The approximate cost of finishing the bonus room over your garage is approximately $35 per square foot. This is calculated from standard costs for all of the different finishing pieces, such as the insulation, flooring, and wiring. A major factor when determining the cost of your renovation is going to the size of your bonus room.
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In many homes, the only access to the attic is a small crawl space in a closet or garage ceiling. If you're planning to convert the attic for additional living space or as a storage area, you'll want a set of stairs. Similar to many home-improvement projects, installing attic stairs starts with a plan and taking some measurements.
Location
A couple of considerations come into play with regard to the best location for stairs inside the house. You want to access the stairs from a room or area that has at least 4 feet from the bottom step to a wall. This allows room for carrying items to and from the attic when converting it to a living space or storage area. In addition, overhead clearance in the attic at the top of the stairs should be at least 7 feet, 6 inches, which is standard in home construction. With these measurements in mind, you can establish the location and direction of the stairs. Exterior stairs are an alternative where ample space isn't available inside the house.
Type of Stairs
For an attic living space, a built-in or fabricated wrought-iron staircase complements the decor in the room or area where the stairs land. A stained or painted door into the attic sets off the top of the stairway. If the attic is used for storage, functional pull-down stairs open easily and seal off the opening to the attic when closed. Once you've decided on the location and type of stairs, the next step is installation.
Permanent Stairs
The first phase of installing a permanent set of wooden stairs involves cutting and installing the stringers, which are notched supports for wooden treads. Typically 2-inch by 14-inch framing lumber is used as stringers for inside or outside stairs, and these attach at the upper and lower ends with bolted framing connectors. Wooden treads are cut from 1-inch by 12-inch tread lumber and installed with wood glue and finish nails. Handrails consist of wooden posts bolted at each side of the stringers at 6-foot intervals. Wooden balusters and a handrail install with wood glue and wood screws. Building wooden stairs requires expertise and a full complement of carpentry tools. Alternatively, wrought-iron stairs with integral handrails are manufactured and installed by an ornamental iron works shop.
Pull-Down Stairs
Functional pull-down attic stairs come as a unit that's ready to install in a framed opening in the ceiling below the attic. Framing the opening starts with marking an outline on the ceiling based on outer dimensions of the unit, and removing the drywall or plaster with a reciprocating saw. The exposed portions of the wooden ceiling joists are cut out, and the rim of the opening is framed with lumber the same size as the joists. Typically, 16d framing nails and framing connectors are used to attach the framework to the existing joists and secure the inside corners of the framework. Pull-down stairs install by driving lag bolts through predrilled holes in the frame and into the ceiling framework with an impact driver or socket and ratchet. An assistant installs temporary bracing below the unit while you secure it in the opening.
References (2)
About the Author
William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.
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Machin, William. 'Installing New Attic Stairs.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/installing-new-attic-stairs-66073.html. Accessed 11 January 2020.
Machin, William. (n.d.). Installing New Attic Stairs. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/installing-new-attic-stairs-66073.html
Machin, William. 'Installing New Attic Stairs' accessed January 11, 2020. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/installing-new-attic-stairs-66073.html
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