Open up new loft hatchway

[Keefa]

I want to open up a new, larger loft hatch.

The house is Edwardian. I am only intending to use the loft for storage but I will be insulating and boarding it.

I figure I will only need to cut through one (max 2) joist to make the size I need.

How do I go about doing this? Will I weaken the load bearing ability by doing this?

 

[masona]

Any picture ?

 

[oilman]

You probably have a lath and plaster ceiling. Take care when cutting the hole, these ceilings are worth looking after, despite what the imbecile maniacs on makeover programs demonstrate.

 

[robo]

Quick tip although a bit late,if you damage your plaster and lath ceiling you can repair it by acrowing it up from below and then pour plaster of paris onto the laths fom above.
regards