Attic Conversions on the Rise

Mr Attic, a leading attic conversions company based in Sydney has noted a surge in interest from home owners interested in converting their unused attic into a usable space. With the price of houses soaring, many home owners are discovering that even a modest attic renovation can add significantly to the value of their home. 

Sam Paasila is managing director of Mr Attic. “While we do get enquiries from all over Sydney, it seems that attic conversions are becoming increasing popular especially in Sydney’s inner-western suburbs. Homes in these areas are typically on the smaller side, with little room to expand outwards– but many of them have a steep pitched roof, which makes converting the attic into a habitable room a very viable option.”

Mr Paasila explained further how various customers’ needs can be met through a simple renovation or extension to the attic area. “It’s easy to forget how much space there is in your attic, space which is often used to little or no effect. Even a simple storage attic renovation with a suitable attic ladder installed can make a huge difference to a family. Rarely used items will often end up in the garage, but this is actually an incredibly costly solution to storage.”

There’s little doubt that the ever increasing home prices in Sydney have also contributed to demand for more usable space within existing homes. To sell a 2 bedroom home in Sydney’s inner west and purchase a 3 bedroom home in the same neighborhood is likely to cost more in stamp duty alone, than the cost of extending upwards. This makes the attic conversion option an attractive option for many. Generally no council approval is required to convert an unused attic area into storage, however if it is to be used as a bedroom, then it will fall into the category of ‘habitable’ and will require council approval. Habitable attic rooms are required to have windows installed for ventilation and for the provision of natural light. There is an additional requirement that 60% of the attic room area needs to measure a minimum 2.2m from floor to ceiling.