Loft hatch and ladder??

[markus250]

Hi All, Bought our first house and its in need of a fair bit of work. I thought i'd start in the loft by boarding it etc so we have somewhere to store stuff while any work is being done throughout the house.

Now then, i currently have a square loft hatch with no ladder etc. Its basically just a hole with a lift out cover. What i want to do is buy one of the ready made loft/ladder hatch combos in local DIY stores.

My question is are these easy enough to fit? Is it just a case of cut the hatch hole big enough to fit the loft ladder or does the surrounding wood work (joists in the loft etc) need to be strengthened a certain way??

Anyone know of a good step by step guide or video that can help??

I'm quite competent at DIY but having never done this before i don't want to cut away etc and the ceiling falls in!!

Any help or advice appreciated!

Thanks, Mark

 

[catlad]

Have a look on the Fakro web site they do those ladders and if I remember correct they have an instalation guide.

 

[dann09]

1. Where is your present trap located - eg. over a stairwell, tight to a wall etc?

2. What section are your ceiling joists?

3. Is there any sag in the in place ceiling - can you push it up with one hand?

4. Go visit someone else's (neighbours or friends) installed loft ladder, and take pics and ask questions.