Can You Convert an Attic Into a Living Space?

When you want to expand, consider looking up instead of out. An attic conversion gives you additional living space without building an addition or moving to a new home.

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How Do You Know if Your Attic Can Be Converted Into a Living Space?

Attics can typically be converted into living spaces, but the project can be costly to comply with building codes. In some homes, the current attic structure might make it difficult or impossible to meet the building codes. To qualify as a living space, your attic must conform to these general building codes:

• Ceiling height:

  While building codes may vary, they typically require a

  minimum ceiling height

  of 7 feet for at least 50% of the room.

• Space:

  You'll typically need to make the space at least 70 square feet.

• Accessibility:

  To qualify as a living space, the attic needs a full-size staircase leading to it.

Keep in mind that your region might have additional requirements or building codes. Your attic also needs to have the structural integrity to handle the conversion.

What Is the Process of Turning an Attic Into a Living Space?

The complete process of converting an attic to a livable space may vary depending on local building codes and how you plan to finish it. However, these steps give you a general idea of what goes into an attic conversion:

• Check on the requirements.

  Ensure your space meets local building codes. Determine what building permits you need to complete the project.

• Plan the attic conversion.

  You may require the help of a general contractor, structural engineer and architect to create the plans and blueprints for the project.

• Improve the structure.

  If the current structure requires additional support, you'll need to complete this work. You may also need to raise the roof, add a dormer, install windows, add stairs or handle other structural changes to accommodate your living space.

• Install mechanicals.

  Your attic likely needs electrical wiring run to it for outlets and lighting. If you're adding a bathroom, you'll have to run plumbing lines to the space. This is also a good time to add your HVAC system to keep the attic at a comfortable temperature.

• Insulate the space. Adding insulation to the attic walls and ceiling also helps with temperature control.

• Add drywall and flooring.

  This creates your finished walls and ceilings and gives you a solid foundation for the room.

• Finish the space.

  The rest of the project involves completing the finishes and any other structures, such as bathroom fixtures.

What Are the Different Types of Attic Conversions?

You can choose from different types of attic conversions based on your space needs and home's structure. Some options include:

Dormer

This type involves adding a dormer, which is a structure coming out of a sloped room, usually with a window.

Velux

If your ceilings are tall enough to meet building codes, you can add windows to the current roof for a simple, inexpensive conversion.

Hip-to-Gable

Homes with sloped hip roofs can be converted by changing the sloped section to a vertical gable roof.

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How Much Does an Attic Conversion Cost?

An attic conversion can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 (CAD 27,082 to CAD 108,327) or more, according to HomeGuide.

If you're only finishing 100 square feet, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 (CAD 6,770 and CAD 20,311) to convert the attic. You can use this as a guideline based on the scope of your project.

The details of the attic conversion affect the final cost. For example, if you turn it into a bedroom, the average cost ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 (CAD 27,082 to CAD 60,934). Creating a primary suite with a bedroom and full bathroom could cost you $50,000 to $100,000 (CAD 67,704 to CAD 135,409).

It also depends on the current structure. For instance, if you already have stairs leading to the attic, you can save money since adding a staircase costs $1,000 to $5,000 (CAD 1,354 to CAD 6,770). Raising your home's roof to make the attic tall enough averages $30,000 to $70,000 (CAD 40,623 to CAD 94,786). If you need to add windows, you can expect to pay $3,000 to $7,000 (CAD 4,062 to CAD 9,479) per egress window.