Attics: an exciting way to add space

This page is intended to help homeowners to:

  • understand the benefits of including an attic in their extension or new build
  • decide on which type of attic to include
Building section showing a house with a non-habitable storage attic with drop-down attic ladder

Why you should include an attic in your project

If you are planning an extension or new build in the Canberra region you should consider including an attic. In the typical Canberra house, there is a fair amount of unused space between the ceiling and the external roof. With a few simple changes during design and construction, this space can be easily turned into a useful storage or an interesting habitable room. Because attics utilise the roof structure, they can be used to create an upper storey without the extra cost associated with two-storey construction.

When considering an attic there are two options:

  • Option 1 – non-habitable storage space
  • Option 2 – habitable space

Non-habitable attics

A storage attic under construction

The simplest attics is a storage only space in the roof with access via a drop-down attic ladder. Non-habitable attics are exempt from most building codes and planning rules. Because of this they do not require features like a minimum room height, insulation, windows or proper stairs. This makes them easy to design and low-cost to build. This type of attic is a good option where your budget is tight or there are constraints on the overall building height and floor area.

Habitable attics

Building section showing a house with a habitable over a dining and kitchen
A building section showing the habitable attic at Atkinson St

Attics used as a bedroom or extra living space are classified as habitable space. As result a they are required to meet same building codes and planning rules as the rest of your house. This means they must include; proper stairs, wall and ceiling insulation, windows, and minimum room heights. In addition, planning rules limit the size and location of habitable attics. This makes them more involved to design and build. This type of attic is a good option when your priority is adding usable floor area.

An attic was included in the extension at Atkison St.

Read more about my design process and services.

Attic FAQs

Are attics allowed in Canberra?

Yes! Non-habitable storage attics can be easily added to most houses and garages. Habitable attics are subject to more rules but they can be included in the roof space of most single-storey houses in Canberra. Habitable attics are not allowed over 2-storey houses. Attics must comply with the National Construction Code and ACT planning rules.

Are attics allowed in Queanbeyan and regional NSW?

Yes! Non-habitable storage attics can be easily added to most houses and garages. Habitable attics are subject to more rules but can be included in the roof space of most houses. They must comply with the National Construction Code and NSW planning rules.

Are attics a cost-effective way of adding a room?

Yes! If you are planning an extension or new build including an attic in the roof spaces is very cost-effective. With an existing house, modifying the roof spaces to create a habitable room is not straightforward and is less likely to be cheaper than a simple ground floor extension.

What are the disadvantages of habitable attics in Canberra?

If you are considering building an attic room in Canberra here are a few down-sides. They usually require steeper roof pitches to achieve the required room heights this raises the overall building height. The access stairs take-up a surprising amount of space. As result a small attic may not add much overall useful floor space.

Can I convert my existing truss roof into a storage attic?

Existing truss roof should not be modified to create an attic without approval from an engineer. Standard roof trusses are not designed to take the loads of an attic floor.