Building Permit To Finish Attic

Building codes vary by location but most require at least a 7 foot clearance for attic expansions.

Building permit to finish attic.

Considering usable floor space. First check for head clearance. Enforcement varies but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet. In most cases applications for permits must be made in person at the county s building permit office in georgetown.

When a house is for sale and has a finished attic that didn t apply for a permit from the county how should you proceed with the sale. In rare cases especially in new construction homes the attic may have been built unfinished with the correct flooring in place with the idea that the homeowner could later on finish the space. In certain cases however you may be able to obtain a permit by mail. In most cases though the joists cannot support live loads and may not even be covered with boards.

That s measured after you finish the ceiling if you don t have enough height you ll have to raise the roof line and that adds a lot to your construction costs. Before finishing an attic get the necessary permits from your local housing commission so you don t get in trouble later on if you try to sell your house. Once you have a permit install subfloor panels over the floor joists so you can lay down flooring. The headroom in the attic will determine how much usable floor space you have.

While local codes vary many communities will not permit the ceiling in a finished. A finished attic without a permit. Every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. Follow the rule of 7s.

Please contact the permit office at 302 855 7720 for additional information. Although the exact process varies by location the typical steps to obtaining a. A contractor or a local building.