Finishing Garage Attic Space

Any living space requires at least 7 feet of headroom over a floor area of at least 70 square feet measuring at least 7 feet in each direction.

Finishing garage attic space.

To meet all three goals insulating your finished attic ventilating the roof and maximizing headroom use a combination of dense batt insulation rigid foam sheeting and air chutes. Most codes require a specified minimum amount of headroom and it s tough to meet this requirement when insulating a finished attic especially since most codes require insulation equal to r 38 or more. Drywall is the most popular finished wall option for those looking to convert their garage into a living space. At the lyons house this meant that only a portion of the attic was usable though some of the low clearance area was tapped for storage.

If your home is smaller than other homes in your area or simply lacks the necessary amount of storage or living space for your family finishing your attic is a relatively inexpensive way to increase your usable space. If you re using your garage enough to warrant installing a heater and or air conditioner by all means you should insulate the ceiling between the garage and an unfinished attic space above. When done without proper planning or adherence to local building codes it can actually reduce the value of your home or stall a sale. You can add whatever wall treatment you want over top of it whether it be paint wall paper or even faux brick.

Finishing your attic can add space and utility and increase the value of your home as long as it s done properly. High above ground level your finished attic space will be more valuable in the eyes of the appraiser explains berg who was an appraiser for 14 years before he became a real estate agent. Enforcement varies but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet. Finished room over garage a better attic storage e a valuable hidden ask the builder building a garage attic storage e a valuable hidden attic flooring 101 all you need.

A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings. This is calculated from standard costs for all of the different finishing pieces such as the insulation flooring and wiring step by step guide how to add bonus room above a garage. Converting your attic into usable finished space can increase the value of your home by maximizing the available square footage. Yes especially when you compare to the value of a finished basement which will appraise for about 30 less in value than above ground space.

Here are some must do tips to follow when finishing your attic.