Attic Remodeling Cost

Typical costs:

• Creating 400 square feet of storage space in the attic atop an 1,800-square-foot home by adding flooring, lighting and insulation, as well as reinforcing the attic floor joists cost about $3,000, according to RealtyTimes.com[1] . On average, converting an attic into storage space runs $2,000-$5,000, depending on the existing state of the attic, the challenges faced and the amenities desired.
• A basic pull-down staircase is around $100-$300 (aluminum costs more than wood), but a high-quality pull-down stair with an energy-efficient insulated cover can run $750-$1,000. Installing a pull-down staircase is similar to installing a pre-hung door and installation costs anywhere from $75-$300 or more depending on location and the complexity of the project.
• A simple conversion of an attic into one large open living space, such as a playroom or workroom, still requires reinforcing the floor joists as well as adding insulation, ventilation, electrical wiring, plumbing, finished floors, finished ceilings, finished walls and meeting building codes for items such as an additional fire exit through a window or other opening. This can average $10,000-$25,000 or more, depending on the existing attic space, the challenges faced and the amenities desired.
• Converting unfinished attic space into a 15x15-foot bedroom and a 5x7-foot bath with shower as well as a 15-foot dormer (for head room), four new windows, closet space, insulation, finished ceilings and walls, electrical wiring and lighting to code and adding a rail and baluster to an existing stairwell costs an average of $41,389-$60,135, according to Hanley Wood[2] .However, some estimates for extensive work converting attic space into an upscale living area are as high as $80,000-$90,000 or more.

• Check with your local planning department, even if you're just adding flooring in the attic for additional storage space. Adding living space in an attic always requires a permit to be sure the remodeled room meets all code standards such as sufficient ventilation and a second fire exit (a window will do). For example, the city of Madison, Wisconsin[3] posts its attic conversion process online.
• The US Department of Energy[4] provides attic insulation tips.
• Better Homes & Gardens provides guidelines[5] for deciding if an attic is worth remodeling, as well as an illustration of how an attic became a master suite[6] .

• The paperback Attic Remodeling Workbook[7] by Don Fritschen is $9.95.

• DoItYourself.com lists eight factors[8] that might be included in an attic conversion, and ThisOldHouse.com provides tips[9] for hiring a contractor.
• Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) included in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state.

1.  realtytimes.com/rtpages/20040628_atticconversion.htm
2.  www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/national.aspx
3.  www.cityofmadison.com/developmentcenter/residential/attic.cfm
4.  energy.gov/energysaver/articles/where-insulate-home
5.  www.bhg.com/homekeeping/is-your-attic-worth-remodeling/
6.  www.bhg.com/homekeeping/how-unused-attic-space-became-a-master-suite/
7.  www.amazon.com/Attic-Remodeling-Workbook-Dan-Fritschen/dp/1933007206
8.  www.doityourself.com/stry/attic-conversion
9.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20539027,0000.html

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does Heating Oil Cost?		How Much Does Painting a House Cost?		How Much Does a Fence Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. Planning holiday travel with a pet? We cover the cost of pet travel. Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Why calligraphy costs so much... Paid: 500.00 As a veteran calligrapher, my rates fall in this range. The rates may seem outside the budget but the skills and time required take many years to learn, not something that can be learned over a weekend or a YouTube video... [more] -Cora Taylor, Calligraphy Studio Calligraphy Cost Shingles Vaccination Paid: 25.00 Got my vaccination at Walgreens. Have WellCare Health Insurance. Am 76 years old. My copay is $25.00... [more] - Shingles Vaccine Cost Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 500.00 No clue that United Health would view this as surgery. Thought it was preventative. Total bill was 1500. Had to pay deductible. This was essentially a very expensive pap... [more] -AvaMonica Colposcopy Cost Service and warranty are worth the price Paid: 848.00 I am extremely nearsighted (-11.25) and hard to fit for progressive multi-focal lenses because frame size and shape are limited; I need a frame that can handle thick lenses... [more] -Julie C Eyeglasses Cost Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced 8 cylinder Paid: 200.00 P0300 code cylinder #2, ordered ignition coils online and purchased spark plugs at O’Reilly‘s. Took about an hour and a half to replace all eight... [more] -Busted knuckle Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Apadravya Paid: 95.00 $95 + tipFreehand piercing... [more] -E M Body Piercings Cost