DIY Project Feature: How to Finish an Attic

When examining the possibilities for expansion within a home, one of the most logical choices is the attic. Many attics are underused if they’re used at all. There may be a few boxes of stored items or furniture that’s broken or outdated and hasn’t been thrown out yet. Or the attic may be entirely empty. Either way, refinishing an attic is one of the DIY house projects that homeowners get the most excited about because there’s usually enough space up there to create something both beautiful and functional.

Once you’ve made the decision to finish out the attic, it’s tempting to dive in without another thought. But stop for a minute to consider a few things first.

Create a plan. The key to successful DIY house projects is proper planning. Having a plan in place helps keep the project on track timewise and helps keep expenses within budget. It may also include steps for keeping your current living space as uncluttered as possible during the construction. This is where Small Haul KC enters the picture. We have dumpster rentals for Kansas City homeowners embarking on home improvement projects like yours. A roll-off dumpster is a perfect solution for cleaning up as you go, relieving stress on everyone in the house.

Check building codes. Before you start any major construction project, check local building codes to see what the requirements are in your neighborhood. Your finished attic will have to meet the same criteria as the rest of your house. Many projects require a building permit, which can be obtained from the city. If you’re working with a contractor for part of the project, he or she will often pull a permit for you.

With a permit in your pocket and a project plan written out, you’re ready to get started. When working on house projects, it’s a good idea to be real when assessing what you can do versus what you need help with. Don’t be afraid to hire a contractor for the tasks you’re not comfortable doing yourself.

Clean out the attic. The first step is to clean out the attic. Everything up there has to go so you have room to work. This is where a roll-off dumpster is handy. If you haven’t called Small Haul KC yet to rent a roll-off dumpster for your project, do it now. You’ll be glad you did.

Assess heating and A/C capability. Take a look at your current HVAC system to see whether it can handle the additional load of heating and cooling your new space. If not, you may need to expand your system. If your current system is capable, you’ll probably need to run new ductwork.

Add electricity. Wiring for electricity is the next step. Think about your lighting and outlet needs. A good rule of thumb is to install a minimum of one outlet on each wall. If you’re planning to use the space as an office or TV room, you’ll probably need more than that. Running electricity can be dangerous. If it’s not done correctly, it can also be a fire hazard. It’s best to enlist the help of a licensed professional.

Install a subfloor. If your attic doesn’t already have a floor, you’ll need to put one in. Do this only after the heating, cooling, and electricity needs are all met. You might consider putting insulation down under the subfloor. This will help keep the room comfortable and help cut down on noise in the rooms below.

Add insulation. Caulk any cracks you find that let air pass in or out of the attic. Then install insulation. You’ll want an adequate amount to keep the place comfortable and help your HVAC system do its job more efficiently. For DIY house projects, batt insulation with a vapor retardant is usually the best choice because it’s easy to handle and goes up quickly.

Install drywall. Now you’re ready to hang drywall on the walls and ceiling. This is the step that starts to give you hope. Once the drywall is up, your room really starts to look livable. One note: Drywall is heavy. Use the buddy system, so no one gets hurt.

Finish the walls. Once the drywall is up, you’re ready to paint or put up wallpaper. Do this step before you install the flooring. That way, you don’t have to worry about ruining your new floor with paint drips.

Install the flooring. Once the walls are done, it’s time to put down the new floor. Think about how you’re planning to use the space as you consider your options. Carpeting helps reduce noise but may not be practical for a rolling desk chair. It’s your room, so pick out flooring that makes you happy and creates the look you want.

Stand back and admire your work. Don’t forget to celebrate once you’re done. You’ve earned it!

Having a roll-off dumpster on-site when doing a house project is invaluable. It gives you a place to toss everything you no longer need – household items, construction debris, worn-out carpeting, and much more. If you’re wondering where to rent a dumpster, call Small Haul KC. We started this business because we needed to rent a roll-off dumpster for DIY projects of our own. We’ll help with the clean-up on yours, too!

The post DIY Project Feature: How to Finish an Attic appeared first on Small Haul Containers.