Convert your attic into a living space

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INTERIOR DESIGN FOR GULSEN AND HAMIT YALIMS HOUSE, ROAS ARCHITECTURE 3D DESIGN AGENCY ROAS ARCHITECTURE 3D DESIGN AGENCY Moderne Kinderzimmer
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Necessity is the mother of invention, and sometimes innovation. Earlier in big spacious homes an attic could be leisurely used as a space for storing things, kind of like a store room. But in today's shrinking homes and with dwindling budgets, the attic can no longer be spared for such trivialities. It is often used as a living space in itself. From just a room on top, to converting it into an entire studio apartment that can be let out, attics are innovatively being re-defined as a living space. But before you set about converting an attic at your disposal into a living space, here are some things you need to keep in mind.

Height of the attic

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The first question to consider is the height of the attic. If you want to turn it into a living space, see if it's even high enough. No one wants their head to constantly bump against a low ceiling and you would definitely not want a fan or light attached to a dangerously low ceiling. Furthermore, if your attic has a sloping ceiling like here, there may be restrictions to how you can use the space, and may have to design your furniture and fittings more innovatively, like the slanting cupboard here.

Law and order

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Next, before doing anything to your attic, find out the rules and regulations regarding the same. Different states and cities, have different rules regarding buildings, construction and even making changes to existing constructions. So before you break down a wall, or bring in some pipes find out what you are and aren't allowed to do, and toe the line as far as law and order is concerned.

Skylights and lights

A dark and dingy attic will make a poor living space. While lots of lamps and light fittings can enliven up the space at night, also ensure that there are multiple skylights that bathe the space in plenty of natural light during the day. Skylights opening from inside, like in this room here designed by PA FITTED FURNITURE will also allow you to let in some fresh air. While shutters or retractable blinds attached to the skylight can prevent the space from getting too hot or sunny.

Thermal insulation of the roof

Another important thing that will help to make your attic a cosy and comfortable living space like this bedroom, is thermal insulation. So make sure that the roof of your attic is thermally insulated. You can use a variety of insulation materials like wood fiber, perlite, polyisocyanurate, expanded or extruded polystyrene, cellular glass, and gypsum board to do this. You can either use a reflective insulation material that will retard the flow of heat by reflecting heat radiation; or use bulk insulation materials like batts, blankets and boards which will create air pockets that will provide resistance to heat, creating a cooling effect.

Sound proofing

To truly enjoy your attic as a living space, you not just need it to be shaded and cool, but also quiet. So sound proof your attic and create a zen like den for yourself. If you are planning to let out your attic as a living space, sound proofing it will give both your tenants and yourself more privacy. While if you are planning to turn your attic into a space for your kids, like this room here designed by ROAS 3D VISUAL ARTS, sound proofing it will definitely spare you their squabbles and loud antics.

Power lines and water pipes

Finally, your attic can't be a fully functional living space unless you have electricity and running water up there. So double check if there are ample power lines and water supply in your attic. If there isn't, you may have to tear down some walls and rebuild them to incorporate the same. Also, before you build a bathroom, toilet or kitchen in your attic, ensure that there is sewerage facility and drainpipes in proper places. If you have a tiny attic and can't turn it into a living space, you can still get more out of it by turning it into a organized walk in cupboard, instead of using it as a cluttered dump. If you are looking for more ideas for storage, here are 5 compact wardrobe ideas.

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