bedroom?
After you have established the project's scope, it is time to visit local stores and view samples. This way, you can get a feel for the product and its installation techniques.
You can also shop online to find great deals on porcelain and ceramic tiles. Many retailers offer discounts for bulk purchases and free shipping.
What is the difference between building a new home and gutting a current one?
The process of gutting a house involves removing all contents inside the building. This includes walls, floors and ceilings, plumbing, electrical wiring and appliances. It's often necessary when you're moving to a new house and want to make changes before you move in. Because of the many items involved in gutting a house, it is usually very costly. Depending on what job you do, the average cost for gutting a house is $10,000 to $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 often done after purchasing lots of land. Building a home can be cheaper than gutting. It usually costs around $15,000-$30,000.
It all depends on what you plan to do with your space. If you are looking to renovate a home, it will likely cost you more as you will be starting from scratch. 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 should I do about my cabinets?
It depends on whether your goal is to sell or rent out your house. If you are planning on selling, you might want to take out and refinish the cabinets. This gives buyers the illusion of brand-new cabinets and helps them visualize their kitchens after they have moved in.
The cabinets should be left alone if you intend to rent your home. Many renters complain about the dishes that are dirty and the greasy fingerprints left by tenants.
The cabinets can be painted to look fresher. Be sure to use high quality primer and paint. Low-quality paints can become brittle over time.
Why remodel my house when I could buy a new home?
Although houses are getting cheaper each year, you still have to pay the same amount for the same square footage. You will pay more for the extra square footage, even though you might get more bang for you buck.
It is less expensive to maintain a house that does not require much maintenance.
Remodeling your home instead of purchasing a new one can save you hundreds.
By remodeling your current home, you can create a unique space that suits your lifestyle. You can make your home more welcoming for you and your loved ones.
How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?
Remodeling a bathroom typically takes two weeks to finish. However, it all depends on how big the project is. Some jobs, such installing a vanity and adding a shower stall, can take only a couple of days. Larger jobs, like removing walls, installing tile floors and fitting plumbing fixtures, may take several days.
The rule of thumb is that you should allow three days for each room. For example, if you have four bathrooms you would need twelve days.
What are the included features in a full remodel of your kitchen?
A complete kitchen renovation involves more than simply replacing the sink and faucet. You can also get cabinets, countertops or appliances, as well as flooring and plumbing fixtures.
Full kitchen remodels allow homeowners to modernize their kitchens without the need for major construction. This allows the homeowner to update their kitchens without having to demolish any existing structures, making it easier for the contractor as well.
Kitchen renovations include various services, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and drywall installation. Depending on how extensive your kitchen renovation is, you may need multiple contractors.
The best way to ensure a kitchen remodel goes smoothly is to hire professionals with experience working together. Many moving parts can cause delays in kitchen remodels. If you choose a DIY approach, make sure you plan and have a backup plan in place in case things go wrong.
Statistics
- bathroom5%Siding3 – 5%Windows3 – 4%Patio or backyard2 – (rocketmortgage.com)
- 57%Low-end average cost: $26,214Additional home value: $18,927Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- Windows 3 – 4% Patio or backyard 2 – 5% (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)
- 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)
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How To
How do you plan a bathroom on a budget?
It is important to be able to afford any remodeling project. How will you pay for it later if your budget isn't available now?
Planning and understanding the costs of a bathroom remodel requires meticulous planning. Bathroom remodeling can be very expensive. There are many factors that influence the cost.
One of the biggest expenses is labor. Labor costs can vary depending on whether the job is large or small and whether you use a professional contractor. A professional contractor will charge more an hour than a DIYer due to their experience and expertise.
Materials are another large expense. Prices per square foot can vary depending upon the type of material.
Finally, there is the cost of energy. This includes both electric and gas bills. Peak demand is when energy costs are most high.
Also, consider how much time it will take to complete the project. Bathroom renovations generally require a lot of time and patience. Some projects take weeks while others take months.
Beyond these three categories, there are many smaller items, such as paint, wallpaper or flooring, that add to the overall cost of the project.
Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision about how to approach your bathroom remodeling job.
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Determine your Budget - Before you begin any remodeling project, it is important to determine what you can afford. It doesn't matter whether you believe you can afford it. Setting a realistic budget is key to knowing where you stand financially.
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Plan Ahead: If you can, plan for your bathroom remodel to take place in the off-season. You'll be able to save money heating and cooling your home in the winter months due to lower energy usage. Even better, consider scheduling your remodel during the night when less people are using the restroom.
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Shopping around - Once you've established your budget, start looking at potential vendors. Many different options are available to you, including local businesses, online retailers, and even friends and family members who may be willing to work with you on the project.
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Contact Each Vendor Individually to Get an Estimate You want to make sure you get multiple quotes to ensure you are getting competitive pricing.
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Get Multiple Estimates - After receiving your initial estimates, you should compare them against one another to see which vendor offers the lowest price. Once you have found this vendor, you should ask them to provide you with a written estimate.
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You should include all costs in your estimate. Particularize on any fees, taxes, permits or other requirements that may be applicable to your area.
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Pay attention to the little details when planning your bathroom remodel. Is it necessary to replace the toilet? Is there room for a shower curtain rod? These adjustments can easily raise the cost of the project.
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Insurance is a must - You should check with your insurer to confirm that you have enough coverage. You could end up paying more if you don't.
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Hire a professional - After your bathroom remodel is completed, hire a professional installer to finish the job. Although you may be capable of doing the job yourself it is easier to hire someone to do it correctly.