Transform Your Attic: Creative Ideas for Adding Usable Space to Your Home

Creative Ideas for Adding Usable Space to Your Home

Are you looking to create usable space in your home? Here are five creative ways to transform your attic. 

Many homeowners convert their attics into living or storage spaces. Like any other home renovation project, converting your attic is a large project that you should consider carefully. 

Depending on what you're doing with the room, you may need a building permit to add electrical wiring or ventilation and change the structure of your home. If your attic doesn't have ductwork, you'll need to figure out how your current HVAC system can support an additional room. Nevertheless, you should contact an expert before starting this project.

Before anything, you must check available space dimensions to ensure you comply with building codes. This will vary greatly depending on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is to ensure there are at least 70. sq. ft. of floor space, at least seven ft. by ten ft. in dimensions, and at least half of the floor space must clear a ceiling height of 7 1/2 ft. 

The following ideas for your attic can be intertwined. For example, a playroom can double as a reading nook and extra storage. The best thing to do is buy multi-use furniture, like bedframes or couches with storage underneath. 

No matter what you want to do with your attic space, we recommend talking with a professional builder first. They can help you understand what is possible with your space. Here are some creative ways to transform your home and attic once you know what is achievable. 

Keep reading to learn all about transforming your attic into a usable space. 

1. Cozy Bedroom

Whether or not you need an extra bedroom, attic space can create the perfect cozy oasis. Turning the space into a bedroom can be used as a guest, children, or your own bedroom.

There are several ways to create a cozy bedroom space. The key is to optimize your space, which can be done by adding skylights, carpet, windows, and a low bedframe. 

Skylights and windows will add natural light and give the illusion of a taller ceiling. A low bedframe, carpet, or rug will create an inviting and intimate environment. 

In addition, you should opt for light colors to optimize space. Similar to how neutral paint colors can help sell your home, they can also make it a better living space. Neutral colors are not limited to greys, whites, and cream colors. You can use light or pastel paints to create the same effect.

Remember that these are recommendations, but this is your home and room. In the end, all the decorating is completely up to you. In addition, an attic conversation is one of the most expensive projects to undertake if you are starting from scratch, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). 

2. Home Office

With the influx of homeowners working from home, it might be time for you to create your dream home office, and what better place than your finished attic? Working from home can be hard if you have kids or pets walking around. An attic gives you the perfect space away from the noise and distractions to get your work done. 

Creating an office with attic space is great because you don't need much room for large furniture like a bed. Depending on what you do for work, you most likely just need space for a desk or two. 

If you opt for a home office, first ensure you have sufficient outlets and a reliable internet connection. If you have trouble with a reliable internet connection, consider installing a mesh WiFi system.

A mesh WiFi system can provide consistent connection throughout the home. You or a professional can place additional "satellite" units around your home. Avoid placing the main router in the attic due to potential interference from insulation and metal. 

If the attic is currently a nonliving space, then you will need a building permit to convert it into an actual room. However, this applies to any type of space you want to use the attic for. 

3. Reading Nook

Similar to an office space, a cozy reading nook is a great idea for a small space. Depending on how much space you have or want to use, you will not need a lot of big furniture. 

In order to create the perfect relaxing reading nook, all you need is comfortable seating, ambiance, and personal decorations. You can use extra wall space for vertical storage to create a personal library. 

Definitely invest in a comfortable armchair or couch. You'll want furniture that invites you to sit for hours. You can curate a natural ambiance by positioning the sitting chair near a window or reading lamp. Depending on the number of readers in your home, you probably don't need more than two places to sit. 

Once you gather the perfect furniture, you can start adding personal touches. Add family pictures, books, and artwork, and throw blankets and pillows. This will make the space 100x more comfortable and inviting. 

If you don't have an eye for decorating, you can still create a good reading nook by using helpful apps like Pinterest. Here, you can find plenty of inspiration from decorating to furniture to wall colors. In addition, TaskRabbit and Angi's List are great resources for finding local service providers like interior decorators. 

