What are the Pros and Cons of an Attic Bedroom?

An attic bedroom can be a strikingly unique space with interesting corners, angles, and architectural features. Unfortunately, an attic can also be cold, small, and may reduce ventilation for the house. If one has a large budget with which to finish an attic, turning this space into an attic bedroom is almost always a great idea. On the other hand, finishing an attic can be expensive and may not be worth the trouble if one is on a small budget. The pros and cons of an attic bedroom are somewhat even, and it is open to the home owner to decide if it is a good idea to take on this project.

Making an attic bedroom out of an unfinished space can vastly increase the value of a home. If one is living in a three-bedroom house, that house will then be marketable as a four-bedroom house with an added attic bedroom. Having a finished attic, whether it is a bedroom or another kind of space, will increase the house's ability to retain heat, thereby reducing energy costs. Financially, even though an attic bedroom will reduce ventilation, most people consider finishing an attic to be a good decision.

The shape of an attic bedroom can either be a positive or negative feature. Architecturally, many people enjoy the look of an attic bedroom. A space that is shaped by the slant of a roof will always have visual interest, and certain features such as exposed brick or support beams can make the room particularly unique. Others find that the space is too small or that the slanting roof causes problems with storage and furniture.

Among the major problems with finishing an attic are costs related to replacing major parts of the room, such as the foundation. If the floor is not safe to walk on, it will likely be very expensive to finish the room. Also, it can be difficult to get furniture into and out of an attic depending on how the stairs are placed. It is a good idea to evaluate the actual cost of finishing the attic before deciding to turn it into a bedroom.

Whether the utility of the room is worth the cost of finishing the attic is also up for debate. An attic bedroom will likely be somewhat small, making it appropriate for children in particular. It may also not be very accessible if a person is unable to use the stairs. Just because the room is initially designed to be a bedroom does not mean it cannot become an office or a guest room later on. The room will likely always be useful, even if it is not always used as a bedroom.