Attic Renovation

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on January 1, 1987
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The parts of an attic.
The parts of an attic.
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Venting techniques for attic renovation 2.
Venting techniques for attic renovation 2.
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Venting techniques for attic renovation 1.
Venting techniques for attic renovation 1.
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Trusses versus conventional rafters.
Trusses versus conventional rafters.
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Scabbing on to existing joints.
Scabbing on to existing joints.
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Maximum length Eastern spruce joists. Maximum girder span Eastern spruce joists.
Maximum length Eastern spruce joists. Maximum girder span Eastern spruce joists.

Figure out if your attic is ready for upward mobility with an attic renovation.

A Guide to Attic Renovation

Attics are special. Most of us who grew up in houses with attics tend to retain a fondness for the space. For children, the attic is a place of mystery and intrigue–a little scary but just close enough for comfort to the familiar bedrooms below. Even 20 or 30 years later, the attic probably keeps some of its allure, at least for the romantics among us.

That fondness can take on new dimensions when a family starts having serious growing pains. Under the pitch of the roof, you could close in a bedroom–small, but fine for a youngster–and add desperately needed living space.

As Simple as It Sounds?

Attic conversion is an appealing fantasy. The roof and basic framework for a new room are already in place, so it should be less costly and easier to finish an attic than to add a wing to the house. Yet these advantages can prove to be restrictions unless the original builder planned for later conversion of the attic.

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