In general, attics are used as a storage area. Nonetheless, if you have a garage, its upper part can be used as your storage space instead and turn your attic into a livable space. These days with the economic plunge, every homeowner should look for ways to save every dollar. If your home space is begging to get cramped, instead of moving to a bigger and more expensive home, you can convert your attic into a livable area.
Converting an attic needs your patience and a few weeks of hard work. Below are tips on how to turn your attic into a livable area.
First, you have to clean and remove clutter in the area. Clutter makes the room very unappealing and could even cause health risks. Clean the room for wall to wall and from top to bottom. Depending on the sterilization you need, you have to adjust the cleaning solution to the task. If you need heavy-duty cleaning, use home cleaning remedies such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda.
Deal with mildew issues right away. Do not forget to use protective gear such as gloves and goggles when applying bleach to the affected area. Allow the bleach to sit for thirty minutes and rinse with a TSP solution.
After you have cleaned the room, start painting the ceiling and trimmings with white. Trimmings include the frame for windows, chair rails, crown molding and base. White make the room look streamlined and sophisticated.
Consider the furniture you are going to use and decide what takes up much space. While it is easy to over-accessorize the room and be caught up in the work, do not do this since it will crowd the space and makes the room feel and look tiny.
Proper lighting maximizes the use of the attic. Make it a point to use appropriate lighting and take into consideration what you want to use the room for and work with that idea.
Paint the room with a neutral color like tan. Neutral colors update the look of the room and provides a universal appeal.
Make certain to properly install the electrical outlets. Outlets should be fond in every four or six weeks along walls and computer, phone and television ports as well if you are going to use them in the room.
If the stairs that leads to the attic is just a fold-down ladder or an old stairs, you should replace it with something more aesthetically functional.
If the attic has windows, determine if they are in good quality; otherwise replace them with quality storm windows. If you only have vents in each end of the wall, you can try to cut a new vent.
When you have completed the wiring, begin insulating the ceiling and walls. Choose the highest R ratings of insulation that you can afford. You would need an R-16 rating for walls and an R-30 or more for the ceiling. Be sure to cut each roll into sections, insert between studs using a vapour barrier facing the room interiors, then staple the side flaps of each stud in every six inches.
Notice: In accordance with FTC guidelines, we state that RealEstateProArticles.com has financial relationships with some companies and may be compensated if consumers choose to buy, subscribe or take any action to a product or service via the links on our website. Occasionally, we receive free access to review a product or service. We do not accept compensation in exchange for a positive review. These reviews are strictly the opinions of the author.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.realestateproarticles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
