The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

In order to visualize remodeling possibilities and see how typical attic shapes lend themselves to remodeling, let us briefly study two examples.

In Fig. 2 the attic space shown is under a gable roof. The gable end and rafters are indicated. As usual in such spaces, odds and ends of discarded furniture and other household items are stored. A great deal of usable space is wasted.

Fig. 3 shows how the same attic space was remodeled to create a modern bedroom. A new and larger window replaces the original small window. The soil stack was rerouted under the floor and extended to the roof through the short (knee) wall. Then by means of insulation panels and hardwood parquet flooring, the ceiling, walls and floor were surfaced to give them a modern and desirable appearance.

In Fig. 4 the attic space is under an intersecting roof. The gable and valley are indicated. See also part C of Fig. 1. The chimney and window are located in the gable wall.

Fig. 5 shows how the same attic space was remodeled to create a music and entertainment area. The chimney was surfaced with insulation panels and the balance of the gable wall was made into shelves and space for a television cabinet. The existing window was not changed. By means of insulation panels and linoleum, the ceiling, walls and floor were given a modern treatment.

It should be noted in both Figs. 3 and 5 that the slanting roofs do not detract from the desirable and efficient use of the spaces. In Fig. 3 no horizontal ceiling (collar beams—see Chapter 13) was created because more glass area was desired as part of the window and because such a ceiling would have been too low. In Fig. 5 a large area of horizontal ceiling was provided because sufficient height was possible.