Design considerations for remodeling attic spaces

By Thomas Hubka

Attic remodels to small- to medium-sized houses can be especially challenging construction projects because they usually require good design layout in tight places with sloping roof conditions that complicate typical construction details.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for owners of modest houses is to adjust large house spatial expectations to the snug joys of rooms with lower sloping ceilings.

Stair location. For houses without attic stairs, locating the stairway is one of the most critical design decisions.

Several locations are often possible, including exterior bump-outs, but exacting stairway standards and code requirements make stair design a challenging exercise usually it is a task for architects or experienced contractors.

For houses with existing stairs and tight locations, an important consideration is the possibility of reconfiguring or turning the stairs at top or bottom to maximize better spatial usage for adjacent spaces.

Attic room locations and shed or dormer extensions. Typically, on the second floors of modest houses, the existing stair and the plan of the two or three bedrooms dictate the basics of the design. If this is a given, the major task is then to decide which areas of the roof to expand or open-up with roof gables, sheds, large or small dormers and skylights.

Frame the major view with your best and largest opening. To enhance most rooms, consider framing a primary view with a group or cluster of major windows. And your view doesnt have to be Mount Hood. Consider framing or focusing on a favorite tree or just the sky and neighboring tree tops.

Some homeowners sit on their roof to make these selections but experienced architects or builders can also anticipate these decisions without roof sitting.

Skylights can complement major window openings. These are also ideal for obtaining secondary views and for lighting small interior rooms and stairways. They are also considerably cheaper than equivalent dormers or shed roof opening.

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Design considerations for remodeling attic spaces