If you’re looking for a new home improvement project, why not try finishing your attic? It’s a great way to add extra living space or storage to your home. But where do you start? This guide will help you plan and execute the perfect attic finish. It will cover things like selecting the right flooring, planning the layout, and decorating your new space. So, instead of letting that space go to waste, read on to learn how to turn it into a living area.
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Getting Your Attic Ready To Finish
If you’re considering finishing your attic space, there are a few things you should do first to get the area ready. First, take a look at the insulation in your attic. If it’s not up to par, you’ll want to add more before starting any work. Next, consider the height of your attic – if it’s too low, you won’t be able to comfortably stand in the space, making finishing the area difficult.
Before starting any work, you should also consider what you want to use in the space, which will help you determine what kind of finishes and fixtures you’ll need to complete the project. Once you have done these essential first steps, you’ll be ready to finish the attic space.
Steps To Finishing Your Attic
With the space, all prepped and ready, comes the fun part of turning it into an area you can use for everything from storage to a playroom for the kids. To get started, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Plan The Layout
When you’re finishing your attic, the layout is one of the essential things to plan. You need to make sure you have enough space for everything you want to put up there and that it’s all laid out in a way that makes sense. The best way to do this is to make a rough sketch of the space. Think about where you want your furniture and other large objects, and then make sure everything will fit!
You can also use the sketch to plan where you want to run your wires and how many outlets you’ll need. You may not know what you will be using the attic for now, but it’s good to have this information on hand, just in case.
Get It Wired For Electricity
Before you start making decisions about the actual look of the space, it’s essential to get it wired for electricity. To do this, you first need to determine how much power you need, which will help you determine the size of the electrical panel and what type of wiring you need. You also need to consider any special needs, such as outlets for computers or other electronics.
The last thing you want is an electrical fire in your newly finished attic! Next, you must ensure the space is adequately ventilated, which is essential to prevent fires or other hazards. Finally, you need to consult with a professional electrician. They can help you determine the best way to wire your attic and ensure it’s done safely.
Install The Drywall
Most people think of drywall as something that goes up on the walls in new construction. But drywall is also used to finish many attics. Finishing an attic with drywall is not difficult, but there are a few things you should be aware of during this stage. The first step is ensuring the framing is strong enough to support the weight of the drywall. You’ll need to add some reinforcement before proceeding if it isn’t.
Then, once you have the right amount of drywall up there, you are ready to install it. Take the time to get it right because installing it correctly makes finishing it much easier. You should also consider that drywall can be heavy to move around, so you’ll want to plan your layout carefully.
Finish The Drywall
Once the drywall board is installed, you may want to add a few finishing touches. Sealing up all the seams with drywall tape and joint compound works perfectly. Then, you can sand it down to get a nice finish. Then depending on how you want your attic to look, you might want to add some texture; you can do this with a special tool at a local home improvement store. It is easy to do and makes a big difference in how your attic looks.
Choose Your Trim
One often overlooked element of finishing an attic is choosing the trim. When doing this, you need to decide what style you want for your attic. Do you want it to be traditional or modern? Once you know what style you want, you can start looking at different trims. There are a lot of different materials that trims can be from. You need to decide what material will look best with the rest of your attic. You can also paint some materials, so if you want a specific color, keep that in mind when choosing the trim.
Finally, you need to think about the function of the trim. You can use the trim for decoration, or it can help seal off a space. These elements will help you choose the proper trim for your attic.
Paint The Walls
The next step in the process is painting the walls. You’ll want to choose a color that will complement the rest of your home’s decor and make the space warm and inviting. The best way to do this is to pick a light color for the walls and a darker shade for the trim, which will help make the space more open and spacious. Once you’ve chosen your colors, you’ll need to prep the walls before painting.
Once the walls are prepped, you can start painting! Which includes masking any outlets or switches and covering the floor with drop cloths. You’ll also want to use high-quality paint that can stand up to the elements. Begin by painting the trim first and then paint the walls. Be sure to use at least two coats of paint to get complete coverage.
Selecting The Flooring
The last thing you need to do is finish the flooring. For this, you’ll want to take the time to pick the flooring that is suitable for how you will use the space. Whether you decide to go with carpet because you want softness and a cushioned floor or you go with tiles because you want something easy to clean up and a little more durable, it’s a good idea to take the time to make sure that you find a flooring that is going to be perfect for the space.
Then when installing your flooring, consider hiring a professional to help you with the process, which is especially important if you’re not sure what you’re doing because it will make the job go faster and ensure everything is done correctly.
You’re Ready To Start Finishing Your Attic!
While this guide briefly covers all the essential elements of finishing your attic, it is by no means a comprehensive list. Following this article will get you through all the major hurdles of your project, but if you want tailored guidance to help you throughout, it is best to hire an experienced contractor. They will be able to walk you through every aspect of the project! But if you decide to do it DIY, use this guide as a starting point! From here, you can dig deeper into each phase of the project and get more specific information. Just remember, if you are going to do it yourself, be sure to take your time and try to do it right!
