The attic is the hidden workhorse of the home. Whether you use it for storage or house your HVAC system up there, there are so many ways to make it functional. Hopefully these attic features help during your build!
Attic Catwalk
A catwalk is a sturdy platform that allows you to walk safely through your attic without stepping on insulation or joists. Without it, you’re forced to tiptoe across beams with the constant risk of putting your foot through the ceiling. Catwalks are cheap to add during the build but a pain to retrofit later. If your attic has any usable space, ask your builder to add one early.
Spray Foam in the Rafters
Instead of traditional fiberglass insulation on the attic floor, spray foam goes directly onto the underside of the roof deck. This creates a sealed thermal envelope, turning your attic into a semi-conditioned space. This means if your HVAC system or ductwork lives up there, spray foam keeps it from melting like butter in the summer or freezing in winter. It also helps reduce your energy bill and eliminates the need for roof vents.
Large Attic Door
If you’ve ever tried crawling through a tiny attic hatch while juggling bins or tools, you already know how important this one is. A larger attic access door gives you enough space to move items safely in and out of the attic without breaking your back. The bigger the opening, the more likely you are to actually use your attic.
Attic Lift
An attic lift moves storage items up and down from the attic with the press of a button. No more hauling heavy boxes up a rickety ladder. This is one of those upgrades you don’t realize you need until you have it. Whether you're loading holiday décor, seasonal clothes, or random storage bins, the attic lift turns a hassle into a quick and safe process.
Get one here: https://geni.us/SpaceLift_Blog
Make The Most Of Your Attic
Your attic doesn’t need to be a forgotten dust trap. With smart planning during the build, you can turn it into an easy-to-access space that works for you.
For more home build ideas, grab the Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It’s been refined with feedback from thousands of homeowners and builders to help you during your build process!
