My wife and I are thinking about finishing our upstairs attic. I have included a link to a picture that is a fairly accurate depiction of it. We are fortunate to have a 12/12 roof pitch. We'd like to add a bedroom and a nice during area/playroom. Let's see what designs you guys can come up with :-).
What comes to mind first. Is the structure substantial enough to incorporate your plans? Many homes even with 12/12 pitch are made with just substantial wood demensions to hold a roof upright and not intended for living space. Once you have determined what you have then you might want to consider it. I would have someone look at what you have to determine if it can be dones or whether you have to "beef" up the attic for your design.
Posts: 686 | Location: Applachain | Registered: Feb 13, 2007
Yes, an attic floor can be quite "soft". Best to have a structural engineer look at it. A permit is highly recommended and lack of a permit may stop a sale in the future. In that case you will probably have to deal with an inspector. Sometimes paying for a pre-inspection can be cost effective. Expect to need a set of plans; typically you can draw them yourself, and an inspection will help you.
Posts: 12114 | Location: Eagle, CO USA | Registered: Sep 18, 2002
The attic space is designed to be finished off, the floor joists are 2x12” and the OSB flooring is already laid down. There is already plumbing stubbed off for the bathroom area, which is right above our current master bedroom bath. Any layout/design ideas?
What is the usable floor space? At the headboard of the bed in your design how tall is the wall before meeting the sloping ceiling? It looks like you have a very large space, is the plan to make it a guest room, play room, office? Not sure what you mean by "during area/playroom" Was that a typo and you meant dining area? I doubt a converted attic would be a good dining area, but that is just me.
If you're looking to put a permanent bedroom there you'll probably want some more walls. If this is a guest room I'd probably opt to keep it more open.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
My wife used to do some professional deorating for people. She used a set of scaled furniture patterns made of paper; I think she bought them somewhere, maybe a craft shop. 1/4" scale is a good size.
She drew out the room floor plan and shifted the patterns around to quickly get a feel for the best layout.
You can also make your own scaled furniture patterns; it is easy to do since they don't have to be detailed.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bob Fleming,
Posts: 12114 | Location: Eagle, CO USA | Registered: Sep 18, 2002
Originally posted by Sparky: What is the usable floor space? At the headboard of the bed in your design how tall is the wall before meeting the sloping ceiling? It looks like you have a very large space, is the plan to make it a guest room, play room, office? Not sure what you mean by "during area/playroom" Was that a typo and you meant dining area? I doubt a converted attic would be a good dining area, but that is just me.
If you're looking to put a permanent bedroom there you'll probably want some more walls. If this is a guest room I'd probably opt to keep it more open.
Yes, sorry that was a typo. Was supposed to say sitting/play area. The line at the top of the head board of the bed is 5' and slopes up from there. The called ceiling from below comes out 6'3" so the wall height there is roughly the same. we figured the closet could be toward the top and the rest used as bedroom walled off and an open area to the right as a family/play room. The far right side is where the plumbing is stubbed of so that's where we'll wind up putting a full bath. The total space is about 750sq ft if we keep the storage below the bath area. The "walls" between the dormers don't have to stay as they're not structural. If any body wants to take this and edit this picture to represent what they would do(furniture wise/setup), by all means please! The wife and I are kind of list on that aspect.
