How much does it cost to finish a 500 sq ft attic?

Average Cost to Finish an Attic. The average cost to finish an attic is $4,600 to $16,400, or $30 to $60 per square foot.

How many square feet is an average attic?

To meet most building codes your attic should: Have at least 7 feet of vertical clearance in the majority of the room, be a minimum of 7 feet wide and have at least 70 square feet of space available. How much does it cost to finish an attic?

How do I calculate my attic space?

Calculate the square footage of your attic. Measure the length and width of the attic space using a tape measure. Multiple these two measurements to arrive at a square footage number. For example, an attic that measures 40 feet by 60 feet has a total of 2,400 square feet.

What to do with storage space in Attic?

Look for ways to work storage into the room’s interior. Here, a half-wall along a staircase doubles as a bookshelf next to a home office. If there’s no room for recessed storage, go the other way. Built-in cabinets with drawers or doors below make handy window seats.

How big is an attic compared to a straight run?

It needs more room than a straight run (roughly 45 to 50 square feet per floor versus 33), but its footprint is more squarish than linear, so it will often fit in spaces where a straight run can’t go. Just make sure the landing is large enough to maneuver furniture upstairs.

How big of an attic do you need for a house?

Every attic is different, but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. Follow the “rule of 7s”: Enforcement varies, but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high, and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet.

What should I put on my attic ceiling?

Consider one of these finishes for your attic ceiling. Paneling with applied moldings is an elegant touch for a traditional space. A timeless classic, these tongue-and-groove panels are easy to install and will protect the low ceiling from dings and dents. Stained or left bare, wood makes a low-ceilinged attic feel snug and cozy.

Can a attic be included in square footage?

Some people wonder if an attic can be included in the finished square footage of a home if there is a pull-down ladder or existing stairway to the space. To be included in the square footage, an attic would first need to meet the same criteria as any other space — heating, flooring, ceiling and wall covering.

How tall should the ceiling be in an attic?

In other words, if your attic has 200 square feet over which the ceiling is at least 5 feet high, then for a minimum of 100 square feet (50% of 200, that is), the ceiling height needs to be at least 7 feet.

Is it worth it to finish my attic?

Converting your attic into usable finished space can increase the value of your home by maximizing the available square footage. If your home is smaller than other homes in your area, or simply lacks the necessary amount of storage or living space for your family, finishing your attic is a relatively inexpensive way to increase your usable space.

How big does an attic have to be to pass code?

Area. Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house. To pass code, there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or higher. Windows and Openable Area.