Attics tend to be underutilized spaces in the house that can be turned into much more practical spaces. In the majority of homes, attics are normally used for storage spaces. But, considering the ever-increasing property costs, homeowners are trying to make full use of whatever they have. One of the best ways to add more space to your house is by utilizing the attic. Unfortunately, people tend to avoid it thinking it is an overwhelming process, but you can do it either yourself or hire home addition contractors. Here are some important finishing tips for you to consider that will help you turn your attic into something a lot more appealing.

Assessing The Attic

The first step of the process when it comes to remodeling the attic is assessing it. You need to make sure the attic is suitable for the design you want to implement. One important factor you need to keep in mind is that attics can be fairly complicated spaces as well based on their design and space.

The smaller the space, the more complicated it is to implement a particular design. But, if you have a relatively bigger attic, you will have more space to bring new changes but that will increase the costs as well. Once you have thoroughly assessed the space, you will need to consult an expert who will bring in their expertise as well.

There is a lot of difference between performing an inspection on your own and a professional. The professional will consider factors that you won’t and provide recommendations accordingly. Plus, the building codes can be finicky as well.

The last thing you would want is to face legal troubles and tear down the entire attic just because you ignored the rules. The contractor will ensure there is enough room for people to escape if there is an emergency. The purpose of this entire step is to make sure the attic is not only practical and safe but also blends in with the rest of the house.

Estimating Costs & Defining A Budget

One of the reasons remodeling an attic can be tricky is due to the costs associated. There is no universal attic finishing cost as there are a lot of factors that can both raise and lower the expenses. For instance, personal preferences and needs make a lot of difference in how expensive or budget-friendly the entire process is going to be.

This is why, before you consult a professional, you need to do some homework. This involves thoroughly inspecting the attics for flaws and shortcomings and listing them down. This will give you a clear idea of how much you will need to spend.

Next, you will need to consult an expert who will look at other factors and determine how intense the repairs and replacements are. On the other hand, you need to define the budget as well. Even if you have a sufficient amount to spare, you should still have a number in mind.

Focus On The Important Stuff First

This helps you focus on the necessary stuff rather than being distracted by luxuries and other items. Once you fix the major things, you can focus on adding features and accessories of your choice. This is a universal advice that is important to remember for any remodeling project be it kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or condo remodel McLean.

Heating And Cooling

Heating and cooling is a key factor when it comes to remodeling your attic. Usually, central HVAC systems don’t take care of the attic because attics are commonly unused. So, attics become hot or cool with the outside weather. This is why you need to have a proper system that ensures it allows you to live if needed.

If you want to install a separate air conditioning system, you can install a mini-split air conditioner. However, a better option is to connect the attic to your existing HVAC system. Plus, you will need to add insulation as well. Otherwise, the attic will take a long time to become cool or warm and it will also increase the energy costs.

Attic Accessibility

Attic accessibility will determine how easy or complicated it is for people to access it. If you intend to make it a reading space or an office of some sort, you will need to install stairs along with some safety features allowing stability and traction while people access the space.

On the other hand, if the space is turned into something for the kids such as a study room, you will need to be extra careful about access. You wouldn’t want the kids to slip and fall while accessing or returning from the attic. Make sure you install high-quality stairs along with lights and other features to make corners and other potentially risky areas properly visible.

Fix Cracks & Damages

If your attic has remained unused for all its life, there are probably cracks or damages. It could be due to moisture, humidity, and other factors. This could be problematic if left ignored. This is another reason why you need a professional working alongside you. A professional by using experience and skills, identifies cracks and damages that are very minor.

These cracks and leaks appear over time and continue to grow if left ignored. Fixing them in their initial stages is a lot more beneficial than waiting for things to turn worse and fixing all of them at once. Plus, all the cracks and damages must be fixed for a fresh coat of paint to be done.

How To Find An Expert?

Now comes the part where you need to be a bit cautious and smart. Although, you won’t have a problem finding an expert considering the number of options, but it is about finding the right expert. Everybody can be an expert but not everyone can be both smart and intelligent when it comes to working on attics.

You may come across people who remodel properties but you need to find someone who specializes in remodeling spaces like attics. You may not realize this but attics are more complicated given their size and dimensions. You have to work within the building codes to avoid trouble.

So, the best way to find an expert is by looking for referrals in your social group or contacting the relevant authorities. You should always opt for someone who carries a license and insurance. This means they have gone through the training and possess enough experience to perform attic remodeling tasks.

They might be more expensive than the others but worth the money. Don’t fall for cheap quotes and verbal commitments as they can create more trouble than helping you out.

Conclusion

Finishing an attic can take some time planning and designing. You need to be sure about what goes where and how. The tips mentioned above will surely keep you on track but you need to practice patience as well. Allow a bit of flexibility for unexpected issues and you are all set to go. And, make sure to supervise the process instead of completely relying on the expert. Also, do your research when looking for home addition companies DC so you work with the one that has the best experts.