Habitable Attic Space

Habitable attic space must satisfy the same requirements that govern rooms in the rest of the house.

Habitable attic space.

The term habitable attic is relatively new to the residential code. Therefore where the conversion of an attic is required for habitable space then the rest of the house would also need to be upgraded if the completed house is to comply with building regulations. Where this area has a floor it would be defined as a story. An attic designation is appropriate only if the area is not considered occupiable.

The new language more clearly defines an attic space that can be considered habitable by mandating compliance to other areas of the code that fall under habitable spaces. Nothing improves a claustrophobic attic space like natural daylight. Many new homes include a space that is designed into the truss system of the roof which can provide a cost effective and easily accessible space for. The criteria for a habitable attic is.

A floor area of 70 square feet or more. This is applicable to finished and unfinished spaces. A finished or unfinished attic that has all the makings of a living space is a habitable attic. To make the attic space look and feel habitable you need to factor in good sources of natural light and ventilation an attic conversion is one of the most affordable ways to add space to a home.

To pass code there must be at least 70 square feet where the ceiling height is 5 feet or. Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the habitable attic definition in chapter 2 are considered habitable. Attic section 202 identifies an attic as that space between the ceiling beams at the top story and the roof rafters. For example a habitable attic space now has to have minimum headroom heights per section r305 a minimum square footage of 70 sq.

If you intend to make your attic space a welcoming habitable space you may want to consider skylights dormers with windows or other wall openings to let light and air into the space perhaps even a door and exterior roof deck. Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening.