Converting Attics Basements Or Garages To Living Space

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Converting attics basements or garages to living space.

A garage conversion can be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to add living space to a home. Converting an attic has house wide structural implications. Depending on the scope of work your project may also require electrical plumbing or mechanical permits. The bureau of development services sells a residential combination permit package.

Add enough window space to provide for natural light and air. A guide to convert attic space to living space. A building permit is required to convert attics basements or garages to living space. If the garage is attached to the house the entry already exists.

Whether you envision your house s top floor as an away from it all master suite a quiet home office or a kids hangout don t lift a finger until you ve read toh s expert advice. The foundation walls and roof are already in place. Converting an attic into a living space is a great method of adding another room to the house but it is not a job for the average diy person. While converting an unused basement attic or garage into additional living space is a popular option careful planning is needed to prevent potential problems.

Download pdf file converting attics basements and garages to living space 476 21 kb printable information provides information for homeowners who want to increase livable space in their single family homes by converting an attic basement or garage or who want to legalize existing space that was converted without permits. Depending on the scope of work your project may also require electrical plumbing or mechanical permits. You ll need a skilled contractor for either project. If your attic isn t 7 feet you could lower the floor or raise the attic height.

Technical issues such as locating a safe staircase and the distribution of additional joists required to accommodate the new load bearing and stress factors. Basics of converting a garage to living space. Think of load as weight that additional load at the top of your house was not planned for structurally when your home was built. 14 expert tips for finishing your attic remodel whether you re converting it into a living space or a more functional space.

In order to turn your attic space into living space the ceilings must be 7 feet from the floor. In some municipalities this means 5 1 2 square feet or a percentage of the total garage space. The bureau of development services sells a residential combination permit package. Maintain at least 7 1 2 feet of minimum ceiling height.

The wiring is often sufficient.