This attic remodeling project was a bit of a challenge and anything but typical. Our clients Andrew and Brenda bought a beautifully refurbished century-old American Foursquare farmhouse originally out in the country between Madison and Verona. Today, the home is surrounded by a neighborhood. Andrew and Brenda were looking to add usable family space, and the basement wasn't an option. The house had a sizeable unused walk-up attic, a perfect space for an attic remodel to create an upstairs family room as their kids approach middle school age.

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Creating The Perfect Entry

The home had a steep stairway going to the space and dormers on three out of four sides. There was not enough headroom over the stairway, which was also the one wall that lacked a dormer. The space lacked insulation and HVAC. While perfectly adequate for the last 100-years, it needed engineering and careful work to bring it up to modern building codes. A new fourth dormer was built out over the stairway to increase the headroom and bring in loads of natural light! As part of this attic remodel, all of the windows were reframed to increase the sunlight and maximize energy efficiency. A new heating and air conditioning system was added and the ductwork was hidden underneath the window seats as it made its way around the room!

Adding the Details!

This attic space is bathed in soft sunlight that is reflected off of the dormers during the day. Recessed lights, sconces, and a chandelier create a layered lighting design and eliminate shadows. The dormers were designed as three unique spaces perfect for taking a nap, reading a book, or just hanging out! 

Creating A Balanced Visual Design

An old unused chimney was taken down from above the roofline to below the floor. This opened up the room visually, allowing for a more spacious floor plan. The chimney removal balanced the space and provided for proper furniture placement throughout the room while keeping the middle open.

The End Result of Our Attic Remodel

In the end, this attic became a balanced, dramatic space with tall ceilings and plenty of light. The light streams in through the dormer windows and the layered lighting design and chandelier over the new stairway/entrance provide a perfect evening ambiance. The dedicated HVAC offers comfort, and upgrading the space to meet modern building codes, including insulation, helps keep the summer heat out and the winter heat in!  It is a perfect example of how an attic remodel can often times be a better option than a finished basement.

 
 

Project Design

Abe Degnan
Owner, B. Arch

Lead Carpenter

PJ Ender
CLC, CRPM

 
“The number one thing was communication and responding with me. I had concerns about the budget at first, but appreciated how they worked with me and how they got creative and very clear and conscious of my budget.”
— Andrew, T. Madison, Wis.