Dear Forum,
Please excuse my lack of knowledge – I have read through many threads but often feel completely lost, and I’m worried that local companies here might not give the best advice, as the roofers in our area generally don’t have a great reputation. So, before the first appointment, I would at least like to be prepared to ask all the right questions.
Here’s the situation: We have a 160 m² (1,722 sq ft) attic with a cold roof. OSB boards are installed, and there is a vapor barrier. The thermal separation from the living space is through an attic hatch that can be pulled down from below. We have been thinking: Since I’m starting my own business, we actually need a room in the house to use as an office. Therefore, we considered partially insulating the cold roof to create an office space. Is there any practical solution for this, or would it be equivalent to a full conversion that would cost a fortune? I have also attached a few photos.
Thank you for any information!
Best regards, David
Please excuse my lack of knowledge – I have read through many threads but often feel completely lost, and I’m worried that local companies here might not give the best advice, as the roofers in our area generally don’t have a great reputation. So, before the first appointment, I would at least like to be prepared to ask all the right questions.
Here’s the situation: We have a 160 m² (1,722 sq ft) attic with a cold roof. OSB boards are installed, and there is a vapor barrier. The thermal separation from the living space is through an attic hatch that can be pulled down from below. We have been thinking: Since I’m starting my own business, we actually need a room in the house to use as an office. Therefore, we considered partially insulating the cold roof to create an office space. Is there any practical solution for this, or would it be equivalent to a full conversion that would cost a fortune? I have also attached a few photos.
Thank you for any information!
Best regards, David
W
WilderSueden8 Dec 2022 09:10hanse987 schrieb:
How is the access supposed to be made? If the attic ladder is open, it will probably be in the way somehow, right?I also see that as the bigger problem. Even if it’s not too much in the way, a lot of warm, moist air will rise up. So it definitely needs to be within the insulated area.Can you actually open the hatch from above, or could someone accidentally lock you in?
Normally, they also open from the inside (the latch bolt extends inward). However, you cannot close them from the inside because the ladder must be folded in a specific sequence. For the Dolle one (market leader?), it has to be folded down first and then up. I need to see if I can rig something with a cord.
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Bauherr0018 Dec 2022 09:44hanse987 schrieb:
Do you have a sufficiently sized electrical cable running upwards? Usually, there’s only a single line for a light and at most one power outlet going upstairs.
Also, you’ll need internet in the office, right? There probably isn’t any network cable installed in the attic, is there?
How is the access supposed to be arranged? If the attic stairs are open, won’t they be in the way somehow? Everything is well lit like a living space, that’s not an issue—we actually oversized it up there. You’re right about the wiring; I think there really is only one outlet upstairs. Would it be too much to connect a multi-plug for a monitor, laptop, and possibly a printer? I thought one circuit could handle that. I have internet up there via a 5G mobile hotspot.
Access will probably only be possible through the attic hatch, so I would insulate the area around it. The only other realistic option would be to install some kind of spiral staircase (or a ladder) outside and a door. Inside, integrating a staircase is nearly impossible because of the ceiling cooling system. But generally, this renovation would relieve space enough that I’m willing to accept using the attic hatch.
Whether I can get down from upstairs on my own is another good question... I need to try it out. My partner is currently usually home due to parental leave, but later on, I will of course need to be able to come down on my own.
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Bauherr0018 Dec 2022 09:58hanse987 schrieb:
Office equipment is not a problem for me, but I was referring to the idea of electric heating. It requires more power than your computer.
If in doubt, there are also electric floor hatches, for example from Dolle. Ah, that’s true... It might be tight with just one circuit, I’ll check if I have one or two up there.
What I’m also concerned about: In summer, without ventilation, even with insulation, it will probably get unbearably hot. So I guess I won’t be able to avoid having a window... Or maybe a fan or something like that.
M
Mach_es_selbst8 Dec 2022 10:04ypg schrieb:
Perhaps @Mach_es_selbst could contribute here. He does all kinds of self-build projects and wants to help. @ypg
Everything has already been said here...
Or are there still any questions?
But thanks for thinking of me.
We planned to use our "attic" or first floor right from the start. That’s why we insulated it properly with 6cm (2.4 inches) wood fiberboard panels, plus 20cm (8 inches) blown-in insulation and a vapor barrier. Right now, we hardly need to heat upstairs at all.