Building Into Attic Space

Access and egress code generally requires a full size staircase with a minimum 6 foot 8 inch clearance above it.

Building into attic space.

An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches 559 mm by 762 mm shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches 762 mm. You ll need a much larger staircase and landing to accommodate furniture. But the second you turn your attic into living space it s a whole new ballgame. Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house.

If you have an attic shorter than required by code you won t be able to remodel it into living space. An l shaped sectional provides plenty of seating to enjoy the fire. To pass code there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or. Generally 7 feet 6 inches high over a minimum floor area of 70 square feet.

Because local codes vary your building inspector can provide a list of applicable codes and required inspections for your new attic bedroom. For fire safety there must be two ways out a second staircase for example or a window. Other structural issues are also factors including whether there is adequate space to install a stairway to the attic. Turning an attic into a room can add value to your home and additional living space for your family.

Here s a look at some building code basics when it comes to turning attic space into living space. Building code often requires stairway access to the attic if the space is to. Many older homes were built with steep pitched roofs and plenty of available height that makes attic conversion easy and inexpensive. More seating will make the room seem bigger and it provides more functionality.

If your attic is shorter than this you can lower the ceiling on the. Other model building code citations for attic access stairways 2009 ibc commercial construction requirement for attic space access. There are many things to consider before undertaking the work. To be classified as a livable space your floor to ceiling height will have to be at least 7 feet.

The stairs have to be wide enough to handle a dresser or sofa but also have a large enough landing to handle the turn at the top. There are projects that you can build into your renovation to meet building code which qualifies your attic for conversion into a living space.