When your household gets big enough to require a little more living space, you've got several options. You can move to a new place, you can add on to your existing house, or you can renovate a space in your current home that isn't being used to its fullest. Every situation will have its own specific pros and cons for each of these solutions, and none is a particularly cheap operation.
In a city like Los Angeles, attic remodeling can be a viable option for families that simply need a little more usable room. Attic space is often used simply for storing household items, but, under the right circumstances, the area under your roof and above your top floor can truly become a very comfortable and functional living area.
Benefits of Los Angeles Attic Renovation
By opting out of building a conventional addition and choosing attic remodeling, Los Angeles residents are getting three main benefits. First, because the major structural components are already in place, the job will cost less than a true addition. Not only does this mean that the operation can be done on a smaller budget, but you can use higher quality materials and customize the space more effectively and still come in under the price of an addition.
As in any city, attic remodeling in Los Angeles is also good because you don't have to sacrifice any extra space on your property. A traditional addition will decrease the size of your lawn and, if you don't have that much room on your property to begin with, is simply not an option. Los Angeles attic remodels won't take up any additional space, so you'll still have enough lawn left to enjoy the sunny California weather.
Last, but by no means least, Los Angeles attic remodeling is likely to add more value to your home than a conventional addition. Southern California attic remodels recover, on average, nearly 99% of their construction costs in added resale value. When you compare this to family room additions (about 86%) or master bedroom additions (90%), the money you spend remodeling your attic definitely comes out on top.
Drawbacks of Los Angeles Attic Remodels
As with any home improvement in any area of the country, Los Angeles attic renovation is not always the best option for every situation. Attics in warm areas are often filled with ductwork for central air conditioning. If this is the case in your home, you may not want to sacrifice the luxury of temperature control for added living space. One thing to consider, however, is that, if your air conditioning system is old, malfunctioning, or might require replacement for any reason, newer AC systems can be found that will be more efficient than your existing one, and will take up far less space. These systems are small and powerful enough that you can cool off your whole house and still free up your attic space for other uses.
Los Angeles Attic Remodeling Prices
In L.A., traditional additions can easily run $90,000, and often cost more. On the other hand, Los Angeles attic remodeling is, on average, about a $53,000 project. This price can, of course, vary depending on the amount of space you're working with, the kinds of materials you use, and the amount of modification your particular situation will require. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.