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!
If you're new here, you can catch up on my whole auction property renovation adventure here:
➡️HOW we lost THOUSANDS struggling to get back on the property ladder: • We could've been PROSE...
➡️Our experience risking all of our money bidding on an auction property: • We RISKED IT ALL biddi...
➡️A sneak peek inside our new house: • FULL HOME TOUR: I boug...
➡️And how we found it's worse than we thought due to a mouse infestation: • We moved into our new ...
➡️ Trying to fix leaks • We tried to fix the le...
➡️ A drone tour of our new 4 acre abandoned farm • The UGLY TRUTH about o...
➡️ Plasterboarding our dining room • I tried plasterboardin...
Or find the FULL PLAYLIST here:
➡️ • We could've been PROSE...
THINGS I USED:
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links.
➡️Werner 3 section timberline loft ladder like this one: geni.us/rUY5vWz {Amazon}
➡️ Stanley impact driver geni.us/Rjo60E {Amazon}
➡️ LED twin work light in attic geni.us/TmmlQz {Amazon}
➡️ Werner portable work bench platform geni.us/3wx4a0K {Amazon}
➡️ Evolution mitre saw geni.us/IJ3Lhj {Amazon}
➡️ Drywall Black Phosphate Phillips Screw 3.5 x 38mm geni.us/xpA656
➡️ Dewalt multitool geni.us/TNwIv {Amazon}
{Amazon}
➡️Straight edge (1200mm spirit level) geni.us/j9BKfb {Amazon}
Plasterboard lift geni.us/PRJQ {Amazon}
➡️Sharp Stanley knife
➡️ This video was mostly filmed on my new DJI Osmo Pocket 3 geni.us/vEDYTAF {Amazon} the intro + plasterboard lift build on my Canon 750D with a wide camera angle lens.
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[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

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

[@davideyres955]

Hire a plaster 100%. I got let down by my plaster so I thought how hard can it be? Turns out really hard. I was doing the landing and the hall all by myself and it kills your arms and although it looked ok when painted it really was not. Also a good loft ladder, decent set of fluorescent light and boarding and the loft becomes another useable space for storing stuff. Lighting is the key though. Don’t scrimp on the number of lights. You’d be surprised at the difference it makes.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I've just bought 3 6ft LED batten lights (7200 lumens) for up there... hopefully it's not too bright 😅

[@menright28]

It's never too bright in the attic.@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I hope not. Going to test them tonight 😀

[@GandalfBiceps]

hire it out - maybe give it a go in the hallway so you can get your diy fix and make a video out of it but that big room is going to suck.

[@SteveMonk1956]

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

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Any time and thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it 🙏

[@baldvale5418]

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 : )

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🥰 I don't like heights (which is why I hated seeing the drop through the ceiling before I plasterboarded it up) so can't imagine having to fit it at full length and how awkward it must've been to install on step ladders. I'd've probably wanted to used a scaffolding platform lol. But once done, they are great! Hopefully mine lasts for at least that time too!

[@benjaqsonworkshop9974]

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.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I did get hands-on helping my dad do a similar one for us in our last home, so I can't claim it's my first attempt 😀. I'll pass on those kind words to my camera man, he's been helping me film since we moved here and the dji pocket 3 seems to be a "dream to work with" apparently.

[@JefferyHarrold]

Once you've got all the insulation spread out and ceiling plastered, if you still have any air leaks around the hatch you could look into a 'loft stairway cover'. Little foil canopy that goes in the loft over the hatch that zips up and encloses the ladder. Might take some shopping around to find the right size to fit over the ladder (they aren't really a thing over here, seem to be more popular in the states), but from everything I've seen they can basically eliminate drafts that can normally get through even draft excluding strips. Should stop the hatch cover getting cold too (insulated ones still get cold, just not as quick).

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for the tip! I'll look into that 😀

[@OriginalRaveParty]

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

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Awww, thanks. Never thought myself as tough. Although I had done one of these before with my Dad in our last house... but it was more like teamwork. This time, I wanted to try it on my own (apart from the lifting up lol)

[@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 😁.

[@jamesandolini1087]

Thanks Vikkie. Very thorough and great that you list the tools too.

[@ianpearse4480]

Nicely done.

[@katieallen3927]

I did the taping and muding on the walls myself and hired a professional for the ceiling. One of my mottos is that there’s nothing I do that a professional can’t fix. I learned I’m pretty good at it, not that I’d want to do it as a career.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Yes, that's very true! That's why I think it's worth having a go at something (if the risks are low) 😅

[@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. 🙂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks, Olly! ☺️ I think I'd be swearing a LOT if I tried to install it with the ladders still on 😅 I honestly didn't think I'd be able to fit those springs on haha

[@MadLFC]

Bravo Vikkie. Another excellent demonstration of your high level DIY competence. 👋

[@Jeepmaniac4x4]

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

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much - glad you're enjoying them ❤️❤️

[@luciecooper5961]

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 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much :) That sounds very useful! I've not seen neon ones before either!

