How l installed a DIY loft ladder hatch kit without a PRO!

Hi all - I really don't want to spend Christmas in a cold house, so before I install the 26 rolls of loft insulation we bought to replace the missing stuff (and top up the rest), I decided to buy and install this wooden loft ladder first.

The idea was to ditch the telescopic ladder we've been using.... and hated going up there, which I've never felt safe (but had to go up and fix leaks out of necessity to get our water up and running.

So I bought and installed this wooden Wickes loft ladder (managed a Black Friday 15% off discount) and now I can go up there with ease and no more anxiety, for rolling out insulation and installing attic lights.

Note: I've filmed EVERY STEP of this project as I noticed comments in other peoples' videos that they skip the part where they tackle cutting some joists, added more supports and joist hangers. I also added reflective insulated roll, reflective tape and finally covered up the remaining missing plasterboard panels.

To finish this job next, I need to skim up to 3mm, paint and add some architrave trim to cover the hatch opening, but insulating the attic is more important right now due to our ridiculously expensive electricity bill.

Anyway - I hope you enjoy and if you'd do anything differently, then feel free to leave me a comment!

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➡️Sharp Stanley knife

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[TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Now it's done do you think I should hire a plasterer or have a go myself???

[SteveMonk]

I'm really enjoying this series Vikkie. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[andyhill]

At first i thought a little long compared to other videos but this shows what a typical loft ladder installation can go like, addresses problems and how to overcome them.
Not all jobs are as straight forward as the 5 minute videos suggest.
Thanks

[shingabiss]

Great job! Those pull down stairs really do make a difference, as you said. Instead of crawling through the square opening of doom, you're ascending the stairs of ease and comfort 😁.

[keefykeef]

I really hope that "woah there pickle" is a new catchphrase. Great job Vikkie, the new videos are really great

[jamesbenenati]

I am in Canada and here any modifications to a roof truss needs to approved/signed off by a structural engineer, not sure what the rules are in the UK.

[benjaqsonworkshop]

I installed the same a couple of years ago but you've done a better job than I did. The fly-on-the-wall presentation was really helpful to see how you tackled everything. Great camera work too.

[OriginalRaveParty]

You're hard 💪 I wouldn't trust myself to tackle some of these jobs, but you just get them done 👍

[luciecooper]

I have used neon light switches at almost ceiling height in my hall - these can only be switched on when on the ladder so no accidental switches & let's you know you've left the lights on. Also no scrambling around for a switch in the dark loft space. Thys doin a grand job lass 😊

[sportgliderider]

well done, well explained and you make it look easy compared to some of the professional videos

[MakingItOutOfTheWoods]

Another crackin’ job well done. Fave bit ..”this plastic thing will slot right in…then smack it with a mallet 😂!! Brilliant, another job off the list. Always wondered how to fit one of those. Now I know ❤

[alisonscurr]

Vikkie you are so clever. I wouldn't even know where to start with that ladder. I am glad you put the joist brackets on. That was something I was going to advise. Speaking from experience, I would hire a plasterer.

[nigelweaving]

So glad I have watched this video as I want to do this job myself. My installation will be on the landing and to be honest it would be easier to remove the landing ceiling plasterboard and replace it as it is really bad. Good job Vickkie.

[OllyParryJones]

A job well done, Vikkie. I've fitted a few of this model this year and know the pain of fitting them alone! 😉 Struggled through the first two without first removing the ladder from the door... But fitting those springs is always the most challenging part!

Looking forward to your next videos. 🙂

[DeafMaker]

Thanks for sharing this video, as I want to install my own loft ladder. I am feeling more confident after seeing you do it.

Re: plastering proper DIY and skill builder have good tips for plastering, although I suspect they make it look easier than it actually is 😂

[shaun--mgzs]

Hi Vikkie, you are doing a great job with the loft ladder. Well documented, keep up the great work that your doing, catch you soon, take care😁👍

[traceybradshaw]

Fantastic! The way you have shown and explained everything is so clear and easy to follow. I’m a recent new follower from Australia and I look forward to following this reno.

[baldvale]

Well Vikkie that has brought back memories to when i fitted the same loft ladder to a family members house but the ceiling was so high that we used the loft ladder at it's full length.
I can tell you that we had a devil of a time getting the ladder fixed into place in an old victorian terrace.
The black dust got everywhere and we were finding it for weeks later.
We must have done something right as it is still there and in great working order after 20 years.
I am really enjoying the house renovation series and i know that i am going to learn something from it : )

[Jeepmaniacx]

Love the videos about your renovation. Keep up the great work!

[RemusKingOfRome]

Well done, similar to one in my home. Don't forget, over the years, wood will warp so maybe that latch may not work, my loft ladder just hangs there. Terrible for roaches to enter the house, I need to spray the loft every six months with roach spray (they enter the loft via down pipes).

You now have to add lights in the loft - DO NOT use the loft for storage unless you want an invasion of bugs / roaches etc. Work men love the ladder and lights, easy to work up there.