Are you considering remodeling your attic but aren’t quite sure where to start? An attic remodel can be a great way to add extra space and value to your home. But before you start your project, it’s important to know what to expect. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about attic remodels, including the potential return on investment, the typical costs involved, the timeline you can expect, and any code requirements that’ll need to be followed. Additionally, we’ll offer some tips for ensuring a successful and stress-free project. Whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom, a home office, or simply dust-free storage space, this blog will help you get started on the right foot.
I. Benefits of an Attic Remodel
The value of attic remodels goes far beyond the Return on Investment. They can add great convenience and comfort to a growing home, but they can also be useful for storage, a home office, or a reading nook. The possibilities are endless! Read on to discover the benefits of an attic remodel.
Increased Living Space
Added living space is an amazing benefit to remodeling your attic. The possibilities for added living space are endless. The extra space can be used for purposes that serve your work life, home life, or hobbies. These may include a home office, a play room or teenage hangout, or a reading nook. While there are different types of attic remodels, converting your unused attic to livable space is the best way to get the most use out of your attic and add the most value to your home. It is also possible that your family is outgrowing your current home, but otherwise it has everything you need. Remodeling your attic and converting it to a bedroom would be a perfect solution to accommodate a growing family. Overall, attic remodels are great ways to add comfort and space to your home.
High Return on Investment
Attic remodels yield a high return on investment. Because they are adding livable square footage to the home, the value of your home will go up significantly. The ROI for an attic remodel in North Carolina may vary based on several factors such as location, size of the project, materials used, and the current real estate market conditions. However, you can expect to recoup anywhere between 55% and 75% of the cost of your remodel.
Increased Functionality
Attic remodels are also wonderful ways to increase the functionality of your home. Converting your attic to a home office will allow you to work productively and comfortably from home. Similarly, a play room or teenage hangout will give children more space to play and teenagers more privacy in comparison to other rooms in the house. Attic remodels can also improve the functionality of your home by serving your hobbies and interests. These projects can look more like workout rooms, gaming rooms, reading nooks, home theaters, the list could go on. The added living space gives you free reign to design your attic in the best way that it will suit your lifestyle.
II. Timeframe
Because attic remodels are highly dependent on the scope of work and the condition of your space, the timeframe can vary significantly. A general timeframe for an attic remodel can take anywhere from 3-7 weeks in length. A 3-week remodel may look like simply finishing an attic whereas a bedroom and bathroom conversion could be upwards of 7 weeks in length. Here is a general outline of the process and the timeframe for each step.
- Demolition: 1-2 days
- Framing: 1-2 days
- Electrical: 2-3 days
- Plumbing (If Applicable): 2-3 days
- HVAC: 2-3 days
- Mechanical Inspections: 2-3 days
- Framing Inspection: 1-2 days
- Insulation: 1-2 days
- Insulation Inspection: 1-2 days
- Sheetrock: 3-4 days
- Flooring: 1-2 days
- Trim: 1-2 days
- Paint: 1-2 days
- Fixtures, Shelving, etc.: 1-2 days
- Final Inspection: 1-2 days
Image Source: The Spruce
III. Cost
Similarly to the timeframes of an attic remodel, the cost ranges significantly depending on the extent of the project and the current condition of your attic space. Generally, you can expect your attic remodel to cost anywhere between $20,000 and $65,000. Per square foot, the cost can be anywhere between $100 and $200. An attic remodel on the lower end may look like a simple finish whereas a remodel on the higher end may look like a bedroom and bathroom conversion.
IV. Return on Investment
Attic remodels yield a high return on investment, similar to a finished basement or a bedroom addition because they add livable space and square footage to the home. The ROI for an attic remodel in North Carolina may vary based on several factors such as location, size of the project, materials used, and the current real estate market conditions. However, you can expect to recoup anywhere between 55% and 75% of the cost of your remodel. For a $35,000 project, the return on investment can range from $19,250 to $26,250. Not only are you increasing the value of your home and recouping much of the cost if you decide to sell, but you are also gaining maximum usage of your attic.
V. Code Requirements
The two biggest code requirements to keep in mind for an attic remodel are outlined in sections 305 and 310 of the North Carolina Building Code. These sections state that a finished attic must have at least two means of emergency egress (doorway or operable window) and at least 50% of the room must be a minimum of 7 feet in height. If you are considering reaching out to a local general contractor, this is something they will be able to ensure for your project. Oak City Remodeling is a licensed and insured general contractor that values correctness, professionalism, and safety. If you are concerned about the condition of your attic in meeting these codes, we will be able to help.
VI. Tips for a Successful Attic Remodel
Remodeling your attic can be a major undertaking, especially if you currently use the space for storage. Here are some tips to follow if you decide to take on an attic remodel project:
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is an essential part of any remodeling process. For your attic remodel, plan on emptying the space and finding other temporary storage areas if that is what you used your attic for.
2. Know Your End Goal
Knowing what you plan to do with your remodeled attic is an important determinant when it comes to the remodeling process. If you plan to convert the attic into a suite with a bedroom and bathroom, it will be important for your general contractor to know ahead of time. Likewise, if your end goal is to convert the attic into an office space, adding built-in shelving would be a great solution for adding storage. Knowing your end goal will help your vision and your general contractor tremendously in creating your dream attic.
3. Get An Estimate
Estimates will help you significantly in creating a budget and planning ahead for your project. Oak City Remodeling offers free estimate services if you are interested in remodeling your attic!
4. Determine Your Budget
Determining your budget is a large part of the beginning process. Oak City Remodeling offers free estimate services where we can give you a general, ball-park estimate of the project and an estimated timeframe. If you are having trouble determining your budget, it is a good idea to have a general contractor estimate the project cost for you so that you can know what to expect.
5. Choose a Licensed and Insured General Contractor
Oak City Remodeling is a licensed and general contractor skilled in and knowledgeable about attic remodels. Because each of our jobs is permitted and inspected, your project is guaranteed to be safe and correct.
VII. How We Can Help
Overall, attic remodels add significant value to your home, while also increasing the functionality of your home, enhancing your lifestyle, and adding living space. The possibilities for your attic remodel are endless! While the cost of attic remodels vary depending on your location and the complexity of your project, there is a guaranteed return on your investment. Investing in an attic remodel may seem daunting, but recouping the costs if you decide to sell your home and the added living space and comfort make it all worth it.
Oak City Remodeling is a licensed and insured remodeling company who specializes in home remodeling. With our knowledge and expertise in home remodeling, we can make the process of your attic remodel smooth and comfortable. If you live in the Raleigh, NC area and are ready to give your attic a lift, we will be here to help!
