Thinking about adding more space to your home? Maybe you need an extra bedroom, a home office, or a place to relax and hang out. When it comes to adding space, two popular options are attic conversions and home additions. Both can give you more room, but they’re pretty different in how they’re built, how much they cost, and what they’re used for.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s break it down step-by-step to make this decision as easy as possible.
What Is an Attic Conversion?
An attic conversion is exactly what it sounds like—you take your attic and turn it into a livable space. Instead of leaving it as a dusty storage area full of holiday decorations and old boxes, you transform it into something useful, like a bedroom, office, or playroom.
You’re basically working with the space you already have, so you’re not building anything new outside your home. Instead, you’re making the inside of your house work harder for you.

What Is a Home Addition?
A home addition is when you add brand-new space to your house by building out or up. It’s like extending your home by adding a new room, a second story, or even an entire wing.
This option is great if you need more square footage but don’t have any usable space inside your home to work with. Unlike an attic conversion, a home addition creates something completely new instead of remodeling what’s already there.

Cost Comparison—Which One’s Cheaper?
Money is usually the first thing people think about when planning a project like this. So, let’s talk costs.
An attic conversion is generally cheaper than a home addition. Why? Because the space is already there. You don’t have to build walls, lay a new foundation, or add a roof. Most of the structure is already done, so you’re mainly focusing on finishing the inside.
On average, attic conversions cost between $30,000 and $75,000, depending on what you’re doing with the space. Adding insulation, drywall, flooring, lighting, and heating or cooling can all add to the cost.
A home addition, on the other hand, is more expensive because you’re starting from scratch. You’ll need to build walls, a roof, and sometimes even a foundation. Plumbing, electrical work, and permits also add to the cost.
The price for a home addition usually ranges from $80,000 to $200,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project. If you’re adding a second story, it can cost even more.
How Much Time Does Each One Take?
Time is another big factor to think about.
An attic conversion is usually faster. Since the structure is already there, most attic conversions take about 4 to 8 weeks to complete. That’s pretty quick, especially compared to a home addition.
A home addition takes longer—typically 3 to 6 months. Because you’re building something new, there’s more work involved. You also have to factor in things like permits, inspections, and potential weather delays if you’re building out.
So, if you need extra space ASAP, an attic conversion might be the better option. But if time isn’t an issue and you want something completely custom, a home addition might be worth the wait.
How Do You Use the Space?
What you plan to do with the new space is a big part of this decision.
An attic conversion is usually best for:
- Bedrooms—especially guest rooms or kid’s rooms.
- Offices—perfect for remote work setups.
- Playrooms or hobby rooms—great for keeping toys or crafts organized.
- Storage—if you still need some extra space for boxes, you can keep part of the attic for storage while converting the rest.

A home addition is better for:
- Living rooms or family rooms—ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
- Kitchens or dining rooms—if your current kitchen feels too small.
- Bathrooms—especially if your family is growing and you need another one.
- In-law suites—great for guests or aging parents who need their own space.

