Most people use the attic as an extra storage space. In my house, it’s where we put the holiday decorations, gift wrapping, and boxes of family keepsakes. What do you use the attic for?
Would you like to repurpose your attic into a new living space? This is a trending renovation project that can also add value to your house when you decide to sell. Here are some ideas to utilize your attic space and make it your new favorite place in the house.
1. Another Guest Bedroom
If family and friends come to stay, adding another guest room will help fit everyone comfortably. Fit in one or twin beds, maybe a small bureau or chest for putting away clothes. Throw a plush rug down for a soft, warm footpath. Also, you can add soft bedside lighting instead of ceiling lighting, like a couple of table lamps or pendants.
2. Kid’s Playroom
Kids want a secret hideout, a place that is their own. Turn the attic into your child’s clubhouse, where you don’t care if it is a mess, with toys everywhere. Guests will never see it.
You can coat one or more walls with chalkboard paint for the kids to write and draw on. Add some comfy chairs and a large throw-rug. Put in cubicle shelves to organize art supplies and playthings.
3. Peaceful Reading Nook
If you are like me, finding a quiet place to read is hard in a full house. There is too much commotion, too much noise, and you cannot hear the characters on the page.
Turn the attic into your private reading room. All you need is an upholstered couch, maybe a blanket, and a side table for your coffee or wine. Scaled artwork will give the illusion of higher ceilings. Add a skylight for by-day reading and bright task lighting for at night.
4. Your Private Studio
If you are a painter, sculptor, musician, or another sort of artist, you want a creative space that inspires your best work. The attic can be that space. Being at the top of the house will contain noise and fumes from oil paints and turpentine. Just be sure to put in the proper ventilation for your own well-being.
5. A New At-Home Office
57% of employees work remotely now, and working from home continues to trend. Perhaps this is the case with you or your spouse. Maybe one or both of you need a space dedicated to professional work.
You can add one or two desks and comfortable chairs, maybe a small coffee bar and sink. Consider a skylight for natural lighting, promoting better productivity, and desk lighting if you work late hours.
Renovate or Sell
The average cost to renovate an attic can range anywhere from $8,000 to $80,000. When you sell, it may provide 50% to 75% ROI, depending on the attic conversion and if it was well done.
Renovating the attic is a good idea if you choose to stay in your house for another couple of years. Otherwise, you can save your money, on this and other upgrades or repairs, by selling to an investor. Most investors will make a cash offer on the house AS-IS. You can use the sale earnings as a down payment on your next house and maybe convert its attic into your ideal space.
