- 1). Consult your local zoning board to learn the building codes you must follow during construction. It's important to begin with this, as it can greatly influence the design of the attic and your intended use for it. For instance, some municipalities require that an attic living space have multiple exits in case of fire, as well as a full staircase -- the pull-down ladder might not pass muster.
- 2). Design the new attic. If the attic is already structurally complete in the sense that no major construction is necessary, you can design the attic yourself by sketching it out on paper or by using a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Google SketchUp is a free CAD program that you can download onto your computer. If major work is needed, such as constructing a staircase, hiring an architect is an option to consider.
- 3). Construct an entrance and emergency exit to the attic if necessary. Building a full staircase to replace a pull-down ladder entrance is a major project which can be extremely challenging for a do-it-yourself homeowner, so you may be better off hiring a contractor for this part of the project. Install an emergency-exit system as well. This can involve constructing a second staircase, but this may not be possible due to space and money issues. Instead, you can purchase an emergency escape ladder, which folds up and fits inside the wall underneath a window.
- 4). Insulate the attic. Install rolled fiberglass insulation along the roof between the rafters, and inspect the insulation between the floor boards. If it has become compacted, replace it, as insulation becomes less effective when it is compressed. You can use rolled fiberglass for this, but loose-fill insulation may work better, as it allows you to fill all of the crevices in the attic more easily than fiberglass rolls do. If you need to add more floor joists), add the floor insulation after the new joists have been installed.
- 5). Build a floor for the attic. If the attic is completely unfinished, the "floor" may consist only of ceiling joists with insulation in between. If this is the case, you must build a subfloor over the ceiling joists. Another issue with the flooring is the spacing of the joists, especially in older homes. The common spacing standard for joists is 16 inches, but in the past it was often 24 inches. In order to provide extra support for the attic floor, you may have to install additional joists between the existing joists. After the joists have been installed, cover them with sheets of 1/2-inch plywood to form the subfloor.
- 6). Install new windows for the attic. This not only provides natural light, it also helps to ventilate the attic. Cut holes through the walls and construct a frame in the wall for each window, again following local building codes. Install the new windows, making sure that you seal them properly to prevent leaks.
- 7). Install ventilation for the attic. This can involve extending your home's HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to the attic, or installing a ceiling fan to help circulate the air.
- 8). Complete any necessary electrical work. Installing new light fixtures or a ceiling fan to existing wiring is something that you can do yourself (if you're comfortable with electrical work), but if you're running a new electrical line to your home's main box, hire an electrician to install it. Not only is it highly dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, but many localities require that it be completed by a certified professional.
- 9). Construct storage systems in the attic. The first choice for many people is a full-size closet, but you can also take advantage of the cramped spaces along the sides of the attic by building drawers or cabinets in those spaces.
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Finish the walls by screwing drywall panels to the roof rafters, then covering the joints between the different panels with joint compound and drywall tape. Apply one coat of primer to the drywall, followed by two coats of paint. - 11
Install the new floor surface. Options include carpet, hardwood flooring and tile.
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