As Florida residents, we are not fortunate to benefit from basements, which often times can serve as an extra functioning room. Having a basement in Florida is not only dangerous, due to the potential water damage, but it is also not practical. On the plus side, most Florida homes are equipped with attics.
Some people never step foot in their attic, but others utilize the open space for additional storage. Whether you do or don’t currently make use of that dark, stuffy, and somewhat creepy square footage in your home, consider the DIY tips below to help you amplify your attic space.
1. Activate Access – In order to maximize the functionality of your attic, the first thing you should do is incorporate an access ladder and/or attic steps if there is not already one in place.
2. Fanatic Attic – Especially in the southeast region, attics get incredibly hot and humid. A simple solution to this is to install a fan. To make your life easier, home improvement stores and online retailers sell fans designed specifically for attics. Just be sure to select the one that best suits the size of your attic.
3. More Floor – Trying to maneuver around fragile beams while working in the attic is both annoying and dangerous. To overcome this obstacle, piece together pieces of plywood and screw them down, but do not hammer.
4. Consolidate Clutter – If you’re already storing stuff in the attic, chances are, it is not optimally organized. The first thing you need to do is get rid of anything that is no longer wanted or needed. Beware of “hoarder’s syndrome” and think about how much more functional your attic will be once it is actually storing worthwhile items – holiday decorations, old photos and books, childhood memories, special occasion china or dishware, winter/summer clothes, etc. – basically anything that is not needed on a daily basis can be stored in the attic.
Keep in mind, however, if you don’t want to be bothered with this kind of home improvement project, The Handyman Company can certainly complete it for you.
