How Much Does it Cost to Finish & Convert an Attic?

Attic Renovation Cost Calculator

Average Cost to Finish an Attic

The average cost to finish an attic is $4,600 to $16,400, or $30 to $60 per square foot. This range includes the basics:

• Drywall: $1,000-$2,600
• Insulation: $1,700-$2,100
• Subflooring: $500-$800
• Floor Joists: $1,000-$10,000
• Fan: $400-$900

If you want to convert the space into a bedroom or other living area, you’ll pay up to$200 per square foot.

Cost of Finishing a Walk-Up Attic

Finishing a walk-up attic adds stairs and flooring, for a total of $8,100 to $26,000. The price to install a staircase ranges from $1,000 to $2,900, depending on the style and materials. The cost to install wood flooring is $2,500 to $6,800, a popular choice for this project.

Cost to Finish an Attic for Storage

The cost to finish an attic for storage ranges from $4,600 to $18,900, depending on the organization you want to add. The price to install closet organizers is $900 to $2,500. This can be a great choice for small spaces.

Cost to Finish an Attic with a Dormer

The price to finish an attic with a dormer is $4,600 to $16,400, depending on how you plan to use it. If you already have the window in place, you may be able to take advantage of that extra space.

If you want to convert the attic into a bedroom, be sure that the window is at least 5.7 square feet. This meets the requirements for an egress window, which you must have in every space that counts as a bedroom.

Cost to Finish an Attic Above a Garage

Finishing an attic above a garage ranges from $4,600 to $24,000, depending largely on the condition of the building. If you want heat, installing an electric baseboard heater costs $400 to $1,200. If you’re creating living space, you might need to pay the price to install a furnace, which is $2,600 to $6,200.

Outbuildings don’t usually have the same kind of ventilation, heating or insulation requirements as housing. If you want to spend time in the attic or store weather-sensitive items in it, you may need to install this additional equipment.

Attic Conversion Cost

Converting your attic into living space costs $8,000 to $80,000, or $50 to $200 per square foot. The total depends on how you plan to use the room.

Attic Conversion Cost Per Square Foot

An attic conversion ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot. You’ll pay less for a simple home office space that you’re not using as a bedroom. Creating a large master suite with bathroom costs up to$200 per square foot.

Attic Bathroom Cost

Converting your attic into a bathroom runs $9,600 to $52,000. This includes finishing and the cost to install a bathroom, which ranges from $5,000 to $35,000.

Attic bathrooms can increase your resale value or turn a bedroom into a suite. It’s complicated to install plumbing behind finished walls, so you’ll want to add it at the beginning of the project.

Average Cost to Convert an Attic to a Bedroom

The price to convert an attic to a bedroom is $8,000 to $30,000. This includes aspects like finishing, flooring and painting. For example, installing a closet costs $1,200 to $3,000. You’ll pay more for larger rooms or if you need to install a window.

Attic Master Suite Cost

A conversion with an ensuite costs $27,000 to $80,000. The price to add a master suite ranges from $22,000 to $64,000. This project gives you a bedroom with a closet and bathroom.

Dormer Attic Conversion Cost

Dormer attic conversion prices are $10,000 to $50,000, mostly related to the square footage and plan for the room.

The cost to install a dormer ranges from $2,500 to $20,000, depending on the type of roof and the size. Adding this structural element to your roof can significantly expand the usable living space of the attic.

Attic Home Office Cost

The price to convert an attic into a workspace ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. This includes basic finishing and home office renovation costs of $5,000 to $22,000.

Attic Addition or Extension Cost

An attic addition or extension ranges from $15,000 to $125,000, depending on the work needed:

• Cost to raise a roof: $15,000-$125,000
• Price to build an addition: $22,000-$70,000
• Cost to vault a ceiling: $16,000-$24,000

Homeowners often need one of these services because the room isn’t tall enough. To count as living space, an attic must be at least 7 feet tall at the highest point.

Attic Remodel Cost

Remodeling an attic costs $14,500 to $72,600.

General Contractor Costs

Hiring a general contractor costs $1,000 to $10,000. Rates usually depend on the size of the project. This means you’ll pay the most for an attic addition compared to a minor remodel.

An attic conversion usually involves hiring multiple pros. A general contractor can help you manage the project and find the right experts for the job.

Structural Engineers & Architect Rates

Hiring an architect costs $2,100 to $9,500, depending on your project. You’ll probably need this pro to make sure that your attic conversion or renovation is safe for regular use.

The cost to hire a structural engineer is $400 to $800. You may need this service to confirm that the structure is safe for your project.

Cost to Hire an Interior Designer

The cost to hire an interior designer is $2,000 to $11,700. This professional can help you design the space to maximize room or improve flow.

Interior designers can’t replace an architect. They often work with other pros to ensure that the final product matches your ideas as much as possible.

Attic Flooring Cost

The cost of attic flooring ranges from $3,000 to $16,000, depending on what you already have. The existing floor joists may not support weight, so you’ll probably need most of these services:

• Price to replace floor joists: $1,000-$10,000
• Cost to install subfloor: $500-$800
• Price to install flooring: $1,500-$4,500

Like a basement, an attic limits your flooring choices. Carpet, engineered hardwood, tile and vinyl are the most reliable options.

