Attic bedrooms are very popular and I see them frequently. When a family grows or needs additional space, it’s an area they look to if the basement is already being used as a workshop or for storage. In terms of a remodeling project – this project has a high return on the investment:
- Effort: High 3-6 wks
- Investment: High $50,148 (nat’l avg)*
- Adds Value: High $36,346*
What I have seen that holds these spaces back from being attractive to the next buyer is if they were done correctly. When remodeling unused attic space into an attic bedroom, make sure your new retreat has adequate storage, sound insulation, and safety equipment.
Creating an attic bedroom from unclaimed space is an excellent way to add living area without adding onto your house. An attic bedroom also is a good investment. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, an attic bedroom returns more than 72% of the original cost. Here’s how to make sure your new attic bedroom is a pleasant, quiet retreat with adequate storage, sound insulation, and safety equipment.
Soundproofing your attic bedroom
Because attic bedrooms often are positioned above other bedrooms, you’ll need to “deaden” the sound between floors. Here are your options to quiet down a 15×15-foot attic bedroom floor:
- Install carpeting with a thick foam pad. Cost: $750 for midrange carpet, pad, installation.
- Add an extra layer of subfloor to the attic before the carpet is installed. A 5/8-inch plywood subfloor helps block sound and provides additional stiffness that prevents floor framing from squeaking. For maximum stiffness, ask your contractor to apply construction adhesive between the subfloor layers. Cost: $300
- Install sheets/rolls of noise-reducing cellulose, vinyl, or recycled rubber under your flooring. Cost: $1,100.
- Install unfaced fiberglass insulation between floor joists before the subfloor is installed. Bonus: The insulation thermally isolates your attic bedroom, preventing unwanted heat transfer. Cost: $100.
Attic ideas for creating storage
Sloped ceilings make creating storage in attic bedrooms more difficult than in other parts of the house. You can pick up some storage space by installing built-in cabinetry in knee walls and by building a flip-top window seat under a dormer window.
Be sure to insulate any cabinet walls or shelf backs that abut unfinished attic space.
Provide a safe way out
Residential codes require two ways out of any bedroom in case of an emergency. In a remodeled attic, you’ll need an escape ladder, which you can hide in a built-in window seat.
Ladders for a third-story window can cost $70 to $100; expect to pay $300 for ladders with their own cabinets. Be sure to tell guests where the ladder is hiding.
Have you put in an attic bedrooms? If so – share your pictures!
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