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How to Pay for an Attic Playroom

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How to Pay for an Attic Playroom

Move the toys out of the living room by turning your attic into a finished play space for about $278 a month.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $5,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $277.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $5,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Imagine the toys finally off the living room floor and tucked away in a dedicated space. A basic attic finish usually takes about two or three weeks of active work. We want to aim for early spring because contractors are often looking for indoor jobs before the summer deck and siding season kicks off.

A typical $5,000 budget covers insulation, drywall, and durable flooring. To handle that cost without the sting of interest, we can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to spread the payments out while the kids are already using their new room.

Keep in mind that this 0% window is a hard finish line, not a discount. If you haven't paid off the full balance by the time those 18 months are up, you will start owing interest on whatever is left at the standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Don't settle for the first estimate you get. Ask for a line-item breakdown of labor versus materials. This helps you see if one person is overcharging for stuff you could buy yourself.

  2. 02

    Buy materials in late winter

    Shop for your flooring and lighting in February. Retailers often run sales to move old inventory before the spring renovation rush starts. This keeps your $5,000 budget from stretching thin.

  3. 03

    Use the intro window

    Put your project costs on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $5,000, you will pay about $277.78 per month to clear it before interest starts.

  4. 04

    Focus on the shell

    Spend your money on the things that are hard to change later, like good insulation and safe electrical outlets. You can always add fancy toy organizers or rugs later as your budget allows.

  5. 05

    Book for March

    Try to get on a contractor's schedule for the cooler spring months. Attics get brutal once the summer sun hits the roof. Your crew will work faster and be much happier in 60-degree weather.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will a finished attic add value to my home?

It generally does because it increases your usable square footage. Just make sure the ceiling height meets local codes so it counts as a living area when you sell.

Do I need a permit for an attic renovation?

Most likely, yes. If you are adding lights or moving walls, your town will want to inspect the work. Skipping this can cause major headaches during a future home inspection.

What is the biggest hidden cost in an attic?

The floor joists might not be strong enough for people and furniture. Have a pro check if the floor needs reinforcing before you start hanging drywall.

Can I save money by doing it myself?

You can save a lot on labor by doing the painting and laying the flooring yourself. Leave the wiring and structural work to the pros to keep your family safe.