Walls & Ceilings

Creating walls and ceilings in your attic costs $2,800 to $8,000. Depending on how you’ll use the space and your budget, you may need these services:

• Price of drywall installation: $1,000-$2,600
• Cost to install a ceiling: $900-$2,400
• Price to install trim: $700-$1,900
• Cost to paint a room: $200-$1,000

Keep in mind that the total mostly depends on the style and finish you want. Basic walls and ceiling with minimal finishing will cost less than a project with a high level of finish or ornate trim.

Windows & Skylights

Adding a window or skylight to the attic costs $1,000 to $8,600, depending on the size and number you need:

• Cost to install a window: $3,000-$8,600
• Price to install a skylight: $1,000-$2,400
• Cost to install an egress window: $2,500-$5,100

Remember that window prices relate heavily to the size of the project. This means that you’ll usually pay less per unit if you replace all of them at once.

Electrical & Lighting

Hooking up your attic for electricity and lighting costs $1,000 to $3,400. Unless you plan on using a flashlight or battery-operated lighting, you’ll need these services:

• Price to install electrical wiring: $600-$2,200
• Cost to install electrical outlets: $150-$300 per outlet
• Price to install a lighting fixture: $200-$850 per fixture

Like plumbing, this project is something you’ll want to plan before you start hanging drywall. It’s much easier to run wiring and designate outlet spaces when you still have exposed framing.

Plumbing & HVAC

Connecting your attic to your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems costs $900 to $3,900. This assumes that you already have central air or pipes, and only need services such as:

• Cost to install plumbing: $400-$1,900
• Price to install ducts or vents: $500-$2,000

If you also need to install heating or cooling for the rest of the house, you may pay as much as $10,000 or more.

Attic Stairs or Ladder

The cost to install an attic ladder or stairs is $220 to $650. This addition allows you to get into the room easily without having to use a portable ladder.

Keep in mind that this design takes minimal space and usually collapses to close. If you need a permanent installation, you’ll pay extra to add a regular staircase.

Home Cooling from the Attic

Adding attic insulation or fans costs $2,100 to $4,000. Temperatures in this space can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s wise to think ahead about cooling options.

Attic Insulation

Attic insulation costs $1,700 to $2,100, depending on the type:

• Blown-in insulation cost: $1,000-$2,100, good for tight spaces or quick installation.
• Spray foam insulation price: $1,300-$3,700, best for homes with existing insulation.
• Batt and roll insulation installation cost: $1,100-$2,400, ideal for few obstructions.
• Radiant barrier price: $800-$2,900, better for warm climates.

Whole House vs. Attic Fans

The price to install an attic fan is $400 to $900, compared to $1,300 to $1,900 for a whole house fan. If your home doesn’t have central air, you may want to pay extra for a whole house system that circulates cooler air, instead of a unit that only vents the room.

Attic Renovation Cost Factors

Beyond the price of the project, you’ll need to keep these common cost factors in mind.

Configuration & Size

The amount of usable space in your attic largely depends on these factors:

• Number and type of trusses to support the roof.
• Joists and roof pitch.
• Minimum height and width requirements of 7 feet.
• Number of windows.
• Method of heating.
• Safe installation of stairs or ladder.

Generally speaking, the larger the attic, the more you can expect to spend. That’s particularly true for materials sold by the square foot, like drywall, carpeting or insulation.

Accessibility

An attic that’s hard to reach may cost 10% to 20% more for each project. If contractors have a difficult time hauling their tools and equipment in and out, they often add to the labor rates.

Permitting

A building permit costs $400 to $2,000. You’ll usually need one for an attic renovation or conversion.

ROI

An attic remodel’s return on investment ranges from 50% to 75%, depending on the type. Adding an extra bedroom or bathroom may recoup most of the cost in a higher resale value. But if it doesn’t meet requirements to count as living space, it may not add much at all.

FAQs

How much does a DIY attic conversion cost?

A DIY attic conversion costs $3,000 to $50,000, but usually takes much longer to complete. To ensure that the project is completed to your specifications, hire remodelers near you.

What is a loft conversion?

A loft conversion involves taking an open space and turning it into a closed room.

Does finishing an attic increase value?

Finishing an attic is most likely to increase value if the project turns the space into a bedroom or bathroom.

Is it cheaper to finish an attic or basement?

The cost to finish a basement is $6,500 to $18,500, which is much less than the $4,600 to $80,000 to finish an attic.

Can I convert my attic into a living space?

In order to convert your attic into living space, you’ll need at least seven feet of height and 70 square feet of floor.

Do I need planning permission to convert an attic?

Given the size of an attic conversion project, you’ll usually need to get a building permit in advance.

How long does a loft conversion take?

A loft conversion can take a couple of days to several weeks. It depends on factors like the condition of the room and the stairs.

How much does it cost to remove trusses from an attic?

The cost to remove trusses from an attic is $4 to $5 per square foot.

How much does an attic inspection cost?

Hiring a home inspector costs $300 to $400. Keep in mind that your attic must be accessible for an inspector to perform this task.