Attic Remodeling: How To Remodel Your Attic

Efficient attic systems are vital to energy costs, and can help to alleviate some of the pain these costs place on the family budget. Heating and cooling systems make up about 60% of the energy consumed in the standard American household. These costs can cripple your budget and lay waste to any dreams about a savings account. However, with efficient attic systems, you can watch these costs plummet without doing anything differently than you are now.

Benefits of Attic Systems

If you are not sure where to begin, you might ask a builder or energy expert to do a test on your home to see if you are achieving maximum efficiency. Once you know where you stand with energy costs, you can take action. Attic remodeling may be in your future if you are not getting the most out of your ventilation and insulation. There are many ways this can benefit you.

1. It can shave over 25%, perhaps even as high as 30%, off your monthly energy costs. Assuming a $100 electric bill, that means you pay $25-30 less every month, saving you hundreds of dollars per year.

2. A home that is properly ventilated is a more comfortable home. It stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer at less cost to you. It can also improve your allergies.

3. When your home is more energy efficient, it is more likely to appraise at a higher rate, and sell at top dollar when the time comes to move.

Knowing when to remodel attic space requires an examination of the structural soundness and adequacy of the space. Start your evaluation by asking a series of questions:

1. A or W? In other words, what is the trussing like? The W shape presents some difficulties in moving forward. It cuts down on your room to work, not offering the freedom of the more spacious and reliable a framing.

2. Am I within the realm of building codes? Make sure that your remodel job is not interfering with fire safety hazards or other safety precautions.

3. Do I have enough room? Focus on lighting as well as availability to the surroundings. How will you get around should the need arrive? While you may not necessarily be turning your attic into a room, you want to be able to add insulation without the drawbacks of being confined.

4. What do the professionals recommend? Never undertake a remodeling job without first talking to someone who can help you maximize the benefits. You do not have to hire the work done for you, but you should consult with a professional in order to make the most of the situation. 

Efficient attic systems are vital to your home and to your pocketbook. The only way you will be able to benefit from lower energy costs is if you get to the source of the inefficiency. Understanding the benefits of what energy efficiency can do for you and determining whether or not your attic is ready for a remodel are vital steps to a more comfortable home and a happier budget.