Sep 25 2007
Having worked with over 700 clients in the Charlotte Metro area, Case Handyman and Remodeling of Charlotte Owner Brad Little is often asked about the construction of home additions. Little points out a cost-effective alternative that's becoming increasingly popular in the Charlotte area - the expansion of living space through the conversion of attics.
In Charlotte, the frost line is 12 inches below the surface, which means the cost to exhume and construct an unfurnished basement typically runs as high as $22,000 to $24,000. This is approximately three times the cost of tucking a 400-square-foot bonus room under the roof of a garage. The trend to convert these areas into comfortable bedrooms, home offices, and play areas is increasing, as Charlotte homeowners realize they can acquire additional square footage without having to go outside of the original boundaries of the home.
As a result of this trend, Little observes that many newer Charlotte homes' attics have been constructed to make the conversion easier, with designs that incorporate natural light and greater size. In fact, the once overlooked square footage of an attic rivals many of the other rooms in the home, with modern amenities such as recessed lighting, crown molding, built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and a multitude of options which deliver high style, elegance and function to define a new brand of bonus-room living.
Brad Little, owner of Case Handyman and Remodeling of Charlotte, has noticed the dramatic increase in the number of home owners that are transforming their attics into livable areas. "Every home owner wants to have more space," said Little. "Attics are a great source of untapped, inexpensive living space. With the right design, an attic-turned-bonus room can be as inviting as any room in the home, increasing the appraisal value without having to add new space."