Do I Need A Building Permit To Finish My Attic

Building codes vary by location but most require at least a 7 foot clearance for attic expansions.

Do i need a building permit to finish my attic.

A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings. Have a pro check the structure. A finished attic weighs a lot more than boxes of off season duds. Flooring ceiling and wall materials and other elements will reduce headroom and floor space and it s the finished area that matters.

Before finishing an attic get the necessary permits from your local housing commission so you don t get in trouble later on if you try to sell your house. The basic space requirements for a finished attic boil down to the sizes of the finished rooms. Once you have a permit install subfloor panels over the floor joists so you can lay down flooring. That s measured after you finish the ceiling if you don t have enough height you ll have to raise the roof line and that adds a lot to your construction costs.

Hire an engineer to inspect your house s foundation and framing to ensure they. First check for head clearance. Space regulations are often a deal breaker for many homeowners. Many older homes simply do not have the right types of attics to construe this space.