In search of a way to free up more space in your home, consider looking up. Your attic could be a part of your home that you’ve neglected up to this point.
An attic can be used as a new room for your growing kids or you could transform into a kind of lounge area where you can sit back and relax. You can do a lot with an attic but before pushing ahead with any plans, you must convert it properly first.
Listed below are some useful tips that will turn a once-neglected attic into one of the best rooms inside your home.
Image by József Kincse
Clean Out Your Attic
Before you do anything else, you have to take part in some much overdue attic cleaning.
Start by emptying the attic of all its contents. While you’re busy removing the attic’s contents, take the time to also decide which items you want to bring back inside.
Next is the actual cleaning.
Vacuum every inch of the floor, clear out space near the ceiling and wipe everything down while you’re in there. As you’re cleaning, make it a point to check if there are spots that may need to be repaired and address them accordingly.
Insulate Your Attic
Insulation is the secret to keeping the new attic/room comfortable regardless of the seasons. You need to invest in attic insulation or else risk making that room uninhabitable during certain stretches of the year.
That means you’ll have to pick a specific type of insulation first.
According to Popular Mechanics, sprayed foam insulation is valued because of its high R-value ratings. Remember that insulating materials with higher R-values are more effective, per the Department of Energy.
The downside to sprayed foam insulation is that it can be quite expensive.
Another option to consider is loose-fill insulation and it works well in attics that are lined with numerous beams and vents. Loose-fill insulation makes use of materials such as cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool. Cellulose is the best variant in terms of R-value but it does present some mold issues.
Choose carefully because you don’t want your insulation investment to go to waste.
Install a Wooden Ceiling
Since someone in your family is going to be staying in your newly converted attic, you’ll want to install a wooden ceiling. Wooden ceilings are spectacular when built correctly and they really help make a room feel cozy.
Wooden ceilings are also preferable because they work as terrific insulators. According to Make It Wood, the air pockets present inside the aforementioned material’s cellular structure allow it to be more effective at insulation when compared to aluminum, masonry, and steel.
Install Wooden Floors
Don’t forget to install wooden floors inside the new attic. We’ve already mentioned some of the reasons why wood is an ideal material to use.
On top of all those reasons, wooden floors also make sense because they are easy to restore. Your floors are going to sustain plenty of wear and tear over the years. By having wooden floors installed, you’ll have an easier time making them look great once the time comes for renovations.
Choose Pieces of Furniture That Suit Your Style
One last thing you’ll want to do when converting an attic into a room is to pick out the right pieces of furniture. There are no real limitations on which pieces you should choose so let your preferences guide you here.
While you’re taking the time to select some furniture, go ahead and pick out some light fixtures as well. The right lighting fixtures can really transform the ambiance inside an attic and make it even more enjoyable to stay in.
It would be a shame if you were never able to fully realize the potential of your home’s attic. By following the tips featured in this article, you won’t have to worry about that happening. Add value to your home and provide a new room for your loved ones to use by working on your attic.
