Having a great collection of items, whether they’re toys, figurines, or any other collectible, is all well and good—collections with numerous pieces of significant and historical value could fetch for major bucks in an auction. Still, it’s an entirely different thing to have a safe place to store them.
In several cases involving really massive collections, storage space (often in the collector’s residence) is of utmost concern. At times when one’s living space is not enough, there exists one final logical choice: the attic. However, converting the attic into a worthy storage space requires several factors to be considered. As About.com home improvement guru Jeff Beneke notes, “Before you take advantage of this storage space, take some time to assess the potential, and the potential problems, your attic may hold in store for you.”
Before getting down to business of converting the attic, here’s what homeowners should take note of:
Cleanliness – The attic is one of the most neglected parts of the home in terms of cleanliness, more so if the room only gets frequented by contractors tending to power/HVAC lines. All the dust, dirt, mildew, and mold in a filthy attic is sure to ruin whatever’s going to be stored inside.
Insulation – Another important first step is having the attic checked by a local Toronto insulation specialist from firms such as Envirotech Insulation. Ensuring that the attic is well-insulated is one critical asset if it were to be a good storage compartment, as certain temperature extremes can have a big impact on the condition of the items you’re planning to store.
According to home improvement specialist Bob Vila, insulating materials applied by a skilled Scarborough attic insulation professional acts as a “buffer,” slowing down heat transfer between the living space underneath and the attic itself. This can certainly help an HVAC system intended to cool down/heat up the storage space to contradict the effects of the outside weather, and maintain ideal indoor temperatures.
Flooring – It’s logical to approach the conversion of an attic into a storage space the way you would if it’s intended to be a livable space. For instance, most building codes require an attic’s floor area to be at least 70 square feet, and the ceiling 5 feet or higher. On a structural standpoint, the attic’s floor must also be stable enough to bear the weight of items to be stored.
Accessibility – What’s a great collection if it isn’t viewable at any time? Combined with the overall space, accessibility is also a no-brainer. Attics are often accessible through special ladders specifically made for smaller spaces, allowing the person to ascend and descend without issues.
(Source: Attic Storage, About.com)