Evaluating your Attic for a
Loft Conversion

An Attic Conversion is a wonderful way of taking advantage of an often under utilized space that many homeowner's are unaware they have, giving extra livable floor space without altering the overall look of there home.

So for that all important first look, lets get out the ladder and see if your attic is right for a LOFT Conversion.

How the Roof was Built

• Do you see strong frequent rafters going without interruption up to the roof! - it sounds like you have typical rafter framing which is GOOD for attic conversions.

OR

• Do you see smaller rafters with a V shaped support going from the floor joists and connecting up to the rafters, if you do then your roof was built with trusses.

Attic Conversion Rafters & Trusses

Unless sheer determination means you plan to literally raise the roof, you just will NOT be able to work with a roof build with the TRUSSES method of internal support. 

The Attic Roof Height

Measuring from the underside of the roof peak, available height in your attic must be about  7.5 to 8ft.  After the job is done with extra floor joist supports, the new flooring on top and the new ceiling frame in place you should be left with approximately 7ft. If your conversion is solely for storage purposes, the height will not be an issue. Anywhere from  5ft. and up will do depending on the home owners intentions for the space being created. Installing dormer's and Velux Roof windows will help add more livable floor and head space to the area.

Foundation & Supporting Walls

Have a Professional check both the foundations and supporting walls of your home to make sure that they have the strength to carry the additional weight involved when you use your attic or loft as viable living space.

Have the ceiling rafters of your upper floor checked to make sure they are strong enough to act as a supporting floor for your attic conversion. Often with newer builds the attic floor has been built as a roof for the room below and NOT as a supporting floor for the room itself.

Attic Stairs

There are rules for accessing any livable attic space. These regulations are especially strict if the area is to be used as a bedroom, for the purpose of emergency situations.

The best solution for your attic conversion permit is to continue up in the same size and style of your original stairs. 

Usually a small storage room or walk-in closet can be sacrificed to make way for the installation of a stairwell built to code.

If your house passed the basic height requirements and is resting on a solid foundation you should now be in a great position to give Snow's Construction a call, we will be able to finalize whether or not a attic/loft conversion is right for your home.

Other Important Considerations
 

• Fire Escape
   
• Smoke Alarm's
   
• Dormer's
   
• Skylights (Velux roof windows)
   
• Increased Water Pressure (applies to bathroom retro fit only)
   
• New Electrical Wiring (receptacles, computers, phone lines, etc...)
   
• Attic Lighting (pot lights, traditional lighting)
   
• Attic Insulation (isonine, spray in foam)
   
• Heating /Cooling (H-Vac, furnace)
   
• Air Flow/Attic Ventilation (ridge venting)

All of these points are important to the successful outcome of your attic conversion and your city permit acceptance. There are a lot of important details to be considered but with careful planning you will have an ideal and worry free attic/loft conversion. The end result will not only  increase the value of your home but will provide the extra living space needed for you and  your family. ( see LINKS below for more on your attic / loft conversion )