The value of having attic storage and access

If your home is like mine, additional storage is a necessity. With today’s homes being constructed somewhat smaller than even just a couple of years ago, the value of increased storage space is becoming more important. It also has become a desirable attribute for resale of a home.

This is evident by the ever-increasing and somewhat expensive, off-site mini storage facilities popping up on almost every corner. (A typical 5-by5-foot storage space rents for anywhere from $35 to $80 per month, depending on the city.)

For new home builds, greater numbers of homeowners that want to save themselves the expense and inconvenience of storing items off-site are asking their builders for storage space and easy access to that space.

Based on their individual needs, the additional attic space requested can be as small as just a few square feet or as large as the entire attic area.

Other than storage, the space can also house the mechanical equipment of the home such as air handler units, water heaters, etc. A large benefit from doing so, of course, is that it can free up valuable living space below.

Whether the space is used for storage or not, the International Residential Code still requires access to that space. The access can be through a scuttle hole or an attic stairway. The reason is to provide access for building inspectors, firefighters, electricians and any tradesmen who might need it.

Granted, not all areas of the country nor all styles of homes lend themselves to utilize this space, but for those that do, it is a marketable, value-added feature: storage space.

While many builders across the United States take advantage of this opportunity, some do not. Whether omitting this useable space is a regional habit, a structural fear or energy-efficiency compliance concerns, these issues have been resolved during the past several years.

The simplest and most cost-effective way to incorporate this space and its access is at the time of construction. The cost is minimal, usually less than $1,000, which includes the cost of truss design and materials and can include the cost of the attic stairway, depending on its placement within the home. This load-bearing attic cavity can be created whether the roof is of truss construction or sitebuilt and whether the attic is considered conditioned or unconditioned space.

For those with energy code compliance concerns, many new attic stairway products have been developed. There are stairway units on the market with R-5 to R-50 insulated doors that are weather-stripped and airtight. The use of an attic stairway makes access to the attic much easier and safer than going through a scuttle hole using a stepladder.

There are also aftermarket products that can be utilized to eliminate energy loss. The products developed and available today are not the same products as five years ago.

When deciding whether to incorporate an attic space, consider the advantages:

■ Relatively low cost

■ Added value for the homeowner

■ Easier and safer access

■ Energy-saving and code-compliant products more readily available

■ More living space is created

For builders seeking to offer a high-value feature at a relatively low cost to their home buyer, the answer is just overhead.

Luckily for consumers in the Dayton region who are building a new home, or considering building one, the request for an attic space is not uncommon; many builders can easily incorporate it into your home design.

To find a home builder, start your search with the Home Builders Association of Dayton at www. HBADayton.com.