Building Into Attic Space

Here s a look at some building code basics when it comes to turning attic space into living space.

Building into attic space.

If your attic is shorter than this you can lower the ceiling on the. Don t be afraid to use a large sofa in a small space. Turning an attic into a room can add value to your home and additional living space for your family. If you have an attic shorter than required by code you won t be able to remodel it into living space.

To pass code there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or. An l shaped sectional provides plenty of seating to enjoy the fire. Many older homes were built with steep pitched roofs and plenty of available height that makes attic conversion easy and inexpensive. Other model building code citations for attic access stairways 2009 ibc commercial construction requirement for attic space access.

Building code often requires stairway access to the attic if the space is to. Other structural issues are also factors including whether there is adequate space to install a stairway to the attic. The first is your ceiling height. But the second you turn your attic into living space it s a whole new ballgame.

More seating will make the room seem bigger and it provides more functionality. To be classified as a livable space your floor to ceiling height will have to be at least 7 feet. For fire safety there must be two ways out a second staircase for example or a window. Because local codes vary your building inspector can provide a list of applicable codes and required inspections for your new attic bedroom.

Access and egress code generally requires a full size staircase with a minimum 6 foot 8 inch clearance above it. The stairs have to be wide enough to handle a dresser or sofa but also have a large enough landing to handle the turn at the top. There are projects that you can build into your renovation to meet building code which qualifies your attic for conversion into a living space. An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches 559 mm by 762 mm shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches 762 mm.

Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house. A freestanding midcentury modern fireplace fits nicely into the corner of this attic apartment.