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With the housing market down in 2006, and probably 2007, it's going to mean that more people will be staying put in their current home. One reason many like to move to a new home is that they need more space. If you're staying in your house, you may be able to renovate your attic to give you some much needed room.

Most people hate the thought of even going up into their attics for anything. But the structure of your house may allow for a complete room, or maybe even a master suite and an additional bathroom. Some have even been able to add two complete bedrooms or a bedroom and home office up there.

If you're using your attic for store things, you may be hestitating about turning it into another living space because you'll lose the storage space. Keep in mind that most roofs slope downward and you may be able to create cabinets along the lower parts of the sloping roof. It could also give you a great excuse to throw away old junk and organize the area.

A home remodeling contractor can inspect your attic to see what your options are and to help you plan out what can be done in your attic. Not every home is built to have a living space in the attic. You'll have to consider many factors:

• Framing: if there are too many frames criss-crossing the space, it cannot be remodeled. You need to make sure your roof will still be supported. Some homes were not built with a usable attic living space in mind.
  

• Space: is there enough headroom and adequate roof space to make a room? Some attics have enough space to just walk down the center. Raising the roof is a possibility, but should only be undertaken if you need new roofing materials and can handle the expenses of the work, the new materials, and debris removal.
  

• Support: can your attic joists support the additional weight of the room and people using it? It could cause problems in rooms below if the attic becomes habitable. It might be necessary to talk with a structural engineer.
  

• Access: do you need to make stairs? If so, do you have room on the floor below for a staircase? You will need a floorplan that allows more access than just a square hole in the ceiling.
  

• Heating & Cooling: will you be able to add air ducts to the room? Will you be able to keep the same level of insulation? Adding an attic rooom removes some of the rest of your home's barrier agains the elements. Find out if a skylight or two are an option for natural lighting and heating.
  

An attic renovation could give you a new master suite, rooms for the kids, a library or den as a retreat. There are dozens of reasons to talk to a professional about your options in your own home. Construction Deal has a network of remodeling contractors waiting to give you an estimate. Post your request for free on our main site.

Good luck with the attic renovation!