Loft hatch orientation!

[KeltonTurvey]

Below is a picture of my current loft hatch. I have a new larger hatch to fit.

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• KeltonTurvey
• 19 May 2014
• 1

I'm planning on having the new hatch run like this so as not to cut through another joist:

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• KeltonTurvey
• 19 May 2014
• 1

This means I'm just shortening the existing cut joist.

Just wanted a second opinion that I'm doing the right thing?

Thanks!

 

[ree]

Yes, that should do but frame around the new opening similar to the framing around the old hatch.

You might also sister joists to the long joists on either side - the sistered joists dont have to run the full length of the in-place joists.

Pilot holes and Screw everything - no nailing.

I presume that you are not extending the opening above say a stairwell?
In other words, that its safely accessible?

 

[KeltonTurvey]

Thanks of the reply!

Good point! Having marked the new hole on the other side of the ceiling it overhangs the stairwell considerably so I think I need to rethink.

I can put the hatch the other way round like this:

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• KeltonTurvey
• 20 May 2014
• 1

But this cuts a second joist and I though this was a non starter.

The other alternative is to abandon enlarging this hole and make a new one in one of the rooms but I really would prefer to use the existing hole if possible.