Attic renovation

An attic room in a house and an attic apartment

In a private house, the owner decides about the roof and its insulation, observing the building regulations. In an apartment building the roof is common property, so if the roof leaks in an attic apartment or there are traces of damp by the roof, you must first turn to the building manager, and only then plan the finishing.

Before finishing, check that there are no traces of damp or mould under the roof. If there are, the cause must be dealt with before a new finish, otherwise it will be spoiled.

Loft renovation: when documents are needed

If a loft is being converted into a living space, find out what document is needed before the work. Simplified renovation under the Building Construction Regulations (Ēku būvnoteikumi) means improvements that do not change the load-bearing structures, the volume and the type of use and do not affect the façade. If roof window openings have to be made in load-bearing structures or the type of use of the building changes, a different document is needed.

Ask the municipal building board, and if approval is needed, write that in your request. For interior work that does not involve renovation or reconstruction, no documents are needed.

Plasterboard in sloping ceilings and partition walls

The frame of a Knauf dry-construction partition is formed of CW profiles (studs) and UW profiles, which are fixed to the floor and ceiling. In sloping ceilings the frame is fixed to the roof structure, and then plasterboard sheets are put on. Between them there is usually thermal insulation; its type and thickness are chosen according to the roof structure.

An attic has many corners and sloping planes, so the amount of skimming and painting is greater than in a room with straight walls. The work is calculated per m² of lined surface.

Order of attic renovation

1. Inspection The roof structure, traces of damp, height, floor base.
2. Demolition Removing the old lining and floor, if needed.
3. Electrics Cable routes and light fitting positions before the lining; installed under the direction of a certified construction specialist.
4. Frame and lining Profiles, thermal insulation, plasterboard ceilings and partition walls.
5. Floor Levelling the base and the covering.
6. Finishing Skimming, painting, doors.

How long a renovation takes depends on the scope of work and the drying time of the materials.

What to write in your request

• the address and whether it is a private house or an apartment in an apartment building;
• the attic floor area in m² and the approximate height at the highest point;
• whether it is a lived-in attic or the loft will only be converted into a room;
• whether you will choose the materials yourself.

Attic renovation price

• Plasterboard partition wall: from €12/m².
• Plasterboard or suspended ceiling: from €15/m².
• Wall or ceiling skimming: from €10/m².
• Wall or ceiling painting: from €4/m².
• Laminate installation: from €6.50/m².

Prices are for labour. Materials are calculated separately in the estimate. Examples: a plasterboard partition wall 3 m × 2.6 m = 7.8 m² × €12 = from €93.60. A sloping plasterboard ceiling 25 m² × €15 = from €375.

The price changes with the area in m² and the number of rooms, whether the renovation is cosmetic or full, the condition of the walls, floors and ceilings, whether the electrical wiring and pipes are changed, and the chosen finish. In an attic, the number of corners and sloping planes adds to this. An exact estimate can be made after an inspection.

What attic interior work includes