Crestwood Neighborhood

A Renovation Story: An Attic Conversion

Nov 30, 2004

When Keri Burgess bought the blonde brick house on 21st between Linn and Ross in the fall of 2001 its 1048 square feet seemed to be plenty of room. However, when visits from the nieces, nephews, kids and grandkids became more common, and longer in duration, it became obvious that another bedroom was much needed.

The house had a spacious attic, which was being used for storage, but had never finished. In the summer of 2003 Keri hired a contractor and in August of that year they broke ground, or ?“broke chimney?” as it were, on Keri?’s attic conversion. Soon after work began Keri left town for a visit to Florida. She returned to a home that was missing much of it?’s ceiling, had working electricity in only some rooms, and was covered in dust.

Things were inconvenient, and very messy, for several weeks. The major construction, done by the contractor, was done in a couple of months and then Keri called in friends and neighbors to finish the drywall, painting and trim.

The finished product is a loft style bedroom, with an oh-so coveted extra bath that gives Keri?’s house an additional 378 square feet of living space. Keri deliberately designed the space to be open and airy. There are no closets in the room and the bath area is separated from the sleeping area by a wall, but no door. While there is only one small window in the room, the light colors and open design give the space the feel of ample natural light.

Keri lost a small hallway and part of the spare room to make space for the gorgeous red oak staircase with white risers that leads to the loft. The small sacrifice was well worth it as she now has a larger spare room and was still able to maintain an office on the ground floor. ?“I love the space,?” says Keri. ?“The kids love the space. Everyone who visits loves the space. It has great karma.?” The previous owner of the house, Linda Harty, agrees. After the room was completed Linda made a visit from her new home in the Venice neighborhood and gave her stamp of approval.