Enlarging Attic Access

Remodel the roof as needed to increase the attic ceiling height by removing the old roof changing the angle of the new roof and installing rafters joists sheathing and shingles.

Enlarging attic access.

The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic. Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away. Cutting and framing the space is actually the simplest portion of the job. This will involve cutting 2 of the joists or whatever they re called.

Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic. Do not cut through a double beam in the attic since these are support beams for the entire house. 1 inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge a. We want to enlarge the opening and put in some pull down stairs to make getting into the attic easier.

Yes a larger access opening to the attic is a viable option. It is recommended to have a professional design and do the construction for this remodeling project unless you have substantial experience in this area. Yes there are potential structural issues you may face but they aren t insurmountable. With your access hole created follow the below instructions to create your loft hatch.

And yes this is a do it yourself project. Using a pencil mark the edges of any joists on the ceiling this will then create your access hole. If you see the attached image the dotted lines are where the enlarged opening will be. I plan to put joist hangers at all the circled areas.