How to Convert Your Attic into a Bedroom

Everyone around the world was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that was through homelessness, sickness, unemployment, or general malaise about the state of the world.
 
However, some people were able to use the sudden amount of free time they’d gained to make productive life changes, such as beginning a weight loss journey, picking up DIY projects, and cleaning up their houses.
 
These actions, which might have been put off for years, suddenly had the space to be completed now that people didn’t have to deal with daily commutes and the like.
 
(This is, of course, a positive spin on what was a generally nightmare-inducing situation for billions of people. This article is not trying to make light of that.)
 
One such home renovation project that people suddenly had time to do was getting rid of the junk that had been cluttering up their attics for ages.
 
And, with that new space, people were able to try and come up with new and fun ways to use it.
 
If this is you, and if you’ve done the cleaning part but not the space decorating part, have you considered . . . turning your attic into a bedroom?
 
Check Its Structure

Before getting too far into this plan, the very first thing you need to do is make sure that your attic is suitable for sustained use and weight.
 
Although you may have just taken a bunch of stuff out of the room, the relics and old clothes you used to store up there will typically weigh less than the furnishings for an entire room.
 
Whether checking the stability of the attic requires you to hire an inspector or otherwise, make sure you verify that the attic won’t collapse into the rest of your house as soon as you get a bed up there.
 
Only once you are sure that the attic space will not collapse and take the rest of your house with it, should you continue with your attic remodeling plans.
 
In summary, make sure that your attic meets all local building codes and standards before you move in.
 
Finish the Attic

You may be able to skip this step if your attic is already finished. However, very few attics will be finished, so make sure you plan this time into your project and your budget.
 
When someone mentions “finishing” an attic, this typically means that you make the area into a suitable living space.
 
Elements you might be required to add are included, but not limited to:

• Installing Ducts and Vents
• New HVAC System
• Building a Dormer
• Adding Stairs
• Electrical Wiring

 
After you’ve done the aforementioned things, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
 
Check That the Attic Is Insulated and Drywalled

As part of making sure that your attic is an actual living space, you should plan to add in insulation and double-check that there is drywall on the walls and ceilings.
 
Making sure that the attic has temperature management (insulation) and structure (drywall) will go a long way towards making sure that your new room feels like a room and not some creepy copy-paste from a horror movie.
 
Paint!

When people imagine making a whole new room, one of the first things that comes to mind is what color they want to paint it.
 
This is one of the most fun aspects of turning your attic into a bedroom. It’s of the ways that you can show off your personality and interests.
 
Make sure you take the time to look through many different paint options, so you end up with exactly what you want. And consider including an accent wall for even more interest in your new space.
 
Also, don’t feel limited to only a single color. Mix and match it, use patterns and asymmetric designs, and let yourself have fun! Make sure that, when it comes to the actual painting, you tape off and cover anything in the room that shouldn’t get paint on it.
 
After that, put on some old and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind ruining, and get to work!
 
Flooring

After you’ve painted the walls and ceiling, the last part of the attic that needs attention is the flooring.
 
Unless you want the attic to have the basic wood flooring you’ve put in so as not to fall into the rest of the house, you should look into carpeting or hardwood flooring.
 
This allows the room to feel cozy and homey, rather than drafty and cold. Although you don’t have to, it’s typically best to choose some flooring that will compliment your painted walls, but again, this room is yours.
 
Do whatever you want that will make you happy for a long time!
 
After you’ve settled the stability, made it livable, painted the walls, and put in floors, the final step is to furnish the room!
 
Furnishing

This, like the painting and the flooring, can take whatever form you’d like it to.
 
If you want to add a bunk bed and two dressers so that two people can live in the room, that’s an option. If you want to cover the walls top to bottom with art, don’t let anything stop you.
 
At the end of the day, although it used to be an attic, this room is now the culmination of a vision--your vision.
 
Once you’ve completed this last part, take a moment to recognize what you’ve done, and then relax and enjoy your new space.