Attic renovation in Marche-en-Famenne

The staircase: the backbone of the layout

From the retractable hatch to the fixed staircase

The installation of a real fixed staircase, replacing a retractable hatch, radically changes the use of the room. A hatch is sufficient for accessing a storage area; it is no longer enough once a living space is created. Our craftsmen from Marche study the integration of this staircase into the lower landing: its footprint, its inclination, its visual treatment.

Slope, width, and safety

In the volumes under the roof, the main constraint is the available slope. A staircase that is too steep — beyond 45° — quickly becomes uncomfortable and non-compliant with safety regulations for a living space. The Avenir Rénovations team sizes the tread and riser according to the height under the ridge and the available floor space. When the configuration allows, a compact quarter-turn staircase frees up living space while remaining comfortable for daily use.

Partitions, plastering and space distribution

Light partitions under slope

The partitions in a converted attic are almost always light partitions made of metal framework and plasterboard. Their advantage: they do not add significant weight to the joists, they adapt to the complex geometries of the slopes, and they easily integrate with the under-slope areas to create built-in storage spaces. The Avenir Rénovations team pays particular attention to the connections between vertical partitions and sloping ceilings — this is where the quality of the plastering makes all the visual difference.

Height under slope and living areas

The height under the slopes directly conditions the hierarchy of uses. Our craftsmen position the active living areas — office, bed, sofa — where the height is above 2.20 m, and enhance the low-height areas with custom storage, integrated bookshelves, or decorative niches. The final result should be a space where one completely forgets that they are under the eaves.

Floor coverings on wooden floors

Installing a floor covering on an existing wooden floor requires addressing the creaks and flexibility inherent to this structure. We lay an appropriate acoustic underlay before the final covering. Floating parquet or high-resistance vinyl are often preferred for their lightness, their tolerance to humidity variations, and their visual warmth. Tiling is possible but reserved for areas where structural reinforcement has been carried out.

Technical networks: electricity and heating

Electrical distribution compliant with the RGIE

Creating a living space requires a clean electrical distribution, compliant with the RGIE. Our team runs circuits from the main panel, respecting the regulatory cable sections and the separation of lighting, outlet, and any sanitary appliance circuits. In an attic, cable runs are integrated into the frameworks of the partitions before the plasterboard is installed — no visible cables, no visible chases after finishing.

Heating: extension of the existing network or standalone solution

Depending on the power of your central heating system, our specialists extend the existing network by adding radiators or convectors, or propose a standalone heating solution — radiant panel, low-consumption reversible air conditioner. The goal is to ensure uniform thermal comfort without creating an imbalance in the rest of the installation. The insulation integrated into the walls plays an essential technical role here: it limits losses and allows heating the volume with reasonable power.

Your trusted partner from Rochefort to Ciney

A knowledge of local construction and urban planning services

Our local expertise allows us to operate throughout the greater Marche — Waha, Marloie, Aye, Hargimont, On — and in neighboring municipalities such as Hotton, Nassogne, Rochefort or Ciney. We know the specifics of Famenne construction and the requirements of local urban planning services.

Site cleanliness and adherence to schedule

Choosing Avenir Rénovations means entrusting your project to a team that manages site cleanliness, debris removal, and strict adherence to the schedule. At the end of the work, we carry out a complete cleaning of the area so you can move into your new space immediately.

Common Issues and Our Solutions

Floor that Bends Under the Load of a Bathroom

One of the most frequent requests during an attic renovation in Marche-en-Famenne is the integration of a full bathroom — shower, wall-mounted toilet, double sink. The problem is that the joists of an old attic are often calculated for 75 kg/m², while a tiled bathroom with partitions easily exceeds 200 kg/m². An insufficient floor bends, causes the tiles to crack, and puts the structure at risk. Before any installation, our specialists calculate the actual loads of the project and reinforce if necessary with a collaborating floor or doubled joists.

Insufficient Height Under Slopes: Smart Redistribution

In many attics in Marche, the usable height at the ridge is sufficient but the slopes descend too quickly, reducing the comfortable area to a few central square meters. The solution is not always to raise the roof — a heavy and costly operation. Our team works on the distribution of uses: full-height areas accommodate the bed or desk, low areas under 1.20 meters become custom integrated storage, and intermediate areas serve as a dressing room or library. A well-thought-out plan can make seemingly restrictive attics perfectly livable.

Staircase Too Steep or Poorly Positioned in the Landing

A straight staircase with a steep slope — often inherited from a temporary access to the attic — is the first barrier to the comfort of a converted space. It occupies surface area in the attic, creates a daily hazard, and does not meet the requirements of a livable space. Our craftsmen in Marche rethink the location and geometry of the staircase from the lower landing to achieve a comfortable slope, a decent passage width, and harmonious integration into the existing volume — without excessively sacrificing surface area on the lower floors.