Converting an attic space over your garage could be a good choice if you're looking for more room in the home. This is easier and cheaper than adding an additional room. It can also give you unique living spaces. Converting an attic is not easy. The most important thing is to apply for a permit.
The local building department should be able help you obtain a permit. The attic must be inspected for any electrical wiring or plumbing. Roof leaks should be checked. An experienced contractor can inspect the attic for you and give advice about remodeling. Ask three contractors for bids and to discuss their services.
Converting an attic will make your house more versatile and will give you more storage. However, this can come at a high cost. Also, keep in mind that this will increase the structural load of your house.
When converting an attic, you will want to make sure you are complying with the proper building codes. These codes are designed to protect you and your family from dangerous situations. Many local jurisdictions require that attic conversions have a specific 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. A permanent staircase is required for attics that can be accessed by a ladder.
Installing dormers is one of the best ways to convert your attic into living space. Dormers are an excellent way to increase the light in your attic. Make sure your attic is properly insulated to match the temperature outside. Installing a skylight is also a possibility.
Attic trusses are a manufactured roof system. Trusses support the ceiling and roof below. The trusses have several triangles within them, which are known as chords and webs. 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.
You can start by creating a list describing your needs for the 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.
After your attic has been prepared for use, you can install flooring and other decor. Because it offers insulation, carpeting is a good choice for attics. Hardwood or particleboard flooring are another choice. Be sure to secure the drywall to the studs, and cover seams with drywall mud.
A proper attic ventilation system is also necessary. This is especially important in warmer regions. An attic can easily reach 140°F on a sunny afternoon. UV radiation can destroy cardboard and other materials in the attic. Consider adding a skylight for natural lighting.
FAQ
How can you tell if your house needs renovations or a remodel?
You should first check to see if your home has had any recent updates. A renovation may be a good idea if there have been no updates for several years. You might also consider a remodel if your home is brand new.
You should also check the condition of your home. A renovation is recommended if you find holes in your drywall, peeling wallpaper, or cracked tiles. It's possible to remodel your home if it looks good.
Another factor to consider is the general state of your home. Are the structural integrity and aesthetics of your home? Do the rooms look nice? Are the floors in good condition? These questions are important when deciding which type of renovation you should go through.
What is included in a full-scale kitchen remodel?
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.
A full kitchen remodel allows homeowners to update their kitchens without having to do any major construction. This means there is no need to tear down the kitchen, making the project more manageable for both the homeowner as well as the contractor.
There are many services that can be done to your kitchen, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, and carpentry. A complete kitchen remodeling project may require multiple contractors depending on the size of the job.
A team of professionals is the best way to ensure that a kitchen remodel runs smoothly. 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.
What should I do with my current cabinets?
It depends on whether you're considering selling your home or renting it out. If you intend to sell your home, you will likely need to remove and refinish cabinets. This gives buyers a feeling of newness and allows them to visualize their kitchens when they move in.
The cabinets should be left alone if you intend to rent your home. Tenants often complain about having to clean up dishes and fingerprints from previous tenants.
You could also paint the cabinets to give them a fresh look. Be sure to use high quality primer and paint. Low-quality paints are susceptible to fading over time.
Which order should you renovate the house?
First, the roof. The second, the plumbing. Third, the electrical wiring. Fourth, the walls. Fifth, the floors. Sixth, the windows. Seventh, the doors. Eighth, the kitchen. Ninth, the bathrooms. Tenth, garage.
Finally, after all this work is done, you'll have everything you need to get into the attic.
Hire someone to help you if you don't have the skills necessary to renovate your home. Renovating your own house takes time, effort, and patience. It can also be expensive. So if you don't feel like putting in the hours or the money, then why not let someone else do the hard work for you?
Renovations aren't cheap, but they can save you tons of money in the long run. You will enjoy a more peaceful life if you have a beautiful house.
What is the difference of a remodel and renovation?
Remodeling is the major alteration to a space or a part of a space. A renovation is a minor alteration to a space or part of a place. A bathroom remodel can be a large project while an addition to a sink faucet can be a small project.
Remodeling involves replacing a complete room or a part of a entire room. A renovation is simply a change to a specific part of a space. A kitchen remodel might include the replacement of countertops, sinks as well as appliances, lighting, and other accessories. But a kitchen update could include painting the wall color or installing a new light fixture.
What are the top expenses associated with remodeling a Kitchen?
A few key costs should be considered when planning a kitchen remodeling project. These include demolition, design fees, permits, materials, contractors, etc. They seem quite small when we consider each of these costs separately. However, when you combine them all, they quickly add-up to become very large.
Demolition is likely to be the most expensive. This includes the removal of old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. The insulation and drywall must be removed. Then, it is time to replace the items with newer ones.
Next, hire an architect who will draw plans for the space. You will need permits to ensure your project meets the building codes. The final step is to find someone to carry out the actual construction.
Finally, after the job is completed, you must pay the contractor. Depending on the size of the job, you could spend between $20,000 to $50,000. This is why it's important to get estimates form multiple contractors before hiring one.
You can sometimes avoid these costs if you plan. You may be able get better material deals or to skip some of the work. You can save money and time if you are clear about what you need to do.
People often try to install their cabinets themselves. They believe this will save money, as they won’t have to hire professional installers. They often spend more trying to install cabinets themselves. A job can typically be done in half the time than it would take for you by professionals.
Another way to save is to purchase unfinished materials. You must wait until the cabinets are fully assembled before purchasing pre-finished material. You can immediately use unfinished materials if you purchase them. Even if it doesn't go according to plan, you can always change your mind later.
Sometimes, though, it doesn't make sense to go through all of this. It is important to plan your home improvement projects in order to save money.
Statistics
- 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)
- 55%Universal average cost: $38,813Additional home value: $22,475Return on investment: 58%Mid-range average cost: $24,424Additional home value: $14,671Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- Attic or basement 10 – 15% (rocketmortgage.com)
- Windows 3 – 4% Patio or backyard 2 – 5% (rocketmortgage.com)
- About 33 percent of people report renovating their primary bedroom to increase livability and overall function. (rocketmortgage.com)
External Links
How To
How to Remove Tile Grout from Floor Tiles
Most people are unaware of tile grouting. It is used in sealing joints between tiles. There are many different types of grout today. Each has its own purpose. This article will teach you how to remove tile grout off floor tiles.
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Before you start this process, make sure that you have all the necessary tools. It is a good idea to have a grout knife, grout scraper, as well as some rags.
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Now you need to start cleaning off any dirt or debris stuck under the tile. Use the grout cutter to cut away at the grout and gently scrape away any loose pieces. You must be careful not to scratch any tiles.
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After cleaning everything, take out the grout scraper. Use it to clean up any grout left behind. If no grout is left over, you can proceed to step 4.
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Once you've done all of the cleaning, you can move onto the next step. You can now take one of the rags, and soak it in some water. The rag should be completely dampened. To ensure that the rag does not absorb water, dry it.
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Place the wet paper towel at the joint of the tile and wall. The grout will begin to crumble if you press down hard on the rag. Slowly pull the rag toward you, and keep pulling back and forth until all of the grout is gone.
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Repeat steps 4 to 5 until grout is gone. Rinse the ragout. Repeat the process if necessary.
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When you are done removing grout, clean the tiles using a damp cloth. Let dry completely.