Bungalow Attic Bedrooms: Are They Always A Feature?

Attics are the space between the roof and the ceiling of the highest floor of a home. They are often used for storage, but can also be converted into extra bedrooms. The process of converting an attic into a bedroom can be difficult and expensive, as it often requires extensive renovations and structural changes to make the space habitable. Bungalows are single-story houses, so the presence of an attic and the possibility of converting it into a bedroom depend on the specific structure and design of the house. Therefore, while not all bungalows have attic bedrooms, some may have the potential to be converted.

Converting an attic into a bedroom

Confirm You Have the Necessary Space:

First, check if your attic meets the minimum space requirements. Most building codes require at least 70 square feet of floor space, a minimum width of 7 feet, and a ceiling height of at least 7 feet in most areas. The space should also be accessible by a full-size staircase and have an additional exit, such as a window, for emergency purposes.

Make Sure the Attic Is Accessible:

The attic access should provide a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches of headroom along the walking length of the stairs. The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide, with treads of at least 10 inches deep and risers at least 7 1/4 inches high.

Consult a Professional:

Engage a professional attic inspector to check for any issues, such as evidence of rodents, water leakage, or mould. Additionally, consult a structural engineer to assess the load-bearing capacity of the attic and determine any necessary structural changes to ensure the safety of the entire house.

Plan Your Budget:

Finishing an attic can be costly, and unexpected expenses may arise. On average, converting an unfinished attic into a bedroom costs between $8,000 and $30,000. This includes the cost of materials, labour, and any necessary structural modifications.

Obtain Necessary Permits:

If your attic conversion involves electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or construction work, you will likely need permits. Consult a local home remodelling contractor or your municipality to determine the specific requirements and obtain the necessary permits.

Check and Enhance the Flooring:

Many attics have exposed floor joists designed to support only dead loads. To make it suitable for people, you may need to sister the joists and add subflooring. This may impact the ceiling height and require modifications to the stairs. Consult a professional to assess the necessary enhancements.

Insulate and Ventilate:

Ensure proper insulation and ventilation in your attic to maintain a comfortable temperature. Contact an attic insulation specialist to determine the best type of insulation for your space. Maintain at least 1 inch of airspace between the insulation and the roof's underlayment to prevent heat buildup and potential roof damage.

Consider Energy-Efficient Roofing:

Light-coloured roof shingles reflect sunlight, helping to keep the attic cooler. Dark shingles absorb heat, increasing cooling costs.

Soundproofing:

If there are rooms below the attic that require peace and quiet, such as bedrooms or a home office, consider soundproofing measures like carpeting, thick floor joists, and dense-pack insulation.

Lighting:

Natural light through windows and skylights is ideal for attics. For nighttime and windowless spaces, consider integrating strip lighting into the rafters or positioning lamps strategically.

Paint and Decorate:

Choose light paint colours, especially if the attic has limited natural light. When it comes to flooring, carpeting is a good option for insulation and sound absorption.

Consider the Resale Value:

An attic renovation can add significant resale value to your home, with an average ROI of 56%. Even if you're not planning to sell soon, it's worth considering the long-term benefits of the conversion.

Remember, converting an attic into a bedroom is a complex project that may require professional help. It's essential to plan thoroughly, obtain necessary permits, and ensure the space meets all safety and building code requirements.

Insulating, venting, and sealing an attic

Insulating Your Attic:

• Inspect the attic: Before starting any work, thoroughly inspect the attic for leaks, hazardous materials, and necessary repairs. Address any issues before proceeding.
• Choose the right insulation: Decide between batt or blown-in insulation. Batt insulation is typically easier to install but may not be suitable for all spaces. Blown-in insulation can fill small gaps and crevices, providing better coverage.
• Prepare the space: Remove any existing insulation and ensure the attic is clean and dry. Seal any gaps or holes with caulk or expanding spray foam.
• Install the insulation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the chosen type of insulation. Ensure it is installed correctly and securely.
• Maintain recommended R-values: R-values indicate the insulation's thermal resistance. Ensure your insulation meets or exceeds the recommended R-values for your climate zone.

Venting Your Attic:

• Understand the purpose: Venting helps control temperature and moisture levels in the attic. In cold climates, it prevents ice dams and removes moisture. In hot climates, it expels hot air to reduce cooling loads.
• Choose the right ventilation system: The amount of ventilation required depends on your attic's size and climate zone. Common options include soffit vents, gable vents, ridge vents, and mushroom cap vents.
• Install ventilation: Ensure proper installation of the chosen ventilation system. For example, if using soffit vents, install baffles to provide a pathway for air movement and prevent insulation from covering the vents.

Sealing Your Attic:

• Identify air leaks: Sketch your attic and locate areas of potential air leakage, such as dropped soffits, holes for plumbing, and furnace flues.
• Seal large holes first: Prioritize sealing the most significant gaps to achieve the biggest energy savings. Use reflective foil, rigid foam board, or similar materials to cover large openings.
• Plug open stud cavities: Use unfaced fiberglass insulation stuffed into plastic bags to fill open stud cavities and prevent air leakage.
• Seal around pipes and wires: Use expanding foam or caulk to seal openings around plumbing pipes and electrical wires. Ensure you wear gloves and protect your clothing from the expanding foam.
• Address indoor air quality: Sealing the attic may affect indoor air quality by trapping pollutants. Consider additional ventilation fans or other methods to maintain safe air quality.

