Homeowner experience - Turning unfished attic into master bedroom (Bloomfield: sale, how much)

[blackandproud]

I've been shopping around for a single family home in Bloomfield. I finally found one that i could afford, but the master bedroom is a little small. Before i put in a bid for it, i wanted to do a little research on turning the unfinished attic into a master bedroom. Its already wired with electrical. Has anyone had any experience in finishing the attic in your home? How long did it take and how much. Not looking for anything extravegant...

[RobRiguez]

Alot of attics today are not built to be "finished". I would ask the home inspector their opinion. Im sure it could be done but it wont be easy if the attic is a "cold zone".

[NORMGLO]

Suggestion - (1) think about impact of hot and/or cold weather conditions when you renovate an attic, and (2) think about impact on future sale of property.

[blackandproud]

Originally Posted by NORMGLO

Suggestion - (1) think about impact of hot and/or cold weather conditions when you renovate an attic, and (2) think about impact on future sale of property.

I can tell you this, it was like a sauna up there yesterday. I really like the house, the bedrooms are kind of small, which is why i'm thinking of converting the attic into a master and give my oldest girls the master bedroom on the lower level.

[clevedark]

One of my neighbors did that in their house and it was really nice. Our attic was finished with two bedrooms and a bathroom, and yes, it was a hot and cold zone. We never addressed that, so we didn't use the rooms much, but I know people who did and enjoyed the space very much.

[BobKovacs]

Depends on whether ther floor joists are adequate to serve as finished space, and whether there's enough depth to the rafter to allow for code-required insulation. There are a bunch of code requirements you'll have to meet regarding egress windows, minimum ceiling heights, etc.- it may be worthwhile to pay an architect to take a look at the situation to determine what's feasible.

Regarding cost, you could be looking at anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on what's required- it's impossible to say without seeing the space.

[blackandproud]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Depends on whether ther floor joists are adequate to serve as finished space, and whether there's enough depth to the rafter to allow for code-required insulation. There are a bunch of code requirements you'll have to meet regarding egress windows, minimum ceiling heights, etc.- it may be worthwhile to pay an architect to take a look at the situation to determine what's feasible.

Regarding cost, you could be looking at anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on what's required- it's impossible to say without seeing the space.

Thanks Bob, they've already added the insulation, which is amazing, but definately need to get someone in there to check it out before i put an offer.

[AnnaIb]

Im assuming the attaic in on the 3rd floor, you will need to put a emergency exit outside to the 3rd floor.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by blackandproud

I've been shopping around for a single family home in Bloomfield. I finally found one that i could afford, but the master bedroom is a little small. Before i put in a bid for it, i wanted to do a little research on turning the unfinished attic into a master bedroom. Its already wired with electrical. Has anyone had any experience in finishing the attic in your home? How long did it take and how much. Not looking for anything extravegant...

Finishing an attic is generally a waste of money. If it must be done, probably the biggest value add is a large home office. Nobody will want a master bedroom in the attic. So expect a small return on your investment. If it's comfortable for you then whatever.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by blackandproud

Thanks Bob, they've already added the insulation, which is amazing, but definately need to get someone in there to check it out before i put an offer.

The question is, was it done right? Is there enough insulation to meet the code requirements, or was it just "let's put some insulation in- something is better than nothing"? There's also the issue of ventilation- did they put baffles under the sheathing to get airflow from the soffit to the ridge?