“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.”
Couldn’t agree more. I tried turning my attic into a bedroom once—ended up with a space only my dog could comfortably use. Between the low ceilings and the maze of ductwork, it just wasn’t worth the headache. Garages are way easier, but losing parking in winter? That’s a whole other debate...
Attics are like the Bermuda Triangle of home renovations—stuff goes in, but comfort rarely comes out. I’ve seen a few “bedrooms” up there that felt more like punishment than an upgrade. Garages make more sense if you’re desperate for space, but yeah, trading a warm car for an extra room in February? That’s a hard pass for me. I’ll take a real bedroom over frostbite any day.
Attics are like the Bermuda Triangle of home renovations—stuff goes in, but comfort rarely comes out.
That’s spot on. I tried turning our attic into a guest room a few years back—insulation was a nightmare, and it still feels drafty in winter and like a sauna in July. Garages are a bit easier to work with, but honestly, giving up covered parking in the Midwest isn’t worth it. Sometimes old houses just aren’t meant to have more bedrooms, no matter how hard we try.
Turning Attics And Garages Into Bedrooms: Is It Worth The Hassle?
Sometimes old houses just aren’t meant to have more bedrooms, no matter how hard we try.
- Totally get where you’re coming from. Attics are notorious for being tough to tame—insulation, weird angles, and temperature swings make it a real challenge.
- That said, I’ve seen some wild success stories with attic conversions. One friend went all-in with spray foam insulation and a mini-split system. Cost a bit more up front, but now it’s the coziest room in their house year-round.
- Garages are a mixed bag. Losing covered parking in the Midwest? Yeah, that’s a big trade-off. But if you’ve got a detached garage or don’t mind scraping ice, it can be a solid option.
- Sometimes, the quirks of old houses are what make them special. Trying to force extra bedrooms can end up being more headache than it’s worth, but if you’re up for the challenge (and maybe a little chaos), it can pay off.
- At the end of the day, comfort matters most. If the space never feels right, it’s okay to pivot and use it for something else—studio, playroom, storage, whatever fits your life.
You gave it a shot, and that’s more than most folks do. Sometimes the journey’s worth it even if the destination isn’t exactly what you pictured.
Sometimes old houses just aren’t meant to have more bedrooms, no matter how hard we try.
I get where that’s coming from, but I’d push back a bit. Old houses are full of surprises—sometimes the “impossible” attic actually turns into the best room in the house with some creativity. Sure, insulation and weird nooks can be tricky, but I’ve found keeping original woodwork or exposed beams adds so much character that you just can’t get with a new build. The hassle is real, but sometimes it’s exactly what makes the space special.
