Converting an attic into a bedroom:advice, prices and quotes

You have an attic on your house and you want to convert it into a bedroom. This is a great solution for expanding living space or having an extra bedroom to accommodate visiting loved ones. Nevertheless, this type of development represents major work which can be very expensive and which needs to be properly carried out in terms of implementation and compliance with the legislation in force. Let's take stock to see more clearly.

Converting your attic to make a bedroom:advice to follow

Converting the attic to make a bedroom and installing an extra bed is an excellent solution to gain more living space. On the other hand, this type of work cannot be done just anyhow. Here are the tips we recommend you follow to make your project a success.

Advice on comfort and use

• Ceiling height :make sure the ceiling height is high enough to stand on part of the space. Arranging your attic is good, but you still have to be able to use it. If this furnished room is intended to accommodate your guests, the older ones will appreciate a certain height to move around without risk. Likewise, if you're saving the room for your kids, remember that by the time they're teenagers, they'll probably be tired of banging their heads regularly.
• Brightness :certainly, the bedroom is installed in the attic, but it must receive light. If you do not have the possibility of an opening to the outside to take advantage of natural light, adapt the lighting to see well enough.
• Adapted access :again, think about the access that leads to your attic. A ladder is pretty and nice, but it is not ideal for everyday use and for some users. Your young children may injure themselves and you yourself will tire of too uncomfortable access. As for your guests, going up there will be really complex for some. Prefer a well laid out staircase. There are models that take up little space while being well designed and secure.

Legal constraints

As part of such a project, you will be subject to certain legal constraints and obligations:

• If the development of your attic increases the living space of your house from 5 to 20 m², you will have to make a declaration of work at the town hall.
• If the conversion of your attic increases the living space of your house by more than 20 m² or if this addition means that the total living space of your house is now more than 150 m², you will need to obtain a building permit .
• If the layout of your attic means that the living area of ​​your house becomes more than 150 m², you will need to bring in an architect.
• If the development of your attic involves a modification of your facade or your roof, a declaration of work at the town hall will be imperative.
• If the layout of your attic requires the addition of a roof window, it is imperative to first consult the town planning regulations in order to act in full compliance with them. This document is available at the town hall.
• If you live in a protected area or near a historic monument, you will need to involve an architect from the Bâtiments de France and obtain a specific building permit.

Converting your attic to make a bedroom:at what cost?

The conversion of an attic to install a bedroom requires a very substantial budget. Indeed, it is estimated that for a light arrangement, it is necessary to count 500 to 900 euros per square meter, against 900 to 1,500 euros for a complete arrangement. Here are the different positions to consider and the average cost to predict.

Insulation

The insulation of the attic is essential for the comfort of those who will sleep there and for that of the whole household living below. In addition, good insulation allows you to make significant savings in heating and air conditioning throughout the year, but also to avoid the development of mold. There are several ways to insulate attics. Insulating mattress, blown or laying cellulose, thermal screen, polyurethane foam… depending on the solution chosen, count 2 to 80 euros per square meter.

To this price should be added that of the installation which amounts to between 20 and 50 euros per square meter for interior insulation and between 100 and 130 euros per square meter for exterior insulation.

Partitions

If the development of a bedroom in your attic requires the installation of wall partitions and ceilings, you will have to consider an additional budget. Count 10 to 50 euros per square meter on average.

Access

As we have said, a staircase worthy of the name is much more comfortable for accessing an attic bedroom. Depending on the model chosen and the fittings to be planned, this item can cost between 500 and nearly 10,000 euros.

Ventilation

To avoid humidity and mold and to promote good air circulation, it is important to consider installing ventilation in the attic. There are attic fans, for an average budget of 500 euros, but they are only used to bring in fresh air. For a VMC, plan rather 700 to 1,500 euros.

Electricity

The amount of the invoice will vary greatly depending on the installation envisaged. For a single room, the budget can be limited to around 1,000 to 1,500 euros. On the other hand, for a more specific installation or to attach a bathroom to it, plan at least 2,000 to 3,000 euros.

Plumbing

This budget will only be necessary if you plan to install a bathroom next to your bedroom in the attic, toilets or a simple water point. Count at least 1,000 euros for a simple installation and up to 10,000 euros for the complete installation of a bathroom adjoining the attic bedroom.

Heating and air conditioning

If you plan to install a heating and / or air conditioning system in your attic, this item can cost between 3,000 and more than 10,000 euros. It is difficult to mention a price, because this area is directly related to your installation in the rest of the house and to what you plan to implement in the attic. We therefore recommend that you seek quotes from professionals.

Windows

If you have the possibility of installing a roof window, it will be the best solution to properly ventilate the space and to bring in natural light. However, for this position, you will have to pay between 100 and 2,000 euros.

Coatings

To decorate your bedroom in the attic, you will need to reserve a more or less substantial budget. For paint or wallpaper, count 15 to 100 euros per square meter depending on the choices made and the finishes envisaged.

For your floors, do not hesitate to invest in an insulating solution in acoustic and thermal terms. You will gain comfort in both directions. Depending on the coating chosen, count an average of 20 to 150 euros per square meter.

Converting your attic to make a bedroom:ask for a quote!

Are you planning to convert your attic to install a bedroom? Before embarking on this great adventure that will save you living space, know that it is recommended to request several quotes from competent professionals. A minimum of three offers is necessary to properly compare services and prices and make a reasoned choice. To help you, our quote request form is at your disposal. In a few moments, you will receive offers from qualified professionals in your geographic area. Enjoy!