When you have space, such as a basement or an attic, it’s common for it to become neglected and often used to dump things you don’t really use anymore. However, these spaces are ideal for converting into bedrooms, playrooms, or even a self-contained studio apartment for adult children, so if you have some time and DIY skills, you may want to make it into a project. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Inspect and prep the space carefully
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, but don’t have many skills, then it’s worth keeping in mind this can be a big project. You may want to get some contractor quotes to see how much it would be if it were left up to the professionals. You should also check local building codes. In most areas, you’ll need a certain amount of vertical clearance, and in attics, you’ll need an easily accessible window and a full-sized staircase in case of fire. Also, check whether you need a permit to do this kind of work to your property.
You should also check there are no issues such as damp or rodents before you begin. It’s better, for example, to have rat proofing done before the renovation. The Attic Projects services will ensure that your attic is rodent free and ready for this kind of work.
- Laying flooring and insulating
When it comes to attic renovations, you should already have floor beams in place, so once you’ve filled the gaps with insulation, you can simply add floorboards on top. Insulation is very important in these sorts of spaces because otherwise they can be cold, echoey, and anyone walking around up there will make a lot of noise. There are a number of online guides about how to insulate your attic or basement walls, and if you invest in quality insulation, you’ll no doubt notice the difference.
- Get a professional to deal with the electrics
You’ll no doubt want to install plenty of lighting and wall sockets in your new space; after all, these spaces are usually pretty dim and claustrophobic. When it comes to electrical work, this is one area you shouldn’t DIY unless you know what you’re doing. There are building codes around the use of junction boxes, and if you don’t know about electrical safety, you can end up causing a fire. When you go on to sell your home, you can run into problems if it’s not up to code, meaning you end up paying out to fix your own DIY work.
- Consider whether you want to do a DIY plaster job
If you have the right tools, then putting up plasterboard is generally easy, but plastering can be a messy, time-consuming job. Again, it’s worth considering whether you want to do the job yourself, or whether you’d rather get someone in to do this step. While you may have done the odd wall or filled in gaps with plaster, doing a huge space like a basement or attic is a whole different level, and can be hard work.
Complete these steps, and you will have a new room in your house that’s a great blank canvas, whether you’re using it as a home office, need a new bedroom, or simply want somewhere to hang out and watch TV.
Categories: Tips And Advice Stuff
