Don t cut any rafters for an opening yet.
Using attic space above garage.
Access to attic storage.
Step 2 create an attic.
If your attic joists won t bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage you can install inch plywood or.
Tap into the attic space over the garage using a tall a shaped ladder.
Then one day while working in the garage it dawned on me that there was a huge unused space right above me.
To maximize the overhead garage storage space above garage rafters install attic decking panels to create a useable and accessible surface for storage.
Bill fry construction cut it down to create a 20x20 foot guest suite with its own kitchenette and bathroom and used the remaining space outdoors to install a pool.
If the attic has the potential to become a regular living space talk with a contractor about adding a fixed stairway.
You should also check building regulations for your surrounding area.
Before you start this project though consult a knowledgeable building professional to make sure your rafters are rated for the extra loads.
The new insulation rests about 12 above the ceiling joists so there wasn t a good way to lay down flooring for storage without sacrificing the efficiency gain from the new insulation.
If you want to use your attic on a regular basis or to store large items you may need to enlarge the access opening and install an access ladder or drop down stairs.
Before renovation this garage was over 500 square feet of junk storage.
How to use attic storage in a garage.
If you re using your garage enough to warrant installing a heater and or air conditioner by all means you should insulate the ceiling between the garage and an unfinished attic space above.
This will tell you if there is enough support there to create an attic in the space above the garage ceiling.
The next step is to create the attic.
Create an access opening or install a pull down stair unit if you don t have one.