Attic Remodeling: 5 Tips To Improve Your Attic Storage
Your attic is a big space and it can be used in so many ways. It’s not just there for looks; once you convert it into usable storage space, your home will be that much more livable.
Here are five ideas to help you maximize that loft area:
Use Lift Assist Devices
You don’t have to climb up and down the stairs every time you want something from your attic.
Some appliances can move the items down for you. You just have to put in a request and select what you want to be brought down from the loft, then it will be sent right to you on the ground level.
Hanging Shelves
If there are parts of your home where height is not an issue, hanging shelves are perfect for maximizing storage space with minimal hassle. This idea works best with smaller spaces around your house, so if it doesn’t fit in any other room, try using this shelf at the bottom of the stairs to pick up additional storage space.
Attic Stairs Replacement
The stairs leading up to your attic might be old school. For one thing, they might be a way of wasting space. You have to admit, they can take up a lot of room in what is supposed to be the attic loft area.
Get rid of them and put them on a small ladder instead! It will go a long way into maximizing that attic space. If your stairs are still in good condition, you can just paint them or give them an update with just new carpeting for the space above the steps.
Use The Walls For Storage Units
An attractive way to maximize storage potential is by suspending wall-mounted cube units from hooks attached to your walls. You don’t want these going down, so make sure you place them at an accessible-height where you can get your hands on them.
Give it a shot, this could be the right solution for you when remodeling your attic in Marlborough MA! We are here to help if you need any advice.
Although fiberglass is more commonly used, cellulose tends to provide better insulation. Also, it does not irritate the skin or cause respiratory issues for people who are sensitive to fiberglass. A drawback of using cellulose is that it does cost slightly more than fiberglass.
When you are looking for Attic Remodeling in Marlborough MA, make sure you choose a company that has experience in this area and specializes in just homes such as GA Building & Remodeling. If you can find someone who works with both commercial and residential buildings, then they will be able to save you time in finding an installer because they likely already work with them.
Costs vary greatly depending on the building material chosen and the amount of labor involved, so make sure to get quotes from several different contractors. Before you sign a contract, be sure to read all the fine print and ask any questions that come to mind. You want to make sure you are not surprised with additional costs down the road.
When it comes to Attic Remodeling in Marlborough MA, elastomeric coatings by GA Building & Remodeling is your best choice.
Carpentry, electrical, and other work done in attics can be dangerous. Always have an escape route by cutting a large opening in the roof just above the stairway to the attic known as a “truss cut” or by installing a permanent ladder that mounts under existing rafters to give you two means of egress from your finished attic space.
Installing insulation is one of the most important steps in finishing an attic because it not only keeps condensation out but also reduces heating and cooling bills significantly. Insulating materials come in batts designed for either R-13 or R-19 applications which refer to how well they block heat transfer across their surface. The thicker the material is, generally the higher the R-value (resistance to heat flow). Use unfaced batts on exposed beams and walls with exposed framing, but use faced insulation in unvented conditioned attic assemblies or vented unconditioned attics. When blown loose fill is used as an insulation material on the exposed beams, it must be covered with plywood to provide a smooth surface for placing siding.
When installing insulation, first caulk around all electrical boxes and recessed fixtures so no air can come through behind them. Next, install any vapor retarder you may need. You can save materials and labor by not insulating below an eave if there are no rafters under it because there is no way for heat from your house to get under it and cause heat flow up through the rafters and into your insulation and this is especially important if you have a cathedral ceiling on top of uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings. Try to follow standard insulation practices for attics, but if you want your attic as efficient as possible here are some tips:
When installing blown-in insulation, fill all cavities as completely as possible without disturbing the house below. Don’t install more than 10 inches of unfaced material per layer because it will settle over time. If there is access from below, blow fiberglass batts with a machine called a stuffed gun which uses special equipment to force the batt between framing members where loose filling can’t go.
Attic insulation can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Attic insulation is typically available as batts, blankets, or loose fill. Know your insulation size option before you begin. If you go with batts, be sure to use unfaced insulation so that moisture won’t collect between the batts.
Loose-fill insulation includes fiberglass batting, mineral wool, cotton batts, and cellulose material made from recycled newspaper or other fibers. This kind of insulation isn’t susceptible to air infiltration like unfaced batts are because it gets blown into place instead of compressed between two studs. But make sure to check for loose-fill labels that say UL Classified or tested for airtightness to seal it against air infiltration.
Batts are typically unfaced or faced with paper on one side, while blankets are usually faced on both sides. Fiberglass batts should be completely covered because the “paper” that’s facing them is a vapor retarder to keep moisture out of your insulation, which can cause mold problems inside the insulation itself. This kind of insulation does not have fibers that need to breathe as fiberglass batts do.
Attic Stair Covers Stairs aren’t just an intrusion into your attic space; they also let cold air in during winter months, even if you insulate. Keep warm air where it should be by covering up those stairs with insulated covers made specifically for stairways.
The best way to insulate your attic is to use a combination of insulation, whether it’s blown-in or rolled out on a batt. This will save you money and ensure that you have the maximum R-value for energy efficiency.
For more information about Attic Remodeling Marlborough MA, contact us GA Building & Remodeling!
Just like anything else, preparation is key when trying to create the perfect space. Some attic remodeling tips should be put into consideration before beginning any project.
First and foremost, homeowners need to think about their design plans for the new room. When considering what should go where it is important to keep in mind the weight limit of the roof trusses. This can be determined by checking with a contractor or by discussing this carefully with an architect familiar with home construction techniques. Sagging trusses pose a significant risk because they can sag further once there is added weight on them. It could potentially be dangerous for this situation not to get resolved quickly after it arises.
Another that should be considered is protecting against heat and cold and condensation that can affect the main part of the house. This is why many homeowners turn to more insulation in their attic to keep it more regulated. More insulation will reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer, which would save on energy costs as well.
Heat-resistant safety glass or windows can also be installed. This type of safety glass is typically made from tempered or super-tempered material, so it can handle high temperatures at a rapid pace without shattering immediately when touched with your bare hands.
With any attic remodeling project there arises certain safety concerns that may arise such as: Tripping and falling over clutter and objects that may be left in the attic before renovations occur; electrical shock from faulty wiring, loose live wires, and other hazards. It is important to have the job done by a professional so there are no major accidents that can occur from children or adults due to safety concerns.
You also need to take into consideration how much ventilation will be needed for your new room because many homeowners simply forget this integral detail when planning the project. There needs to be enough ventilation in an attic space because, without it, humidity can cause damage to items stored up there as well as create a potentially dangerous living environment with high carbon dioxide levels.