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Renovating the Attic Space for the Kids

January 28, 2015

Way back in May last year I wrote this post about getting some work done in our home. As is the way with builders and their busy period during the summer nothing happened until…November! But we are well underway now so I wanted to share with you some of the progress we have made.

Now we had a HUGE list of things we wanted doing, including the attic, a new roof, new windows and doors and the garden. But obviously money only stretches so far so unfortunately we are going to have to deal with the garden another time.

Renovating the Attic

We didn’t want to create a bedroom in the attic, its a bit low for that, plus the stairs are open so no door. instead, we wanted to create a gaming, entertaining, chill out space for the kids. We have a small house, for the amount of people living in it. Plus, with only the one reception room downstairs and the kids getting bigger we are starting to get under each others feet so we felt that creating this space for them was the best thing, being as moving isn’t really an option.

The first step to renovating the attic was a gruesome one. We needed to get rid of the rats that have plagued us for years. So for two weeks we were putting blocks of poison up there every day. Eventually, it wasn’t being taken and it all went quiet. 

Then it got even noisier as the builders finally arrived! I didn’t get to take a completely before picture but you can see how dark and dingy it was from this photo after they had started putting the new flooring down:

before renovating attic

Things then moved on really quickly

renovating attic compilation

1. This is the hole left in the flooring for the new stairs, you can see the old joists underneath.

2. The first layer of insulation under the roof.

3. One of the end walls boxed out and insulated ready for plasterboard.

4. One of the two Velux windows.

Then came this hole in the ceiling:

creating attic space

It took weeks for the stairs to be specially made. I was understandably a little concerned about having this huge hole, especially as there were still gaps and considering the previous rat problem, but luckily we soon had these fab new stairs installed. We had to cut into the boys bedroom wall, but we managed to keep the floor space underneath which was important as it is a tiny box room.

new attic stairs

It was finally time for the plasterer to come. You can see from the following images that our house is a typical higgledy piggledy mining valleys house. There isn’t a straight edge in sight, so even the new bits end up looking all wonky. But at least it’s quirky, I guess!new attic plasteredSo apart from a few touch ups, you’d think we would now be ready for painting. Sadly, you’d be wrong. If you recall the beginning of this post I said we were hoping for a new roof. Well after originally getting our quote we didn’t think we quite had the funds and were going to wait a few years. Then this happened:

leaking attic

Every time it rains we get wet coming through, in some places there are huge puddles. Obviously this is affecting our upstairs ceilings too, including our newly decorated bedroom! 

So we are now at a standstill, we can’t decorate until the roof is done and even though we are really lucky to have managed to sort out the funding we are waiting for the roofer to become available.
We’ve been waiting since before Christmas but with all the stormy weather he is understandably running behind. The builders have been up there and tried to seal in between the tiles as much as possible, which has helped, but it’s not 100% water tight still. So we wait. Hopefully not for too long though! 

Over the coming months I will be updating you not just on the attic and other renovations but we will also be decorating the entire house top to bottom (apart from our bedroom) so I’m hoping to share with you my ideas as well as the final results.

Are you getting any work done on your house or decorating this year?

 

 

 

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11 Comments CATEGORIES // Creative, Home and Garden, Interiors TAGGED: attic conversion, leaky roof, painting and decorating

Comments

  1. A Cornish Mum aka Stevie! says

    January 28, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Oh no how frustrating! Looks like you were doing a fab job til you cam to a standstill though! I’m looking forward to having a nose at the finished room!x
    A Cornish Mum aka Stevie! recently posted…An Open Letter to All the Type 1 Diabetes Mums and Dads.My Profile

    Reply
    • mami2five says

      January 28, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      Yes, it is very frustrating not being able to take the next step! We can’t even do the girls bedroom until the attic is finished as they will need to sleep up there for a few days as there is so much to do.
      I promise to post an update as soon as it’s I can xxx

      Reply
  2. Becky says

    January 28, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    Got to keep focussed on the goal will be amazing when it is done
    Becky recently posted…Pick of the Week: Coloured BottlesMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Karen says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    Will look forward to seeing how this progresses – good luck!
    Karen recently posted…Splash About Nappy CostumeMy Profile

    Reply
  4. mummyofboygirltwins says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    You are getting so much work done!! That looks daunting but will be worth it. I can’t imagine the mess! We had a lot of work done on our house pre-twins and it was so stressful! Keep at it and you’ll be made up with the end result. Jess xx
    mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…Having fun at bath time with Childs FarmMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Everything Mummy says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    argh how annoying about the roof! but atleast it’ll al be done soon and looking loverly! And thanks god you solved the rat problem after my similar situation last year I know how horrible that is! x
    Everything Mummy recently posted…Ginvera BB Cream – ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Sarah Christie says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Love the step by steps Katie, what a nightmare the roof causing all those problems but at least it is getting sorted. I bet you are looking forward to a peaceful glass of wine when all the children are in their new space xx
    Sarah Christie recently posted…Welcome Back Striking MumsMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Katy {What Katy Said} says

    January 29, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    urgh rats! Bet you are glad to see the back of those!! Good luck in the coming months- I bet it is going to look fab!
    Katy {What Katy Said} recently posted…Ideas for Dating your husbandMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Kat | Beau Twins says

    February 6, 2015 at 6:42 am

    What an awesome use of space. Great idea lovely but what a pain in the bum you can’t continue. It’s going to look stunning when you finish. Can’t wait to see the progress. Xxx
    Kat | Beau Twins recently posted…Dettol Baby Blanket DonationMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Morgan says

    June 6, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    This is a really nice project, and it certainly looks like you were making good progress! Making good use of such a large space like an attic is always an excellent idea. Good work! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Macs says

    August 17, 2017 at 3:08 am

    You know what, my favorite place in the house is attic. Though at first, it seems frustrating to see how terrible it is. But as the time you start cleaning and see you work it would be awesome.

    Reply

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