Here are some pictures from our attic project.
We cleared out our attic (we recently had our roof done, so in addition to getting the boxes out, there were nails and screws and dust everywhere and we cleaned it all -- gross). We hired a contractor to come in and add a lot of insulation and install shelving that we purchased. We had to pay for this, but our energy company is going to give 50% of it back as part of a rebate program, and then we should also see lower energy bills going forward. We also got extra storage space, lofted above the insulation on the sides. (Note, there is also insulation in the middle -- blown in under the floorboards, which were then topped with hard packs of foam and then covered with the plywood.)
We spent all day pulling boxes from our office, basement and garage and organizing them. We have a lot of baby stuff we want to keep in case we have a third, and we also have a lot of stuff from DW's parents house. We decided it would be best just to put in the attic now and then she can go through it at her leisure when she is ready. We also gave away a few things on craigslist, will give more to goodwill and will do a run to the dump of things nobody wants.
This project is a win-win-win. Energy company rebate. Attic looks great. Extra storage. Lower energy bills. Good for environment. Hopefully less drafty house. Could help on resale (hopefully not for a long time). Got to remove clutter from other parts of house and store it in an organized fashion. Gave away stuff which will be reused.
We have a babysitter coming for a fundraiser at our kids' school! :) Which is right in the neighborhood, so we will walk.
Happy St. Patrick's day everyone!