November 23, 2022
Attic Remodeling Melrose, MA Consider basement remodeling or attic remodeling to create more living space. An affordable alternative to an addition. The house I grew up in in Melrose, MA had a walk up attic that had two large rooms with a closet in each. The rooms were semi-finished with horse hair plaster walls, closets and a floor that was just randomly sized pieces of scrap wood placed over the joists and held down with an occasional nail. The rooms had electricity but with only one outlet in each. These rooms were unheated in the winter; you could see your own breath on a really cold day. In the summer the heat was unbearable probably easily reaching over 100 degrees. The attic space was a true diamond in the rough. A growing family needs more space For a growing family either an addition or the need to finish the attic space was definitely needed. My parents opted to refinish the attic as it was the most economical choice for extra space. We had a head start versus most unfinished attics as the layout of the rooms had already been completed. My folks hired a local general contractor from Melrose. Our attic remodeling project begins I remember the project clearly. The contractor first showed up with his demolition crew and stripped off the old horse hair plaster from the walls and ceilings down to the studs and joists. Next came his electrician who roughed in new outlets and switches bringing the rooms up to code. The HVAC guy was right behind the electrician measuring to add duct work for heat and AC. Days later the HVAC guy showed up with the new duct work and his “tin-knockers” to install the duct work. Now that the electrical work and duct work were roughed in the contractor brought in his insulation crew who quickly insulated the rooms giving the rooms a sound proof effect. Just a day later the sheet rock crew showed up. I was amazed watching these guys carry 4x8 sheets up two flights of stairs for about two hours then hung all the sheet rock within two days. Over the next couple of days, the sheet rock crew taped and mudded all the joints and corners to perfection. All that was needed was a little sanding to smooth things out and the walls and ceilings were ready for painting. Time for the finishing touches Our new space was buzzing with workers over the next few days; carpenters, painters, electricians, and HVAC guys were all busy applying there finishing touches. All my folks had to do next was pick out new carpet and have it installed and we had two additional bedrooms for a fraction of the cost of an addition. 20 years later my folks sold the house to a new growing family who really appreciated the extra finished bedrooms in the attic. Crowell Construction has been a local General Contractor in Melrose, MA for over 3 5 years. For a free estimate on any home improvement, home addition or attic remodeling project call us at (781) 665-3269