Recently, we completed a unique installation that many handymen and even general contractors had turned down — an attic ladder replacement in a garage with an 11-foot ceiling. The homeowner had been searching for a solution for a while, and after spotting our ad on Instagram, they reached out immediately. This wasn’t just about replacing a ladder — it was about solving a real accessibility problem that no one else dared to tackle.
🚪 The Problem: Oversized Opening, Heavy Old Ladder & No One to Help
The garage had an extra-tall ceiling, making it a challenge for standard attic ladders. On top of that, the existing wooden ladder was long, heavy, and dangerous—at risk of slamming down at any moment. The homeowner had consulted several handymen, but none were confident enough to handle the complexity. Larger contractors, on the other hand, brushed it off as “too small of a job.”
That’s where Atticcraft stepped in.
‘Before’ photos:
🔍 Site Visit, Planning & Smart Modifications
After a quick phone consultation, we scheduled an on-site evaluation. Once we assessed the opening and structural layout, we offered a quote, which the client promptly accepted. A partial deposit secured the installation date.
Here’s what made the job technically interesting:
- The existing opening was 60 inches long, while our standard metal ladder frame was 30×56 inches
- To adapt it safely, we:
- Installed reinforced header beams at both ends
- Strengthened the side joists
- Created a stable, framed opening tailored to the new insulated attic ladder
This wasn’t just a drop-in install—it was a custom retrofit, carefully planned and executed to meet structural and safety standards.
🛠️ Elevated Installation, Step-by-Step
Working in a garage with almost 11 feet of ceiling height meant we had to carefully plan each phase:
- ✅ Safe ladder staging and support
- ✅ Multi-step assembly to align and fasten the frame securely
- ✅ Precision leveling to ensure smooth operation of the mechanism
And the final result? A metal attic ladder that:
- 🌡️ Offers airtight insulation
- ⚙️ Opens smoothly and safely with minimal effort
- 🛡️ Eliminates the risk of uncontrolled drop-down with a counterbalance mechanism
- 🔒 Adds real security and durability to the homeowner’s garage access point
💬 What the Client Loved Most
“The old ladder was heavy, awkward, and always a hazard. I love how this new one opens safely, stays in place, and is super easy to use. The installation was clean, professional, and the ladder feels like it could last a lifetime!”
They were especially impressed with how the ladder opens—no more risk of the ladder slamming down. Thanks to our built-in mechanism and extension rod, the ladder unfolds gently, only when guided.
🧰 When Custom Attic Access Feels Impossible, Call Atticcraft
If your ceiling is high, your hatch is oversized, or others have turned you down — we’re the crew that gets it done.
📲 Call or Text: 973-801-0875
📧 Email: info@atticcraft.com
🌐 Explore more at: www.atticcraft.com
Custom attic solutions, clean installs, safe access—and happy clients. That’s what we do.