How to Remodel My Roof and Attic

Find additional living or storage space through your roof design. For example, you can extend an A-frame roof over a back porch into yard space to build a family room under it. An A-frame roof on a front porch can be extended toward the curbside to cover a new glass room. Look in the attic to see if there's room to add a bonus room over the house or garage. Figure out if storage space in the attic is available under eaves areas as well.

Raise a roof in the kitchen or another room to form a tray ceiling. Roof rafters over those rooms can be constructed about 3 feet higher into attic space. Vault ceilings in the living room or a master bedroom suite to the rooftop, if desired. Do this by having professionals install angle-iron to hold roof rafters together at their top peak. Rafters across a room's ceiling can then be removed to open the ceiling for a completely vaulted design.

Look for ways to build a staircase to the attic or add a pull-down unit. Add stairs to build a room or small apartment in the attic or over the garage. Don't assume the extra weight will be no problem. Consult with experts to see if the house support framework will need reinforcement before building a room in the attic.

Add extra attic windows or dormers, if this fits your home. Build two large dormer windows to face the curbside and add a large window on each end of the attic. Use these extra windows to add light to an apartment you will build there. Consider installing two or more skylights in the house roof for attic light as well.

Plan roof covering that enhances the home's design. Use a copper metal roof on a brick house, for example. Add cedar shakes on the roof of a front porch to offer contrast. Select an interesting design of asphalt shingles as another option. Use a textured, staggered pattern of asphalt shingles, especially if your house is in an upscale neighborhood. Choose shingles that will add visual appeal and market value to your home, because the look of a roof is very important for a home's curbside appeal.