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can you build a attic to a normal house?
We have a normal house without a attic. I was wondering if its possible to build a attic? Or how to do somethint similiar?
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Quite agree with adviceman49. It's a definite maybe! Although, not quite clear what your expectation or definition of an attic is? A proper living space, or just utilising that roof space for extra storage of stuff? The former is indeed going to be at least a big building project with a price tag to match. Possibly very big. The latter is a much more modest undertaking. The former would indeed add value to your property, since it sprouts and extra 'room'. The latter will not. I can't say there is anything you could call similar to an attic. You could build an extension (outwards rather than upwards) if space permits, but a quality job will not be any quicker or cheaper than 'extending upwards' as it were.
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The answer is both yes and possibly no. TO find out if it is possible or not you need hire an engineer to come out to your home to see if the house will withstand the weight of a full second floor.
The engineer will look at the size of the footers and your foundation. Then he will look to see where bearing walls are and if they are sufficient for the new load. After his inspection he will, if it is possible, design a building plan to raise the current roof, or have the current roof removed and a second floor and roof built.
With these plans you then go to the County or City Building Permits Department to file your plan and get a permit to build.
You might also have to hire an architect to design the interior space. These plans would show where the electric outlets and heating ducts will be placed plus any plumbing for a requirements.
This is not the type of job for the average DIY person so it would be best to hire a contractor. A job of this type depending on the size and where in the country you live could cost anywhere from $30,000 to well over $100,000 depending on what you need and what you want.
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