4. Storage Space

Every home could use more storage. However, most homeowners want more than a small, unfished attic space that collects dust. You can maximize storage solutions with some organization and creativity. 

Wall shelves and storage units are the perfect addition to a small space. You can contact a professional to create custom shelving to fit any awkward angles and sloped ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or floating shelves are a relatively affordable and doable project if you don't have a lot of construction experience. 

Any built-in furniture is perfect for a small space. You can add window seats, bench seating, or a customized wardrobe in combination with extra storage. These furniture additions typically include storage underneath. This is a great solution for those who want a functional space with multiple uses. 

Another option if you have a lower budget is basket sets. If you need easy access without a cluttered room, baskets can add texture to the room while keeping the space clean. You can buy different types of baskets based on your personal preferences. 

All in all, it is your space, but there are many different ways to create more storage in your attic. Whether you want a multi-use space or furniture is up to you. There are many ways to create extra storage while keeping the room tidy. 

5. Play Space

As a homeowner with kids, there are never enough spaces for the children to play. Whether you already have a playroom or not, extra space for the kids to hang out is never bad. 

Like any of these other options, a play space will need insulation, structural evaluation, electrical wiring, proper ventilation, and safe access. As a playroom, safety should be an even bigger priority. Consider adding safety gates at the bottom or top of the stairs or padding along low ceilings. 

As a space for the kids, you can paint the walls with fun and bright colors. Consider painting the ceiling with lighter shades to create the illusion of more space. While decorating, remember not to go overboard. As a play space, you need extra room for playing.

Vertical or floor-to-ceiling shelves are a great addition to store all the toys and minor decorations. This way, the kids can easily access their toys but can also put them away for room to play. 

When it comes to flooring, add carpet to minimize the noise level that can be heard in the rooms below. A playspace is one of the best uses of an attic, as you won't have to wonder where the kids are and can easily hear them if need be. If the room can only be accessed by a latter, then you need to build stairs for the safety of your children. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about transforming your attic into a usable space. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• Angie's List
• The National Association of Realtors (NAR)

FAQ: Transforming Your Attic Into a Usable Space

Here are some commonly asked questions about transforming your attic into a usable space. 

Can you make an attic usable?

Yes, it is always possible to make an attic usable, whether you want it as a storage or living space. Depending on how large the room is, you may need a structural engineer to assess and design the space. 

How much does it cost to convert an attic into a living space?

According to Angie's List, the cost to finish an average-sized attic will range from $7,500 to $35,000. The price will depend heavily on the builder, space size, and design. 

What is the 7 and 7 rule for attics?

The 7 and 7 rule for attics means that a finished attic must have at least seven feet of height from floor-to-ceiling, seven feet wide from wall to wall, and be at least 70 square feet. If the room is smaller than these dimensions, you may be unable to use it as a living space. 

Do you need permission to convert an attic?

Depending on your Homeowners Association rules, you are typically not required permission to convert an attic. Before making significant changes to your home, it is recommended to speak with your HOA to inquire about any limits or conditions. 

Is it worth converting an attic?

Similarly to any other home renovation, it is worth converting an attic if you are planning on staying in the home for a while. A converted attic will increase your home's value if you decide to sell later. 

Transforming Your Attic - The Bottom Line

While deciding the perfect way to transform your attic space, you will need permission from your town's buildings department. If the space already has flooring, a window, and electrical wiring, you can start creating the perfect room immediately. However, if it is a nonliving space, it could be a much longer and more expensive endeavor. 

In addition, you need to check local codes for safety topics like staircases, heights, and egress requirements. While this may seem like a lot of work, the potential benefits are worth it. The benefits include extra space, increased home value, and increased living space. 

If you find that the benefits outweigh the cons, then it is time to decide what to do with your space. The great part about all of these options is they are customizable. If, down the road, you find yourself needing an office instead of a bedroom, you can always change it up. Check out finishing basements as well if you are considering adding more room to your home. 

As you search for your next home, Raleigh, NC, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, with many stunning neighborhoods to choose from. Feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect location. We know that investing can be overwhelming, but a real estate agent can walk you through the entire process.