A bump-out addition is right for you if you want to add extra space to your home without adding a new room. Learn about the different bump-out addition costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $7,500 - $35,000
The cost to finish an average-sized attic ranges from $7,500 to $35,000. The price could increase if the attic is oddly-shaped or you have elaborate plans for the conversion.
How we get this data
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Finishing your attic for storage space costs about $30 per square foot while turning it into additional living space could cost $200 per square foot or more.
Finishing a basement for additional living space is often far more cost-effective than an attic.
The most expensive aspects are adding plumbing, running electrical wires, or expanding HVAC.
A dormer costs about $12,000 each but greatly impacts appeal and comfort.
Save costs by handling all finishing touches yourself, like painting or wallpaper.
The average cost to finish an attic is $20,000, but it can vary from $7,500 to $35,000 depending on what type of attic you want and the jobs involved. Expect costs between $30 and $60 per square foot for standard tasks including drywalling, adding insulation, and installing a fan, all of which can make an attic a comfortable living space.
How Much Does It Cost to Finish an Attic per Square Foot?
Finishing an attic generally costs between $30 and $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. This gives you an average overall cost of $4,000 to $16,000 for the standard sized attic.
Of course, the cost depends on how big your attic is and what type of finish you want. Simply installing drywall, utility flooring, and some basic electrical components to make storage space more inviting would be around $30 per square foot. If you're doing more than just basic refinishing to turn your attic into a true living space, you can pay as much as $200 per square foot.
Cost to Finish an Attic by Type of Conversion
Attics can suit many purposes, from simple storage to a fully functioning attic living space. Some costs are unavoidable no matter which you choose. For example, you may have to pay the cost of building a staircase if your attic is currently only accessible via a hatch. Bedrooms will require an egress window of at least 5.7 square feet to meet most building regulations.
The costs per type of attic conversion are broken down in the table below:
| Attic Conversion Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Office | $10,000–$40,000 |
| Bedroom | $9,000–$65,000 |
| Bathroom | $9,800–$56,000 |
| Primary bedroom suite | $27,000–$80,000 |
| Storage space | $4,800–$22,000 |
| Walk-up attic | $6,600–$25,500 |
| Above-garage bonus room | $4,600–$24,000 |
| Dormer addition | $8,000–$30,000 |
| Loft conversion | $10,000–$75,000 |
General Contractor Cost
For most of the tasks involved in finishing an attic, you'll want to hire a local remodeling contractor specializing in attic conversion. General contractor fees make up about 10% to 20% of a project's total price, which amounts to about $300 to $500 per day plus $150 to $250 per day for each additional laborer.
A general contractor may perform or oversee tasks such as drywalling, which costs $2,100, subflooring installation, which costs $3 to $10 per square foot, floor joist repair, which costs $6,000, painting, which costs $2 to $6 per square foot, and adding dormer windows, which costs $12,000 each.
Pro Tip
[For a home addition], we charge piece-by-piece for the project, then we add our profit and overhead. For example, lumber for the project, permits, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and drywall. I add them up and then add our profit and overhead. On smaller jobs, we work by the hour and then add the material on top of that.
Electrician Costs
No matter how you finish your attic, you'll likely want electricity. Even the most basic storage space will likely benefit from lighting, especially if you don't already have windows. Expect to pay $750 to $3,200 to hire an electrician for your attic finishing project.
Installing new wiring: $600 to $2,200
Installing outlets: $300 each
Installing light fixtures: $500 each
HVAC Technician Costs
You may need to extend your home's HVAC system to reach your attic. In this case, an HVAC technician can perform the following tasks:
Adding ductwork: $1 to $3 per square foot
Attic insulation: $2,500
Mini-split installation: $3,000
Additional Cost Factors
One reason for the wide range in attic finishing costs is that many factors can influence the total price. As you budget, consider how demolition, prep, permits, and décor may impact your project cost.