By following these steps, you can effectively insulate, vent, and seal your attic, leading to improved energy efficiency and a more comfortable living space.

Please note that this is a general guide, and specific regulations and techniques may vary based on your location and the unique characteristics of your attic space. It is always recommended to consult with a professional before undertaking significant home improvement projects.

Attic access points

Attics are often used for storage or as extra rooms, but they can also be important access points for maintenance and repairs.

A scuttle attic, or attic hatch, is one of the most common types of attics and is usually accessed through a small hole in the ceiling. This entrance is often covered by a movable drywall section called a hatch, and a ladder or pull-down stairs are typically required for entry. The size of a scuttle attic can vary depending on the size of the house, and they are mainly used as access points for maintenance rather than living spaces.

When it comes to networking, the attic can be a strategic location for a WiFi access point. By placing a WiFi access point in the attic, the signal only needs to penetrate one wall to reach anywhere in the house. This can be especially useful if you have old, thick walls that interfere with WiFi signals. However, it is important to ensure that the attic space is temperature-controlled, as extreme heat or cold can damage the equipment.

To connect an access point in the attic, you will need to run a network cable from your router to the desired location. This can be done by drilling a small hole in the ceiling and feeding the cable through. Alternatively, you can use a powerline adapter to send the internet signal to the attic through your home's electrical wiring without the need for running cables.

By utilising the attic as an access point for networking equipment, you can improve the WiFi coverage in your home and ensure a strong and stable signal throughout.

Attic flooring

Attics are often under-utilised spaces in a home, and adding a floor can help create an effective storage area. If you're looking to create a storage space in your attic, you'll need to consider the type of flooring to install. Here are some options and factors to consider:

Plywood, Chipboard, or OSB

If you're looking for a traditional flooring option, plywood is a common choice for attic flooring. It provides a sturdy surface and can be cut to fit around any obstructions in the attic. Chipboard and oriented strand board (OSB) are also viable alternatives to plywood and can be used based on your budget and preferences.

Attic Dek

If you're looking for an easier and quicker installation process, a product like Attic Dek offers lightweight plastic grid system that can be installed without tools or cutting. The panels simply screw into your attic's joists and can hold up to 250 pounds. This option is ideal if you're looking for a quick storage solution without the hassle of heavy plywood sheets.

Walking Paths

If you only need to access your attic occasionally and don't require extensive storage, creating walking paths might be a more cost-effective solution. You can use narrower strips of plywood, chipboard, or OSB, placed perpendicular to the joists, to create paths that allow you to walk through the attic without damaging the ceiling or insulation.

AtticZone StoreFloor

If you have insulation in your attic, it's important to consider a flooring system that won't compress the insulation and reduce its efficiency. AtticZone StoreFloor is a system that raises the boards above the insulation, providing a stable platform for storing items while maintaining the integrity of the insulation.

When deciding on attic flooring, consider your specific needs and budget. If you require extensive storage, a full floor using plywood or similar materials might be ideal. For those who only need occasional access, walking paths or lightweight plastic grid systems like Attic Dek can be a more affordable and quicker solution. Additionally, if you have insulation, ensure you choose a flooring option that won't compromise its effectiveness, such as the AtticZone StoreFloor system.

Attic storage

Attics are often used for storage, but they can be so much more than dusty, unused spaces. With the right insulation and updates, an attic can become a habitable space and even the loveliest room in the house. Finishing an attic can also have a major financial payoff, as it can reduce heating costs and increase the square footage of your home.

If you are using your attic for storage, it is important to keep the space organised and clutter-free. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your attic storage:

• Clear everything out of the attic and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or trash.
• Install good lighting to help you find items quickly and easily.
• Check for pests and bring in an expert to do a thorough sweep if necessary.
• Inspect for structural issues, such as roof leaks and ventilation problems, and assess the temperature of the attic. Consider installing climate control if necessary.
• Place plywood or attic deck flooring over beams to displace weight if you plan to store heavy items.
• Design a floor plan that designates specific storage areas for items such as holiday decorations, outdoor equipment, and seasonal clothing.
• Utilise nooks and crannies to store smaller items and free up space for larger items.
• Invest in a label maker to label every box, bin, and bag, so you know exactly what's inside.
• Store items in clear, plastic, air-tight containers instead of cardboard boxes to keep out dust, grime, moisture, and pests.
• Add wire or built-in shelving to better utilise vertical storage space.
• Hang up items like wreaths, clothing, and outdoor lights to keep your shelves open for larger items.
• Set up a wall-mounted or rolling clothing rack to hang up seasonal clothing and outerwear.
• Mount a pegboard to store tools, cleaning supplies, or other utility items.
• Install drawers or small cabinets to keep small items organised and grouped together.
• Clean your attic regularly to keep clutter at bay and reevaluate your belongings to see if there's anything you can get rid of.

Frequently asked questions