My Mum is starting to find it difficult to get into the loft as the hatch is very small, is a push up and move one and there are no fixed ladders as the hatch is too close to the external wall. So, I'm looking at cutting a new hole, installing a new loft hatch with ladders. New hatch will be in the hall, which will give better access.
My question is, so long as I don't cut through the rafters and install new studs to box in the hole, are there likely to be any stuctual isues?
The loft has rafters running front to rear (I forget the dimensions but wide enough to fit a hatch & ladder) and a central supporting beam down the centre (diagram for reference). I propose to cut the new hatch to one side of the central beam, so that when closed, the ladders will have the necessary clearance.
I can't see any issues if no rafters are cut, as the space being used is only plasterboard at present and the front and rear of the hatch will be strenghened with studs.
Any ideas or thoughts on this?
Many thanks,
Phil
My question is, so long as I don't cut through the rafters and install new studs to box in the hole, are there likely to be any stuctual isues?
The loft has rafters running front to rear (I forget the dimensions but wide enough to fit a hatch & ladder) and a central supporting beam down the centre (diagram for reference). I propose to cut the new hatch to one side of the central beam, so that when closed, the ladders will have the necessary clearance.
I can't see any issues if no rafters are cut, as the space being used is only plasterboard at present and the front and rear of the hatch will be strenghened with studs.
Any ideas or thoughts on this?
Many thanks,
Phil