Converting to an attic space with an expert

If your home is in need of a makeover upstairs, why not consider converting to an attic? Find out what experts like Eduardo Rotunno from Atticraft do to make an attic stand out in your home.

What does it take to be an attic builder?

I started as a carpenter and then became a qualified builder. Then I tried to develop expertise in different areas of building because you need to know a bit about structural engineering and architecture - although I always consult with professionals in these fields on every job.

What should someone look for when searching for an attic builder?

They need to have experience in the field, because there's a lot of specialised information to take into account. We think about thermal insulation, sound proofing, fire rating, installing skylights and lighting, making sure the staircases comply to Australian construction standards for headroom.

Why did you decide to focus on attics in particular?

I travelled around Europe looking at attics there, and realised that we don't use our attic space well in this country. Building attics is a great way to use space in the house, depending on what style of home you live in. 

What homes are suited to attic construction?

Edwardian, Federation homes and Californian Bungalows are ideal because they have an average roof pitch of 30-32 degrees, so there's enough headspace. Modern homes aren't really suitable - roofs are now being built with a 15-22-degree pitch that makes them too small for anything except storage.

What mistakes can people make if they convert their own attics?

Structure is the number one concern when people try to do it themselves - if you fiddle with structural weight you'll end up with problems. Any conversion needs to be done the proper way and certified by the authorities - I never do any work without going to the local council and a structural engineer.

Can you add extra headroom to an attic?

I have worked with a structural engineer to create a new system that adds space in attics without enough headroom. We call it a 'waffle floor' because of the strengthening system we created. It's great because you don't have to use heavy-duty structural beams.

Contact a builder in your area to find out if they're qualified to build an attic in your home: