Attic storage is possible in most houses, even if just to give a little extra space to put a few boxes, but it is worth assessing and properly planning any new attic storage area, to get the most out of the area.
It is important to look at any potential problems, however small these might seem. For example even a small leak in your roof could lead to serious damage to your belongings. You should check for water stains on the ceilings, which are a good indication you have a cracked or slipped tile on the roof that needs attention. Also look for any signs of rot or mould.
One mistake many people make when trying to do their own attic conversion is forgetting to check whether any vents from the bathroom come out in the attic. These vents are used to expel excess moisture and so you should ensure they are not dispersing this water vapour into the attic. This will lead to damp.
Its important to check carefully around the chimney and any other pipes or vents that go through the roof, this where the majority of leaks are likely to occur.
As well as checking above, you need to also look at whats below your feet. The attic floor is the ceiling of the rooms below and whilst the joists might be strong enough to enable you to walk around the attic space, these roof beams might not be up to the job of supporting the weight of a lot of boxes, furniture or people constantly moving around. But these joists can easily be reinforced and recovered.
Another consideration is access. If the space is to be used as additional living space and will require regular access then you need a fixed stairway but if it will only be used for storage then a folding ladder or drop-down stairway might be sufficient.
Under building regulations there must be a certain amount of head room for at least half the area of the available floor space. Many ideas to convert the attic fall through at this stage. However, if the attic is only to be used for storage space then this need not be an issue.
Many people try and convert their attic themselves, however given all the considerations above, it is advisable to engage the services of a professional designer and contractor. Barbara Genda offer bespoke furniture solutions and can help you design your attic storage solutions. A great part of their service is a 3D visualisation as a part of the design process. Customers can then see exactly what their new attic storage area will look like, how any furniture will fit in the space. This service is provided absolutely free for their clients if you are within 10 miles of London [UK]. The first step is to speak with them, either by phone or in their office and chat through your project. A no-obligation home visit will then be set up so that the attic space can be measured, the designer can get a good idea of the style of your furnishings and decor.
Barbara Genda bespoke furniture designers will then go to work designing the perfect attic storage solutions for you and your home, whether that is fitted wardrobes, specially designed drawers to fit under the eaves or innovative bedroom furniture designs for an awkward space.
Company details:
Barbara Genda Bespoke Furniture & Interiors
44 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RY
T: 0207 978 2349
Website: http://www.barbara-genda.com/