Converting your attic space above the garage can be a good option to add more space in your house. It's less costly and time-consuming than building an addition. It can also give you unique living spaces. Converting an Attic isn't easy. It is important to get a permit and follow the correct building codes.
You should contact your local building department to obtain a permit. Also, inspect the attic to ensure that there are no electrical or plumbing routes. Roof leaks should be checked. A licensed contractor can inspect your attic, and can offer suggestions about remodeling. Ask for quotes from three contractors, and learn about the services they provide.
Converting your attic into storage space will increase the versatility of your home and give you more storage. However, this can come at a high cost. Also, keep in mind that this will increase the structural load of your house.
If you're converting an attic you need to ensure you adhere to the appropriate building codes. These codes are there to protect your family and you from potentially dangerous situations. Local jurisdictions often require attic conversions to have a certain height and floor plan. A minimum ceiling height of 7 feet is required and an area of 70 square feet should be allowed for living. You will need a permanent staircase if you have attics that cannot be reached by ladder.
One of the most practical ways to convert an attic into an usable living space is to install dormers. Dormers can add light to your attic. Your attic should be properly insulated so that it can keep up with the outside temperature. You might also consider adding a skylight to your attic.
The manufactured roof system attic is the attic-truss. Trusses are made to support the roof and ceiling above. There are several small triangles inside the trusses, which are called webs and chords. Trusses can convert an attic to a room. It's a complex task, but it can be rewarding.
Make a list of what you need for your attic. You might need to build a special room for your kids' playroom, or you might be able to utilize the space for storage. You might consider storing seasonal items in your attic if they are clogging up your closet.
After your attic has been prepared for use, you can install flooring and other decor. As insulation, carpeting makes a nice choice for your attic. Hardwood and particle board flooring are also options. Cover seams with drywallmud and secure the wall to the studs.
A proper attic ventilation system is also necessary. This is especially important for warmer climates. On a sunny day, an attic can reach 140 degrees. UV radiation can damage cardboard and other materials. To increase natural light, you might consider installing a skylight.
FAQ
Are you able to spend $30000 on a kitchen renovation?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $15000-$35000 for a kitchen overhaul, depending on how much money you have available. If you want a complete kitchen overhaul, expect to pay more than $20,000. You can get a complete kitchen overhaul for as little as $3000 if you just want to replace the countertops or update your appliances.
A full-scale renovation typically costs between $12,000 and $25,000 on average. There are many ways to save money and not compromise on quality. An example is to install a new sink rather than replacing an existing one that costs around $1000. You can even buy used appliances for half of the price of new.
Kitchen renovations are more time-consuming than other types of projects. Plan accordingly. It's not ideal to begin working in your kitchen, only to find out halfway through that there isn't enough time to finish the job.
Your best bet is to get started early. Start by looking at different options and getting quotes from contractors. You can then narrow your choices by price, availability, and quality.
Once you've identified potential contractors to work with, ask for their estimates and compare the prices. It's not always the best option to go with the lowest price. It's important to find someone with similar work experience who will provide a detailed estimate.
Be sure to take into account all additional costs when you calculate the final cost. These may include labor or material charges, permits and so forth. Be realistic about how much you can afford and stick with your budget.
If you're unhappy with any of the bids, be honest. If you don’t like the first bid, let the contractor know and offer to give it another chance. Don't let your pride prevent you from saving money.
Why should I remodel my house rather than buy a new one?
It's true that houses get cheaper yearly, but you're still paying for the same square footage. Although you get more bang, the extra square footage can be expensive.
A house that isn't in constant maintenance costs less.
Remodeling can save you thousands over buying a new house.
You can transform your existing home to create a space that suits you and your family's lifestyle. You can make your home more welcoming for you and your loved ones.
What is the difference between a remodel and a renovation?
A remodel is major renovation to a room, or a portion of a rooms. A renovation refers to minor changes made to a particular room or area of a given room. Remodeling a bathroom is a major job, but adding a faucet to the sink is a minor one.
Remodeling entails the replacement of an entire room, or a portion thereof. Renovating a room is simply changing one aspect of it. Remodeling a kitchen could mean replacing countertops, sinks or appliances. It also involves changing the lighting, colors and accessories. But a kitchen update could include painting the wall color or installing a new light fixture.
What are the largest expenses when remodeling a kitchen
When planning a kitchen renovation, a few major costs are involved. These include demolition, design fees, permits, materials, contractors, etc. But when we look at these costs individually, they seem pretty small. However, when you combine them all, they quickly add-up to become very large.
The most expensive cost is probably the demolition. This includes the removal of old cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances. The drywall and insulation must then be removed. Then, it is time to replace the items with newer ones.