Demolition and Prep
Whenever you remodel a space, expect some interior demolition costs of $2 to $8 per square foot. Demolition allows you to start from scratch on your design. Once demolition is complete, have your attic space inspected for pests. Pest control costs $50 to $500 depending on the extent of the problem.
Permits
You'll likely need building permits if your attic finishing project involves any of the following:
Conversion to a living space
The addition of electrical or plumbing components
New windows or fans
Expect permit costs of anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on your local regulations and the amount of work you plan to do. Contact your local building department for specific cost information.
Structural Engineering
Some attic conversions require structural updates, especially if the attic is oddly shaped or difficult to access. If you need to add height, extend space, or build a staircase, consider hiring a local structural engineer. They'll ensure your home can safely support the additional load from building materials, fixtures, and furniture. The cost to hire a structural engineer is $400 to $800.
Plumbing
If one of your goals for your finished attic is to add a bathroom, expect to pay $1,000 to $10,000 for the plumbing alone. Here are some common plumbing costs.
Rough-in plumbing: $6,500
Installing a toilet: $400
Installing a sink: $450
Installing a shower: $8,000
Why You Should Hire an Attic Finishing Pro
Finishing an attic can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and scope of the project. While you can keep costs down to around $10,000 for a basic DIY remodel, it’s a major undertaking that can be lengthy, hazardous, and exhausting. Plus, if you’re adding plumbing or electrical, these are dangerous and often illegal to set up without a professional license.
A local attic finishing pro will handle everything safely and efficiently, including subcontracting licensed professionals to ensure it’s all safe and up to code.
Here’s Why It’s Ideal to Hire an Attic Finishing Pro
Finishing an attic requires coordinating multiple trade professionals and navigating a complex set of safety (and legality) precautions. Here’s why it’s best to leave this project to the pros:
An attic finishing contractor oversees all stages of construction, from drywall and insulation to painting and flooring.
Pros ensure your attic complies with building codes, especially for plumbing and electrical work.
Hiring pros saves time, ensures safety, and helps avoid costly mistakes or failed inspections.
If You Want to DIY an Attic Finishing Project
If you’re in favor of rolling up your sleeves to save on labor costs, here are a few safer DIYs for an attic finishing project:
Installing drywall
Painting or wallpapering walls once construction is complete
Installing flooring or adding basic trim work
Cleaning and prepping the space for construction and/or handling post-construction cleanup.
Attic Remodel vs. Renovation
As you plan your attic finishing project, you'll likely hear and see the terms remodel and renovation. Each carries a different meaning, and the path you choose will influence your costs.
| Attic Remodel | Attic Renovation |
|---|---|
| Change attic structure and function | Clear out attic to enhance look |
| Add plumbing, electrical, HVAC, walls, windows, and flooring | Repair damage and remove pests |
| Costs are moderate to high | Costs are low to moderate |
Does Finishing an Attic Increase Home Value?
In most cases, finishing an attic is an investment in your home that can raise its value by at least 50%. Attic conversions can also increase the square footage of your home and the number of bedrooms or bathrooms.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Provide your attic finishing pro with your attic’s dimensions, ceiling height, and access points to help the contractor plan the layout.
Ask about necessary permits and building code requirements, especially for egress windows or dormer additions.
Review your budget and prioritize features like bathrooms, insulation, or built-in storage to stay within your price range.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to kitchen and bathroom remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to add a bedroom and bathroom can pay off with an increase in your home’s value and more space for you and your family. Costs vary by project scope.
The cost to install a window seat depends on several factors, such as materials, labor, and options. Here’s a breakdown of the cost to install a window seat.
When comparing a steam shower versus a sauna, some factors can impact which one is best for you, including installation, temperature, treatment, and cost.
An updated bathtub can give a bathroom a whole new look. Find out how much it costs to replace a bathtub in Boston, MA, including prices by type and labor costs.
Here's a look at the cost to build a garage with apartment on your property for a rental or in-law apartment.