Flexibility and Design Options
Attic conversions are a bit more limited in terms of design. Since you’re working within an existing space, you have to deal with things like sloped ceilings, low headroom, and awkward layouts. This means you might have to get creative with furniture placement and storage solutions.
Home additions, on the other hand, give you total freedom. You’re building from scratch, so you can design the space exactly how you want it. High ceilings, big windows, open layouts—you name it. If you want something custom, a home addition is the way to go.
Permits and Paperwork
Both options require permits, but home additions usually involve more paperwork.
For an attic conversion, you’ll likely need permits for electrical work, insulation, and structural changes, but the process is pretty straightforward.
A home addition requires more permits because you’re adding square footage to your home. You’ll need approvals for zoning, foundation work, plumbing, and more. It’s not impossible, but it does add time and cost to the project.
Enhanced Renovations handle all the permits You can kick back and relax while we deal with the paperwork. Contact us today at (919) 308-1515 to get started!
Energy Efficiency and Heating/Cooling
An attic conversion can sometimes be harder to keep comfortable since attics tend to be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. You’ll need proper insulation and maybe even a separate heating or cooling system.
A home addition can be easier to heat and cool because you’re designing it with modern energy-efficient materials and systems from the start. However, it might mean upgrading your current HVAC system to handle the extra space.
Which Adds More Value to Your Home?
Both options can increase your home’s value, but in different ways.
An attic conversion typically adds value by increasing the number of bedrooms or creating more usable space. This is especially true in areas where larger homes are in demand. On average, homeowners see about a 50–75% return on investment for attic conversions.
A home addition often adds even more value because it increases your home’s total square footage. Buyers love extra space, especially when it’s a new kitchen, living area, or in-law suite. The return on investment for home additions can be 60–80%, depending on the type of room added.
What About Storage Space?
One thing people often overlook is storage.
An attic conversion can take away storage space you already have. Most attics are used to store holiday decorations, old clothes, and keepsakes. Once you convert the attic, you’ll need to figure out where all that stuff goes. You might need to add extra closets or invest in storage solutions, which can add to the cost.
A home addition, on the other hand, doesn’t take away any existing storage. In fact, it can add more storage options, like built-in shelves or closets. If keeping storage space is important to you, a home addition might be the better choice.
Lighting and Natural Light
Lighting can also be a big factor when deciding between these two options.
An attic conversion might need skylights or dormer windows to bring in natural light, especially if the existing windows are small—or if there aren’t any windows at all. Skylights can make the space feel bright and open, but they also cost extra to install.
A home addition is much easier to plan for natural light since you can add large windows, sliding doors, or even a sunroom-style design. If natural light is at the top of your wishlist, a home addition gives you more flexibility.
Accessibility and Stairs
Accessibility is another big consideration.
An attic conversion means you’ll need to access the space by stairs. If your attic currently has a pull-down ladder, you’ll have to install a permanent staircase, which takes up space on your main floor. Stairs also make attic conversions less convenient for older adults or anyone with mobility issues.
A home addition can be built on the main level, which makes it more accessible for everyone. If you’re planning to age in place or want a space that’s easy to get to, a home addition might be a better fit.
Noise and Privacy
Think about how you’ll use the space and whether noise is a concern.
An attic conversion is often quieter because it’s separated from the rest of the house. This makes it perfect for a home office, studio, or guest room where privacy is important.
A home addition can be designed for privacy too, but it depends on where you build it. For example, adding a new room near the main living areas might make it harder to keep the space quiet, especially if you have kids or pets.
The Final Decision—What’s Best for You?
Choosing between an attic conversion and a home addition depends on your budget, timeline, and goals.
Go with an attic conversion if:
- You’re looking for a faster, more affordable option.
- You don’t need a ton of extra space.
- You’re okay with working around sloped ceilings and stairs.
Choose a home addition if:
- You want completely custom design options.
- You need a lot more space or want to expand your living areas.
- You’re planning for the long-term and want higher resale value.

FAQs About Attic Conversions vs. Home Additions
Which option costs more – an attic conversion or a home addition?
An attic conversion is usually more affordable since you’re working within an existing structure. A home addition tends to cost more because it involves building new walls, a roof, and a foundation.
How long does each project take?
Attic conversions typically take 4–8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity. Home additions can take 8–16 weeks or longer, especially if permits or foundation work is needed.
Will an attic conversion add value to my home?
Yes! Converting an attic into a livable space can boost your home’s value, especially if it’s turned into an extra bedroom or office. However, home additions often provide even greater value due to the added square footage.
Can I add plumbing to my attic conversion?
Yes, but it depends on your home’s layout. Running plumbing lines to an attic can be more challenging than in a home addition, where plumbing is easier to plan.
Do I need permits for these projects?
Yes. Both attic conversions and home additions usually require permits, but the specifics depend on your city’s regulations.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Whether you’re leaning toward an attic conversion or a home addition, Enhanced Renovations is here to help make your vision a reality. With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional spaces designed to fit your needs.
Let’s start planning your dream home today—call us at (919) 308-1515 for a free consultation and see why homeowners in Holly Springs trust Enhanced Renovations for their remodeling projects!
You can also get in touch today, and let’s upgrade your space!