Converting an attic or basement adds real living space by aligning structure, code, building science, and finishes. The process checks feasibility, secures permits, and builds in egress, insulation, moisture control, and services so the new rooms are safe, comfortable, and durable.

Overview

• Scope: feasibility and budgeting, engineering and permits, structural changes (dormers, beams, slab work), new or rebuilt stairs, egress windows/wells or doors, insulation and air sealing, moisture and radon control, HVAC/electrical/plumbing, drywall and finishes.
• Goals: code-compliant egress and headroom, dry and conditioned assemblies, quiet ceilings, efficient lighting, and long-wearing finishes.
• Uses: bedrooms with closets, offices, family rooms, playrooms, gyms, studios, in-law/ADU spaces (where allowed), and storage with built-ins.

What This Service Includes

• Feasibility & design: headroom checks, stair path and rise/run, dormer options, egress sizing, natural light strategy, and load analysis with engineering input.
• Structure: dormer framing, ridge/rafter upgrades, floor leveling or reinforcement, new beams or posts, and slab adjustments where needed.
• Egress & stairs: code-sized egress windows/wells with drains and ladders, exterior doors where applicable, and stairs built to width, rise/run, handrail, and guard requirements.
• Envelope: air sealing, insulation (rafters, knee walls, rim joists), attic ventilation where required, continuous exterior/interior foam as specified, and thermal breaks at critical areas.
• Moisture & IAQ: perimeter drainage tie-ins, sump and backflow protections, vapor-aware wall assemblies, dehumidification, and radon mitigation where readings warrant.
• HVAC & electrical: load calcs, zoning or mini-splits, duct routing or hydronic options, service/panel updates, lighting layouts, AFCI/GFCI where required, smoke/CO interconnects.
• Plumbing (if included): rough-ins for baths, laundry, or wet bars; pump systems for below-grade fixtures; venting and backwater valves as required.
• Finishes: drywall and sound attenuation, trim and doors, closet systems, flooring (LVP, carpet tile, engineered wood), bath tile, and paint.

Code & Life Safety

• Headroom & stairs: minimum ceiling heights, stair geometry, graspable rails, and guards at overlooks.
• Egress: openings sized and located per code; window wells drained and protected; doors swing and thresholds coordinated.
• Fire & separation: rated assemblies between dwelling/garage or units as required; smoke/CO alarms interconnected.
• Electrical protection: AFCI/GFCI per location; tamper-resistant devices; adequate circuits and lighting levels.

Structural & Envelope Details

• Dormers and openings engineered for loads; ridge and rafter sizing verified; fastening and shear per plan.
• Attic assemblies insulated at roofline (vented or unvented) with continuous air barrier; knee walls capped and sealed.
• Basement walls insulated with rigid or spray foam against concrete/masonry; framed walls held off slabs where needed to prevent wicking.
• Thermal breaks at slabs and rim joists; condensation risk modeled for cold surfaces.

Moisture, Drainage & Radon

• Exterior drainage and downspouts managed; window well drains to daylight or sump.
• Vapor-smart membranes at slabs; sealed sump lids; dehumidifiers sized for space.
• Radon test and mitigation stack/fan installed where readings exceed local thresholds.

Comfort, Sound & Lighting

• Right-sized HVAC with zoning or dedicated systems; balanced supply/return placement; sealed ductwork.
• Acoustic control with insulated ceilings/walls and resilient channels where appropriate.
• Daylight from dormers, egress windows, or skylights; layered lighting plans (ambient, task, accent) with dimming.

Sequencing & Coordination

• Permits and inspections mapped (structure, MEP, insulation, finals).
• Demolition, structural changes, rough-ins, insulation/air seal, drywall/prime, finishes and trim, fixtures, then punch-list.
• Trades coordinated for stair timing, window wells, HVAC chases, and sound assemblies before close-up.

Quality Markers

• Headroom and egress verified; stairs solid and quiet; doors and windows plumb with even reveals.
• Basement walls dry to the touch; no cold drafts; humidity controlled.
• Flat walls and ceilings with clean transitions; lighting even; outlets placed logically and per plan.

Care & Maintenance

• Keep gutters, downspouts, and well drains clear; monitor sump and dehumidifier operation.
• Change HVAC filters and check returns; adjust dampers with seasons if zoned.
• Retain engineering, permits, radon results, and product data for future reference.