Attic Renovation Projects: The First Steps Santa Monica

Local Chimney Cleaning Santa Monica — Only a small percentage of homes with an attic have the opportunity to turn it into a usable space such as an entertainment room, a guest room, or simply an additional place for personal use. If the space in your attic is large enough to be adjusted with the above-mentioned designs, attic renovation projects can only be done.

Study of Feasibility

Before even dreaming that your attic may become something you want it to be, you could engage an expert to check into it. If you know how to achieve the sizes or areas in the space supplied, you may also do this technique. First and foremost, you must measure the area.

It is not because it appears to be huge enough that it is possible to proceed. You should consider the items and materials that will be added to it once the project begins. Once you’ve received your planning permit, these measures must be inspected by the authorities, and the list should fulfill the bare minimum of local building requirements.

The building inspector in your neighborhood can also assist you with this process. Before you can start working on the project, the person can walk you through the basic wants and criteria. The available headroom, the permissible volume of electrical routes, lighting conditions, and ventilation sources are frequently checked by the inspector.

You can also look up the local building code, which is usually available online.

Check on the Structure

One should inspect on the framing used in the construction of the attic to further know if it is feasible to do some grand renovations into it. Your roof should be supported by rafters for you to be able to consider pursuing with the plan. If the roof is supported by trusses, you should scrap the plan altogether because there might be not enough open space in the area.

But even though your attic got rafters as support, you would still need to inspect each for any leaks, damage like cracks, sagginess and the likes.

If the roof is at fault or you found it to have a water leakage, then you have to first change it or do some repairs before you could execute your renovation plans. This may add to the budget so you should be aware of the costs so you could be prepared with the right amount once you’ve started the ball rolling regarding the renovation.

Code Requirements

You need to follow rules especially regarding this matter because in any way, the code necessities must be met. If the attic is to be modified into a bedroom, a minimum of one exit from the outside is a must. This can be in the form of an egress window or stairs.

Additional windows or you can also install skylights in it to meet the required specs for ventilation and light purposes.

Structures Made of Metal

There are immovable elements in the attic, such as chimneys, that must be included in your design. It is easier to set electrical equipment and plumbing components out in the layout if they can be moved around. A quick reminder about the chimney: check your local codes to see what framing is allowed around such structures.

It’s easier to plan ahead for your attic renovation tasks once you know that you’re not only following the rules, but you’re also on the correct track to producing a safe place to use.