Home building designers in Penshurst on transforming your attic into a habitual space

With many houses having up to 30 per cent of their total floor area above their heads, it’s no wonder that home owners who are looking for more room, contemplate using this space for more than just storage. A suitable roof cavity can be readily transformed into an extra bedroom, office or just a quiet retreat. 

Our experts in home extensions have a few key areas you will need to investigate when transforming your roof space:

Roof Height: You will need to be able to meet roof height requirements and if you can comfortably walk around in over half of your roof space, then chances are you can turn it into a “habitable” room.

Council Approval: As with most home additions, you’ll almost certainly require council approval and if you are looking at changing the roof line, the council will need to be notified here also. Depending where you live and how extensive your plans are, your proposal may require a Development Application and this is something our experts in residential drafting services in Sydney can help with.

Roof Pitch: Newer homes tend to have a lower roof pitch, as opposed to older houses such as Victorian terraces or Californian bungalows. Modern trussed roofs are generally a little more tricky.

Adding Insulation and lighting: As one of the hottest places in your home, think about adding or upgrading your insulation. Besides making the space more habitable, you will improve the overall sustainablility of your home. Light is also an important factor and it is a must to add either sky lights or windows. Again, if you have a heritage home, it could affect the façade and therefore limit your changes.

Access: Don’t forget that you will need to include either a staircase or ladder. If you are completely transforming a space, a ladder may not be ideal for regular daily access. You will need to check space above and below, remembering that stairs must fit standard requirements.

Electricals and plumbing: These will need to be taken into consideration early on. A habitable space will need lighting and power points, with a bathroom or kitchenette will need plumbing, which will use up vital space.

If you are consider adding a habitable space to your home and you require help with design drawings, contact Go Design in Sydney today.