Third Floor Attic Bedroom Remodel in Midlothian, VA: Adding Livable Space & Home Equity
This third floor attic remodel took place in Midlothian, VA for a family whose kids were simply outgrowing their current setup. One child was ready to move out of a shared bedroom, and the homeowners needed a practical solution that didn’t involve moving or adding onto the home. By finishing the unfinished attic, we created a comfortable bedroom with a 3/4 bathroom, walk-in closet, and storage room—giving their child their own space while adding usable square footage to the home.
The Before
Before construction, the third floor was an unfinished attic used mainly for storage. The space had exposed framing, no insulation, and no defined layout for living. Like many homes, it wasn’t roughed-in for plumbing, which made adding a bathroom more complex. Meanwhile, the family was feeling the strain of shared bedrooms on the lower levels and knew the attic could be put to better use.
Design & Planning
The focus during planning was simple: create a bedroom that felt like it belonged in the house and would work well for a growing child.
Key planning decisions included:
Designing a private bedroom with enough space to grow
Adding a 3/4 bathroom so the space could function independently
Including a walk-in closet and storage room for everyday organization
Materials and finishes used:
Bedroom Paint: Sherwin-Williams Passive (SW 7064)
Bathroom Paint: Sherwin-Williams Nebulous White (SW 7063)
Flooring: Revwood Plus - Bungalow Oak (waterproof)
Bathroom Vanity: Allen + Roth Lancashire 24" Cabinet
Construction / What Was Done
The project took about two months from start to finish. Our scope of work included:
Finishing the attic with proper insulation, framing, and drywall so it could function as a bedroom
Creating a layout that included a bedroom, walk-in closet, storage room, and 3/4 bathroom
Running new plumbing supply lines and drains from the third floor down to the crawl space
Installing waterproof flooring throughout the bedroom and bathroom
Installing the vanity, fixtures, lighting, and ventilation
Completing trim work, paint, and final inspections
Photos show mid-project progress after drywall and painting.
Adding a Bathroom Without a Plumbing Rough-In
One of the biggest challenges with this project was adding a bathroom where none had been planned. Since the attic wasn’t roughed-in for plumbing, we had to identify a clear path to run supply and drain lines down to the crawl space. With careful planning, we were able to make this work without disrupting the rest of the home.
The After
The finished third floor is now a comfortable, functional bedroom designed for everyday use. The child now has their own space, the bathroom reduces traffic on the lower levels, and the added storage helps keep the home organized.
Before and after attic bedroom conversion in Midlothian, VA.
The biggest improvements include:
A private bedroom that relieves the need for shared spaces
A 3/4 bathroom that adds convenience for the whole family
Finished square footage that increases the home’s overall value
A layout and design that feels consistent with the rest of the house
A large storage room useful for the whole house
FAQs
How long does a third floor attic bedroom remodel take?
Most attic-to-bedroom conversions take 6–10 weeks. This project was completed in about two months.
Is finishing an attic a good option when kids outgrow shared bedrooms?
Yes. Finishing an attic is a practical way to add a bedroom without expanding the home’s footprint or relocating.
Can you add a bathroom to a third floor without existing plumbing?
It’s possible, even if the space wasn’t originally roughed-in. The key is proper planning and experience running plumbing through multiple levels. With this project, we were successfully able to get supply lines and drains routed from the third floor to the crawl space without disrupting the home.
Does finishing an attic add value to a home?
In many cases, yes. Finishing an attic adds usable square footage, and the investment often costs less than the equity gained after the project is complete. Third floor’s can act as an extra bedroom, media room, extra storage, or whatever space suits your family best at any stage of life.
Thinking About Finishing Your Attic?
If your family is starting to feel tight on space, finishing an attic can be a smart, long-term solution. Next Level Contracting helps homeowners turn unused areas into functional living spaces that fit real life. Reach out today to start planning your project!
