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Using Unimproved Areas to Add to the Home
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Using Unimproved Areas to Add to the Home
SOUTHERN MARYLAND - 3/6/2009
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In difficult economic times, many people turn to their existing homes to help improve their lives as opposed to seeking a new home that has everything they require. One of the places in existing homes that many people overlook when contemplating remodeling or adding amenities and space are the unfinished areas of the structure. Consider a basement or an attic that lie unused and vacant. Is there enough headroom to stand? Is there enough area to add a room, or another bathroom, or other desirable features.
Homeowners might find that they are able to convert these areas to usable living space without the expense that accompanies building from scratch. That is because existing home areas already have a floor, roof, and/or walls. Often, there are important changes that have to be made to utilize this additional space. As an example, an attic floor may have to be reinforced to be usable, or a new door may be required for access to the space and often times, staircases have to be added as well.
Converting a Basement
If the home has a basement that is under-used or not used at all there is an opportunity to remodel the existing space at a fraction of the cost of building an addition to the home. Many basements have existing access from the upper floors and most have enough space for at least one or more rooms.
The most important things to consider when deciding to finish a basement is whether or not the area is dry and has at least seven feet vertical space to work with. Also, a major concern is where to add a staircase that does not disrupt the upper floors existing layout.
Basements are most often a perfect place for that recreation room or home offices, or inlaw apartments.
In this section of HomeTips, you will find help with buying some of the materials required for a basement conversion, as well as expert advice for DIY installation and improvements.
Converting an Attic
Homeowners with a large, undeveloped attic have a space perfect for new living areas. The main considerations is whether or not there is adequate headroom and how much work it would be to create a reinforced floor that can withstand the everyday rigors of normal living conditions. Most find that there are many improvements necessary to make an attic livable. After addressing the ceiling and floor, most attic spaces need a better access mechanism such as functional stairs. There is also often a need for additional heating and cooling for the space. In many cases, the attic area also will need new window treatments to allow natural lighting and fresh air access.
When converting an attic, most people have to get a permit because of the building codes in may jurisdictions. The tendency for most attic spaces having sloped roofs may cause a problem in some areas because there are specified headroom requirements. There is almost always the need to bring in electric, heat and air conditioning, all of which are subject to strict building codes in most areas.
Adding Stairs
Staircases are an absolute necessity for houses with multiple level living spaces. They are available in all heights, widths, and configurations, from very basic and utilitarian to grand and sweeping.
The staircase’s style is largely determined by the arrangement of existing living areas and the skill of the builder. In any event, staircases can be built with a variety of budgetary constraints and in many designs. Some are not suitable for children or for people that have difficulty with walking or climbing. A straight staircase is less expansive to build, but can be difficult to climb. Staircases that have landings and turns are easier to climb, but can be frustrating when having to move large furniture up and down. Spiral staircases take up the least about of room, but is the most difficult to climb.
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