I would like to renovate my attic. The dimensions are 46 X46.?

Question

However, the roof is flat, and I may need dormers to adjust head room. right now, the open to the attic is like ...stairs and then a push in the ceiling to get in. I would like to add stairs. Does anyone know what the approx. price for renovating an attice would be, or is that something I can do myself. Any web cites for reference?

Answer 1

Certainly the greatest expense might be in the "headspace" you mention and need. It's possible you can do much of the interior work as a DIY.

I suggest though, if you have the desire and the budget, that you contract at least an electrician to fill in any wiring/breaker gaps/needs, and for insurance and liability purposes do it to code, with permits.

Since you state "May Need" without details of any headroom, I guess many answers will be a bit vague, but I have suggestions regarding cost... If I was to do the job, after the roof and electrical issues were managed.

A staircase is relatively easy too, given that you have adequate space from the level beneath the attic, IE: A wall, or Hall, where stairs will fit and not intrude heavily into other living space. Stair "stringers" are one way to proceed. As an easier, less costly opition, you can still retain the push up/into, but purchase the "slide" down stairs, as opposed to the fold down ladder type.

You'll need proper insulation, support of the ceiling below for the attic floor level, likely extensions of heat, and/or AC, if it's to be an actual "living area", and then the materials for flooring, walls, ceiling, carpet, etc.

In many ways this is like any other addition to a house, but issues include a contractor having to gain access for hauling materials up to the attic level. In a normal addition for example you could expect to pay anywhere from $100 a sq. ft. to $250, plus materials, and your other costs: those being the roof and electrical. If you wanted plumbing you'd have to add more.

At 2116 sq. ft, given your measurements the job should be fairly priced at a minimum of $20,000, and then you can figure added issues.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

$25,000.00 if you can use the roof as is, and the floor joist are such to support the live load you will sometimes have. Adding another 2160 sq ft of living space, your heat and a/c may have to be increased. Lots of new wire, and then you will decide on a new bath room. It goes on and on. All this will be on top of the $25,000.00

When you figure a new 2100 sq ft house would cost $150.00 a sq ft. you will have a bargin if it cost you $60,000.00