If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy your home, but not ready for a full-scale addition, remodeling an underused room can do the trick— and your attic is a great place to start.

Some of our favorite ways to repurpose an attic include:

Better organization and storage solutions: Cardboard boxes are no longer your only option. You can redesign your attic space for optimal organization and storage that keeps everything in its proper place and extends the life of family valuables and heirlooms.

Distraction-free zone: Turning your attic space into a home office, library or study is a great way to get your work done without having to go far from your family.

Guest Room: No need to put your out-of-town friends or in-laws up in a hotel. Making your attic a guest room will keep everyone cozy, and keep their travel stresses to a minimum.

Entertainment: With the right adaptations, your attic can become your new favorite place to kick back and binge your favorite movies, TV shows, and albums.

You’re getting inspired for your attic remodel— awesome! If you’ve never tackled a home renovation before, there are a few things to consider. Here are some things to go over with your remodeler during the [initial interview], before signing on the dotted line.

Keep it Safe: Your attic space needs a minimum area of 70 square feet and a minimum ceiling height of 7 and a half feet. You’ll also need at least 2 exits (a staircase or windows will work).

Does your space meet safety standards and building codes? If so, how will any changes as a result of your remodel, uphold those standards? If not, can anything be done by your remodeler to get the space up to code.

Access: Do you have the budget and space you need to build the staircase required for safe access and to install either windows or a second staircase to keep it up to code?

Structural Support and Insulation: How will your remodeler determine if your current attic can structurally support your redesigned attic? Does your vision for the room require extra insulation to prevent excess noise?

HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing: Once you know your attic is up to code, it’s time to assess the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, or plumbing needs of your space. Depending on its purpose, you may need to plan to add all three. Your remodeler can help you make the right choices based on your existing floor plan.

Expect the Unexpected: Make sure any remodel, renovation or building plan includes three things: a backup plan, cushion for your budget, and an emergency fund. While it’s certainly appropriate to have a specified timeline and budget, being as ready as possible for unexpected surprises will save you a lot of time, money, and trouble down the road.

We love helping people create a new, fun space in their home; your attic is a great place to start with an overhaul. We’ll do whatever we can to keep your attic remodel safe, on-time, and on budget.