if you can’t stand up straight, is it really useful?
This made me laugh—been there, ducked that. My 1920s attic has a “bonus room” that’s only a bonus if you’re under five feet tall. I agree on the egress windows too; squeezing one into a sloped roof is a special kind of headache. And don’t get me started on old insulation... I found newspapers from 1948 stuffed in mine. Sometimes, keeping the attic as storage (or a time capsule) is the least stressful option.
I totally get the “bonus room” thing—ours is more like a “bonus crawlspace.” I’m 5’7” and have to walk around hunched over like Gollum just to get to the one window. I keep wondering if it’s worth the back pain to turn it into anything besides a glorified storage bin. The idea of putting in an egress window up there makes my head hurt, too. I looked into it, and the quotes were... let’s just say, not in my “first-time renovator” budget.
Did you actually read any of those old newspapers? I found some insulation in ours that was basically just crumbling cardboard, but nothing as cool as vintage headlines. Part of me wants to keep it as-is just for the weird history factor.
I keep going back and forth on whether it’s worth the hassle to make it a bedroom. On one hand, extra space is always nice, especially if you’ve got guests or kids. But then you start thinking about the cost of raising the ceiling (if that’s even possible), adding proper insulation, and making sure it’s safe and up to code. Not to mention, who wants to sleep in a room where you can’t stand up straight? Unless you’re a kid who thinks it’s a secret clubhouse, I guess.
I’ve seen some people do amazing things with attic conversions, but I’m starting to think maybe it’s just not practical for every house. Sometimes, a quirky storage space is better than a cramped “bedroom” no one actually wants to use. Or maybe I’m just talking myself out of another project...
Funny you mention the vintage insulation—ours had old Sears catalogs stuffed in the walls, which I guess was the 1920s version of fiberglass? I get tempted to do something creative with the attic, but every time I crawl up there and bang my head, I remember why it’s just storing holiday junk. Have you ever thought about just making it a reading nook or hobby space instead of a full bedroom? Sometimes those quirky corners end up being the most loved spots in the house.
Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
I get the appeal of a cozy nook, but I actually went the other way and turned our attic into a full bedroom for my teenager. It was a pain, not gonna lie—low ceilings, weird angles, and the insulation situation was a nightmare (found some old newspapers from the 30s, which was wild). But honestly, it’s been totally worth it for us. The extra bedroom meant we could spread out, and it added value when we got the house appraised.
If you’re on a budget like me, it’s not cheap, but doing a lot of the work yourself helps. Just be ready for surprises behind those walls... sometimes more than just old catalogs. If you really need the space, I’d say don’t rule out a full conversion just because it’s tricky. Sometimes it’s exactly what the house needs.
Totally get where you’re coming from—attics are like the Wild West of home renos. Biggest thing I warn folks about is egress windows (code loves ‘em), and don’t underestimate how much drywall dust you’ll eat. But man, nothing beats the extra space once it’s done. Just remember, if you’re tall, watch your head... those slopes are ruthless.
