Attic Conversion

An attic conversion is the ideal way to add more space to a home without having to start from the ground up. The room is already essentially ready and simply needs to be altered into a living space that can be used for a multitude of rooms. An attic can be transformed into an extra bedroom, a game room, living space or even a craft and hobby room. The possibilities are endless. No matter what the conversion is going to be used for, one of the most important and first decisions should involve the insulation.

Considerations

When deciding to convert an attic into a living space there are many construction challenges that need to be considered. One of the first things a homeowner should consider is the type of insulation the attic already possesses. If the original construction was properly done there should be multi-layer foil insulation in place as it is considered a top choice for suspended timber floor applications for lofts and attics. If this is not in place it should be considered a must-have before proceeding with renovation of the attic.

 When working on the insulation for the attic conversion it is important to consider the different types. There is significant space between the ceiling joists and the plasterboard of the ceiling which must have adequate insulation in order to be a comfortable living space that doesn’t waste energy.  There are many different ways to insulate this void.

Insulation boards are one way to fill the void without losing floor height or storage space. Using these thermal boards does not require the use of heavy timbers; however, installing insulation boards takes a considerable amount of time and requites the ability to cut the boards into shapes that fit in between the timber joists. Foil tape should be kept on hand to help secure the odd shaped pieces of insulation together and insure a tight seal to keep out cold air and keep in warm air.

Loft insulation as a do-it-yourself project is not something that is going to be finished in one day. Homeowners who want to convert their lofts may find the use of a professional installer saves them a lot of effort and time.

Loft insulation should also include wall insulation. If new walls are added the homeowner should consider the use of fireproof plaster boards simply to add to the safety features of the new space. These plasterboards are the safest method of adding walls and barriers to the new loft space.

Whilst there are many more considerations and decisions to be made when converting a loft space into a usable living space, such as what type of flooring to install, how much space to make livable and how much to retain for storage and many other decisions, it is best to start with the basics and make sure the room has enough loft insulation to keep the room comfortable. This will go a long way towards making the room a favorite place in the house.

Weigh the various options for insulating the attic space and consult with a professional who can help make the proper decisions that will save money on home electricity bills in the long run even if it means spending a little more in the beginning.