Attic Conversion Inspection

Attic floor joists must be adequate for habitable loads. Typically need 2x10 or larger (not standard 2x6 ceiling joists). Minimum 7 feet ceiling height over 50% of floor area.

1. Check floor joist size — ceiling joists (typically 2x6) are NOT adequate for living space loads

2. Measure ceiling height — minimum 7 feet over at least 50% of the required floor area

3. Check that no roof structural members (collar ties, ridge beams) have been cut or modified without engineering

4. Verify load path — additional floor load must transfer down to the foundation

5. Look for sagging or bouncing when walking across the floor

6. Check if a structural engineer has evaluated the conversion

7. Verify knee walls are properly built and braced

- Ceiling joists used as floor joists without reinforcement (joists designed for 10 PSF ceiling load vs 40 PSF floor load)

- Collar ties or rafters cut to gain headroom (compromises roof structure)

- No structural engineering review

- Floor bounces when walked on

- Knee walls not properly braced

- Foundation not evaluated for additional load

Roof must be insulated to meet energy code (typically R-38 to R-49). Ventilation channels must be maintained between insulation and roof sheathing.

1. Verify insulation type and R-value in the sloped ceiling (R-38 to R-49 depending on climate zone)

2. Check that ventilation baffles are installed between insulation and roof sheathing

3. Verify soffit vents are not blocked by insulation

4. Check for adequate ridge ventilation

5. Inspect knee wall insulation — should be insulated and have an air barrier on the attic side

6. Verify vapor barrier is on the warm side of insulation

7. Check for air leaks around the stairway opening

- No ventilation channel between insulation and roof deck (causes ice dams and rot)

- Insulation blocking soffit vents

- Knee wall cavities open to unconditioned attic space

- Insufficient R-value

- Air leaks around stair opening

- Vapor barrier on wrong side

Permanent stairway required (no pull-down ladders for habitable attics). Minimum 36" width, maximum 7-3/4" rise, minimum 10" run. Headroom minimum 6'8".

1. Verify permanent stairway is installed (not a pull-down ladder)

2. Measure stair width — minimum 36" clear

3. Check riser height — maximum 7-3/4", consistent throughout

4. Check tread depth — minimum 10"

5. Measure headroom above the stairway — minimum 6'8" at all points

6. Verify handrails on both sides (or at least one side) — 34" to 38" height

7. Check that landing at top and bottom meets code

- Pull-down ladder used instead of permanent stair (not permitted for habitable space)

- Headroom too low on stairway (hit head on roof framing)

- Stairs too steep or narrow

- Inconsistent riser heights (trip hazard)

- Missing handrails

- No landing at top

Attic bedrooms require egress windows. Smoke and CO detectors required. Fire-rated separation from garage (if above garage).

1. Verify egress window in each bedroom — minimum 5.7 sq ft opening, 24" high, 20" wide

2. Check smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallway

3. Check CO detector if there are fuel-burning appliances

4. Verify interconnected smoke detectors (when one sounds, all sound)

5. If above a garage: check fire-rated ceiling (5/8" Type X drywall)

6. Verify the attic stair provides adequate escape route

7. Check for fire-rated door at stairway if required

- No egress window in bedroom

- Missing or non-functional smoke detectors

- No interconnection between detectors

- Missing fire separation from garage below

- Only one exit route from attic

- No CO detector