Yeah, the insulation part is a real pain, especially if you’re trying to keep things green. Old garages and attics are usually full of gaps and weird angles—air leaks everywhere. Did you end up using spray foam or did you go with batts? I’ve found that even “eco-friendly” options can be tricky to install right in those tight spots.
And about the self-leveling compound… totally agree, it’s not magic. If there’s dust or old paint on the slab, forget it—the stuff just peels up later. I learned that the hard way after thinking a quick sweep was enough prep. Now I’m all about over-prepping before pouring anything.
One thing I’d add: have you ever run into issues with permits or code when converting? Sometimes what seems like a simple bedroom project turns into a whole saga with egress windows, ceiling heights, and ventilation requirements. It’s doable, but man, sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the hassle—or if it’s just better to work with what you’ve got.
Sometimes what seems like a simple bedroom project turns into a whole saga with egress windows, ceiling heights, and ventilation requirements.
That’s the part nobody warns you about—one minute you’re dreaming up cozy nooks, next thing you’re deep in code books. I get the frustration, but honestly, those hurdles can push you to get creative. I had to reframe a window once just to meet egress, and it ended up being the best feature in the room. It’s a hassle, but seeing it come together makes all the headaches worth it. Sometimes the quirks of old spaces give them real character.
I totally get that—sometimes the code requirements feel like they’re just there to trip you up. But I’m curious, did anyone here ever hit a point where you thought, “Maybe this isn’t worth it?” Like, was there a specific hurdle (insulation, permits, whatever) that almost made you give up? I’ve been eyeing my own attic for ages but keep second-guessing whether it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
I hear you on the attic hesitation—mine’s from the 1920s and I swear, every time I pull up a floorboard, it’s like opening a time capsule of questionable wiring and ancient insulation. The permit process nearly killed my motivation. Got halfway through the paperwork and thought, “Why am I doing this to myself?” But honestly, in older homes, you’ve got to weigh the charm against the hassle. Sometimes, those quirky spaces just aren’t meant to be bedrooms unless you’re ready for a real project. For me, the code around egress windows was the dealbreaker—no way to add one without wrecking the roofline. If resale isn’t a huge priority, sometimes it’s better to just leave well enough alone.
Turning attics and garages into bedrooms: is it worth the hassle?
- Been down this road a few times, mostly with properties from the 40s and 50s. Every attic conversion starts out sounding like a great idea—extra bedroom, more value, right? But reality kicks in fast.
- First thing I always look at: ceiling height and access. If you can’t stand up straight or you need a ladder to get up there, it’s a tough sell for most buyers or renters.
- The egress window issue is huge. I ran into the same problem with a craftsman bungalow—city wouldn’t budge on code, and cutting into that roofline would’ve cost more than the whole project was worth. Ended up scrapping the bedroom idea and just made it storage.
- Permits are a pain, no way around it. But skipping them isn’t really an option if you care about resale or insurance. Had an inspector flag an unpermitted attic bedroom once during a sale—deal nearly fell apart.
- Insulation and wiring in old homes... yeah, that’s always an adventure. Found knob-and-tube in one place, ancient cellulose in another. Both needed full replacement to meet code.
- From an investment angle, I’ve found garage conversions usually make more sense—easier access, fewer structural headaches, and you can often add plumbing without too much drama. Still need to watch out for parking requirements though; some cities are strict about losing garage space.
Honestly, unless there’s a clear path to meeting code without gutting half the house, I usually pass on attic bedrooms in older homes. Sometimes those quirky spaces are better left as reading nooks or storage—less stress, fewer surprises down the line.
