Our latest attic renovation. The wirley roof vent is also up on the outside of the roof, so let the “storing of things” begin! Ideal if no amount of cupboards are going to solve your problem!
Unlocking Hidden Space: Our Latest Attic Renovation & Storage Solution
Are you finding that no amount of cupboards can solve your storage problems? You are not alone. As families grow and hobbies accumulate, finding a place for the camping gear, the Christmas tree, and those “keep for later” boxes becomes a constant battle.
At Retro Construction, we believe the solution is often right above your head.
Our latest attic renovation project is a perfect example of how we transform dead roof space into a functional asset. With the installation of a sturdy access ladder, plywood flooring, and a “whirlybird” roof vent, we have officially announced: “Let the storing of things begin!”
Here is a closer look at how this attic renovation came together and what you need to consider if you want to unlock the potential in your own home.
The Project: More Than Just a Hole in the Ceiling
For this recent project, the goal was simple: turn a garage ceiling into a usable storage zone. To achieve this, we installed a high-quality Sellwood ceiling access ladder, providing safe and easy access to the roof cavity.
Once inside, we lined the area with plywood. This creates a clean, dust-free platform that ensures your belongings aren’t balancing precariously on ceiling joists. However, the secret weapon of this attic renovation was the installation of a whirlybird roof vent on the exterior.
- Why a Whirlybird? Ventilation is critical in an attic. Without it, heat and moisture build-up can damage stored items and even affect your roof structure. The whirlybird ensures constant airflow, keeping your new storage space dry and temperature-regulated.
Overcoming the “Hidden” Obstacles
One of the reasons you need an experienced team for an attic renovation is that roof spaces are rarely empty. In the video log for this project, our team encountered a common challenge: the roof cavity was full of unexpected obstacles.
“We found a bunch of pipes and a lot of bracing and trusses that were in the way,” explained our team on-site. “So, we couldn’t really put the ladder where we initially wanted to”.
Rather than compromising the structural integrity of the home by cutting through essential bracing, we utilized our 30 years of industry experience. We redesigned the layout on the fly, relocating the access hatch to a position that was both functional for the homeowner and structurally sound. This ability to problem-solve on site is what defines our philosophy of “Traditional Experience/Modern Style”.
The Planning Phase: What You Don’t See
A successful attic renovation happens long before the ladder is installed. It starts with preparation.
1. Managing the Site (Preliminaries) Even a small attic renovation turns your home into a work site. We treat your property like a “temporary factory,” implementing strict “Preliminaries” to keep it safe and clean. This includes protecting your floors from dust, managing waste removal, and ensuring health and safety compliance. These operating costs usually sit between 11–15% of a project, ensuring no corners are cut when it comes to safety.
2. Getting the Best Price To ensure this attic renovation remained affordable, we didn’t just grab the first materials we saw. We utilize a competitive bidding process, obtaining multiple quotes for materials and subcontractors. Whether it is the plywood or the insulation, comparing market rates ensures you get the best quality for the best price, preventing budget blowouts.
A Note on Insurance
Modifying your roof is a structural change. Before starting an attic renovation, we always advise our clients on the “Golden Rule” of insurance. For projects like this, it is generally recommended that the property owner arranges Contract Works Insurance as an extension of their existing home policy. This ensures that if a mishap occurs—like a sudden storm while the roof vent is being installed—a single insurer covers both the existing structure and the new work, preventing disputes.
Is an Attic Renovation Right for You?
If you are tired of clutter and tripping over boxes in the garage, an attic renovation is one of the most cost-effective ways to add utility to your home.
Whether it is a simple storage solution like our latest project or a full conversion into a habitable room, Retro Construction has the expertise to make it happen. Based in East Tamaki, we handle everything from the initial design and council consents (if required) to the final install.
Ready to maximize your space? Contact us today to discuss your own attic renovation.
Retro Construction Ltd Quality Building Solutions in Auckland Web: www.retroconstruction.co.nz Email: info@retroconstruction.co.nz
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