Attics are a long-standing feature in American homes, their use evolving as homeowner demands shift. Serving initially as storage space, many attics have become “bonus” rooms, housing everything from home offices to master suites.
Considering converting your attic into a new, useable space? Keep these pointers in mind:
• Many attics have no source of natural lighting. If you want to take full advantage of the space, consider installing roof windows or skylights. New makes with energy-efficient features may be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.
• More families are housing multiple generations under the same roof. As such, an additional bedroom or bathroom in the attic may be a wise investment come resale. A master suite addition recoups approximately 65 percent of its cost, and a bathroom addition returns about 55 percent, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
• Consider converting the attic into a space you wouldn’t ordinarily find in the average home, such as a craft corner, a home gym, a game room or a movie theater. Relegating these spaces to the attic frees up square footage on the main levels of the home.
