Converting Attic To Conditioned Space

From my research it looks like the best option is to make the attic a conditioned nonvented space.

Converting attic to conditioned space.

Dec 29 2019 explore dave s board attic conversion to conditioned space on pinterest. See more ideas about attic conversion attic attic remodel. Converting an attic has house wide structural implications. A design decision to have a central ducted heating and cooling system with ducts and air handler located in the attic is another good reason to insulate and air seal at the roof line which will provide a conditioned or semi conditioned space for the hvac equipment.

Pull down stairs won t work for an attic room so you must add a permanent staircase. Codes vary from place to place but the rule of 7 for using an attic as an actual room typically applies. Building science corporation may 12 2009 this guide describes ways to meet the roof venting requirements as per building code while converting the attic into living space by moving the insulation to the underside of the roof deck between the joists. Technical issues such as locating a safe staircase and the distribution of additional joists required to accommodate the new load bearing and stress factors.

Regulated for a reason. Converting an attic into a living space is a great method of adding another room to the house but it is not a job for the average diy person. I m unsure of what to do and i m unsure of the most economical way to do it. With full home additions costing 75 000 minimum and usually far higher many homeowners search for creative ways to increase living space without overly decreasing their bank account.

However you do not describe the potential uses for that space and that gives me pause as to how to properly evaluate the risks of your options. Turning that attic into living space is going to add some previously unaccounted for load upstairs. Your stated goal is to turn your attic into a non vented conditioned space. Depending on the climate and the thickness of the existing insulation it may make sense to leave the old insulation in place.

If you planned to leave the open cell foam exposed to the attic it would certainly. The attic is fairly small at about 1 000 sqf total. Think of load as weight that additional load at the top of your house was not planned for structurally when your home was built. However this recommendation should be addressed on a case by case basis.

Currently the attic is vented and has zero insulation anywhere. In most cases the existing insulation on an attic floor should be removed when an unconditioned attic is converted to a conditioned attic.