Why is it important to buy a house with an attic?

An attic's extra storage space can prove invaluable. It can be used as a bedroom, an office, or even just a storage space to free up more room in the bedrooms' closets, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider, though, before letting yourself be won over by a home that has this "little extra."

Most attics have inadequate insulation, which is a major problem

Since roofs aren't always properly insulated, they're frequently the source of significant heat loss in homes. Be sure to check out the attic when you pay a visit to your home.

In particular, if there is even a hint of moisture in the air, thermal bridges, or insufficient insulation, you should know that this space is money losing unless it is renovated. The high cost of heating is directly proportional to the amount of heat lost.

A poorly insulated attic shouldn't deter you from buying a house if you like it otherwise. There are a number of low- or no-cost methods for making this space airtight in any building. Get some price quotes in before you make an offer to buy, and you might be able to negotiate a small discount for this absolutely essential upgrade.

Having an unheated attic shouldn't detract from the home's appeal if you're otherwise satisfied with it.

How can you tell if an attic is suitable for human habitation?

It's challenging to make long-term plans when buying a house with an unfinished attic in anticipation of future expansion. You can learn more about what is and is not feasible with the help of some measurements.

In fact, it is estimated that in order to convert this top floor into a living room, a ceiling height of at least 1.80 meters together with a roof slope of more than 30% is required. When a particularly massive roof structure makes it seem like the attic is "lost," it's tempting to give up on the renovation project and throw in the towel. However, some specialized businesses can either modify this structure or raise the roof, making the attic accessible once again.

Again, if you're not sure if the attic can be converted into livable space or not, it may be a good idea to reach out to local businesses and request quotes.

It's important to consider things like flooring, lighting, and thermal comfort when remodeling an attic

Make sure the floor is sturdy enough if you plan to use the attic as additional living space. Experts in the field of construction may advise using drywall to prevent overloading, but there is nothing stopping you from reinforcing the floor instead.

If you set up your living quarters in the attic, you won't have to worry about lighting because the roof windows will let in plenty of natural light. However, once you picture a playroom or office, for instance, you might wonder if the glazed area could be expanded without sacrificing thermal comfort.

“Inquire if there is a way to increase the amount of glass in a structure without reducing the amount of insulation”.

It is common knowledge that enclosed spaces quickly overheat in the summer and freeze in the winter. Keep this in mind when shopping; exterior insulation can be added at a later date. On the inside, you can choose between mineral wool, glass wool, or glass with reinforced insulation to ward off the sun's rays during the hot summer months.