4 Tips for Finishing an Attic

room at the top Photo: Casey Dunn

A three-corner built-in with a triangular top provides display space and points the way up the new full-height front stairs.

How-To Video

Browse More

How to Insulate an Attic

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate the proper way to insulate an attic

On Newsstands Now

 

In the Magazine


Easy Upgrades That Say Welcome Home

overall kitchen remodel how to build a bar bedroom remodel this old house editor Scott Omelianuk desk and bookshelf

Figure you'll need to beef up the floor, insulate—and more. Here's a look at some building-code basics when it comes to turning attic space into living space.

Access and egress
Code generally requires a full-size staircase with a minimum 6-foot 8-inch clearance above it. For fire safety, there must be two ways out—a second staircase, for example, or a window.

Ceiling height
Any living space requires at least 7 feet of headroom over a floor area of at least 70 square feet, measuring at least 7 feet in each direction. At the Lyons' house, this meant that only a portion of the attic was usable, though some of the low-clearance area was tapped for storage.

Floor support
Attic floors generally need to be reinforced with additional joists and a subfloor. The Lyons used a web of 16-inch-deep engineered trusses to accommodate wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, then topped the plywood subfloor with oak or tile. (Keep in mind that deep trusses will cut into headroom.) "Houses built before 1950, and some built after, may also need foundation work," says architect Stewart Davis, especially if the project involves raising the roof, as the Lyons' did.

Ventilation and insulation
Heat and moisture rise. This often means having to add air-conditioning, ceiling or window fans, and/or windows. The Lyons installed windows at each end of the roof to promote cross-ventilation. A layer of spray foam insulation under the roof and in the walls will help cut their heating and cooling costs.

Photo Gallery: Cottage Remodel

Add new comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, report the comment to us.

1000 characters remaining

Need More Info? Ask a question on Small Space Solutions

Advertisement

This Old House > To Go

  • Add ThisOldHouse to my:
  • Add
Advertisement

See More on Small Space Solutions

AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENT BRAND