Pittsburgh Attic Remodeling

An attic that can actually be used is quite an asset; as many people know, many modern day attics are so filled with ductwork from a central air conditioning system that they aren't a good place for much other than storing a few small items. Due to this, attic remodeling in Pittsburgh is often more feasible than it is in cities where the climate is very warm, as there are still quite a few homes in Allegheny county that don't yet have central air conditioning.

Benefits of Pittsburgh Attic Remodels
There are many reasons why attic remodeling is a good idea in Pittsburgh. The biggest benefit, by far, is being able to expand the amount of living area in your home without having to take away yard space like you would in a traditional addition. Since land in and around the city is very valuable, you can get the extra space you need without compromising the value of your property's acreage.

In addition to the extra living space that you and your family will gain, attic remodels also greatly increase the value of your home. It is estimated that around 98 percent of the construction costs accrued in Pittsburgh attic renovation will be recovered in added market value.

Pittsburgh Attic Remodeling ideas
When you make your attic as functional as any other room in the house, the possibilities for what that space can become are limitless. An extra bedroom is always a safe choice, and is an excellent option for those with expanding families. For people who have started working at home, a remodeled attic can become a new home office. Since many finished attics can be easily connected to plumbing, a remodel can almost become a separate little apartment if you add a full bath.

Common Pittsburgh Attic Remodeling Obstacles
Even if you don't have a massive amount of ductwork getting in the way, Pittsburgh attic remodels will still have their fair share of unique difficulties. First, southwestern PA is pretty cold for a decent part of the year; as most attics are not already hooked up to a heating system (it would be an incredible waste of energy to do so if the space wasn't finished), expanding your home's heating to reach it will be a priority. Attics are also not always equipped with the proper electrical wiring; new wiring will often have to be set up for the space to be as useable as other rooms in the house.

Many Pittsburgh attic remodels will require a change in the placement or type of insulation; the necessity of updating your home's insulation to finish an attic might inadvertently make the house more efficient than before. In many attics, insulation covers the ceiling and the floor; the insulation on the floor will probably need to be covered up to make the floor stable enough for regular traffic.

Pittsburgh Attic Remodeling Prices
The average price for creating a finished attic complete with solid flooring, extra windows, expanded heat and electricity, and a full bathroom is around $45,000 in southwestern Pennsylvania. Though this might seem like a lot, remember that much of that cost will get directly added to the market value of your house. Also, when you compare the price of an attic remodel to that of a traditional addition of a similar size and quality (which runs around $70,000 or $75,000), remodeling an attic is a pretty cost-effective option.