Next, hire an architect who will draw plans for the space. You will need permits to ensure your project meets the building codes. The final step is to find someone to carry out the actual construction.
Once the job has been finished, you need to pay the contractor. All told, you could spend anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on how big the job is. It is crucial to get estimates from several contractors before you hire one.
If you plan, you can often avoid some of these costs. You may be able get better material deals or to skip some of the work. If you know what needs to be done, you should be able to save time and money during the process.
Many people will attempt to install their cabinets themselves. Because they don't have professional installation fees, this is a way to save money. Problem is, they often spend more time trying to place the cabinets themselves. Professionals can typically complete a job in half the time it would take you.
A cheaper way to save money is buying unfinished materials. Before purchasing pre-finished materials like cabinets, you must wait until all the pieces are assembled. You can immediately use unfinished materials if you purchase them. And if something doesn't turn out exactly as planned, you can always change your mind later.
But sometimes, it isn't worth going through all this hassle. Remember: the best way to save money on any home improvement project is to plan.
Do you think it is cheaper to remodel a kitchen or a bathroom?
Remodeling a bathroom and kitchen can be costly. But considering how much money you spend on energy bills each month, it might make more sense to invest in upgrading your home.
It is possible to save thousands every year with a simple upgrade. Simple improvements such as insulation of walls and ceilings can lower heating and cooling costs up to 30 percent. Even a small improvement can make a difference in comfort and increase resale.
The most important thing to keep in mind when planning for renovations is to choose products that are durable and easy to maintain. Materials such as porcelain tile, stainless steel appliances, and solid wood flooring last longer and require fewer repairs than vinyl or laminate countertops.
You might find that upgrading to newer fixtures can cut down on utility costs. By installing low-flow faucets, you can lower your water usage up to half a percent. Compact fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with inefficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption by as much as 75 percent.
How much does it take to completely gut and remodel a kitchen?
You might be wondering how much it would cost to renovate your home.
The average cost of a kitchen remodel between $10,000 and $15,000. There are ways to save on your kitchen remodel while still improving the space's look and feel.
Preparing ahead can help you cut down on your costs. This includes choosing the design style and colors that best suits your budget.
An experienced contractor can help you cut down on costs. An experienced tradesman is familiar with all aspects of construction and will not waste time trying to figure out the best way to accomplish a task.
It is best to decide whether you want to replace your appliances or keep them. Remodeling a kitchen can add thousands of pounds to its total cost.
Additionally, you may decide to purchase used appliances rather than new ones. Buying used appliances can help you save money because you won't have to pay for installation.
You can also save money by shopping around when buying materials and fixtures. Many stores offer discounts during special events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Statistics
- 57%Low-end average cost: $26,214Additional home value: $18,927Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- 55%Universal average cost: $38,813Additional home value: $22,475Return on investment: 58%Mid-range average cost: $24,424Additional home value: $14,671Return on investment: (rocketmortgage.com)
- bathroom5%Siding3 – 5%Windows3 – 4%Patio or backyard2 – (rocketmortgage.com)
- According to a survey of renovations in the top 50 U.S. metro cities by Houzz, people spend $15,000 on average per renovation project. (rocketmortgage.com)
- Attic or basement 10 – 15% (rocketmortgage.com)
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How To
How to Install Porch Flooring
While installing porch flooring is straightforward, it takes some planning. The easiest way to install porch flooring is by laying a concrete slab before installing the porch flooring. But, if you don’t have the concrete slab available, you could lay a plywood board deck. This allows porch flooring to be installed without the need for a concrete slab.
When installing porch flooring, the first step is to secure the plywood subfloor. Measure the porch width and cut two pieces of wood to fit the porch. These strips should be placed along both sides of the porch. Next, nail them down and attach them to your walls.
After securing the subfloor, you must prepare the area where you plan to put the porch flooring. This usually involves cutting the floorboards' top layer to the required size. Finish the porch flooring by applying a finish. A common finish for porch flooring is polyurethane. You can also choose to stain your porch flooring. Staining is easier than applying a clear coat because you only need to sand the stained areas after applying the final coat of paint.
After completing these tasks, it's time to install your porch flooring. Measure and mark the location for the porch flooring. Next, measure the porch flooring and cut it to size. Set the porch flooring on its final place, and secure it with nails.
If you want to increase the stability of your porch flooring's floor, you can install porch stairs. Porch stairs are made of hardwood, just like porch flooring. Some people prefer to put their porch stairs up before they install their porch flooring.
Once you have installed your porch flooring, it is time to complete the project. You will first need to remove the porch flooring, and then replace it with a brand new one. Next, clean up all debris. You must take care of dirt and dust in your home.