[@Petertronic]

That's a good tip - might do that myself

[@cate5272]

Thank you Vikkie, another great video. You made it look easy, which is amazing. Looking forward to the next installment. 😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much ❤️ It was absolutely worth doing and looking forward to editing next Sunday's video 🤩

[@Akbar-dq6vs]

Wow. You did a fantastic job. Well done.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@juliequinlan6564]

Welll done! You’ve done such an amazing job! I can’t wait to follow your journey! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to take you along for the ride 😁

[@kaycox19]

BIG PROGRESS!!! WELL DONE!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@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 😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha.. thanks! I'm going to be using Stuart's & Renovision's taping and jointing video for the dining room. I may hire out for the hall though and take a break on it. Not sure yet 😅

[@paulwilliams4575]

Nice job. Well done.

[@nickshemwell1572]

Great job done

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you 😊

[@Vanjonsorz]

Very timely video. We are having ours delivered tomorrow 😍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Perfect timing 👌 😄 Have fun installing it 😀

[@robdavies68]

Superb job - well done!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀

[@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.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much for your kind words and welcome aboard! Glad you enjoyed it too 😊

[@stevenginnever5343]

Really impressed with this video, your how too's and explanations, with regard to tools and materials are some of the best I've ever seen. Also your camera work is excellent. If your up for any advice, I would recommend more use of a dust mask, I was in my younger days as gung ho as you. I now have C.O.P.D at 63.

[@sportgliderider]

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

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

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😁👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much for your kind words and hope you enjoy the next project too 😊

[@alisonscurr4395]

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.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aw, thanks so much ☺️ it's amazing what you can teach yourself out of necessity 😆 And noted 😀

[@user-fo4xo2mf9k]

Nice job Vikkie!! I have been putting off installing a loft ladder for ages due to a small landing space where the steps would come down. Will definitely have to use some of your advice when I finally get going on it. Well done, great video.👍🏻

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀 I felt nervous about it, but I knew how good it could be because we had one in our last house ❤️ I hope you do get round to installing yours!

[@davidkettell1073]

I have installed three of these and i think you did a better job on your first one than i did on my last ,great work Vikkie.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aww, thanks so much 😁😁

[@Hunterthepunter126]

Cool job!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you 😊

[@LS-td3dz]

Good job.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@CheckFred]

That'll do nicely 👍🤠 ... Very neat job there .. Well done! 😃

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much as always 🥰

[@nigelweaving9045]

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.

[@cornwallkid100]

Great job well done ... 😁😁😁

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks ❤️

[@Jako-fh8zg]

Loved the video, especially the break down of what was to be done and how to do it - for a novice like me, that was brilliant.i bet your arms and shoulders were sore the next day, all that working above head 😱👍 🙏🙏

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... I can't remember now lol, but thanks so much 😀 It was a very rewarding project as it feels so much safer to walk up now!

[@gl2856]

Great project very well done enjoyed that thanks a lot

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@ArtwithKrissy]

loving this! great job!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you!! Glad you liked it 😀

[@julias-shed]

Thanks for this video I’ve been considering redoing my loft hatch as it’s getting a bit awkward in my old age 😀

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely worth doing! It now feels so much safer than the old telescopic ones I used. I've never liked them, but that's all I had!

[@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.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks again for the tips and cockroaches sound awful 😅

[@tonylawlor3503]

Nice job Vicki a great step in going forward to new height of success well done rejoice 😅😊😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That should've been on my thumbnail 😅😅😅 And thanks so much 😍

[@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 ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... I was like "why isn't it going in?! I'm not messing about" 😅 And glad yli enjoyed it! It was mentally like a test... can I do this without my Dad this time and it worked. I ended up taking most plasterboard off anyway. I'm not sure he'd be that ruthless, but I thought sod it 😆

[@kimstockwell721]

Fab job Vikkie.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@Whos_boots_are_those_shoes]

Top job 👍

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀

[@Whos_boots_are_those_shoes]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK your welcome keep up the good work 💪

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

💖

[@cliffthompson2996]

Nice Work VIKKIE ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much 💖

[@worstuserever]

Installing a loft ladder has been on my list for a few years now, there's always some urgent repair to burn up the time instead. I'm pretty sure we won't have to cut any joists for ours, bloody hope not. Also looking forward to how you floor the loft as we just have assorted loose boards at the moment and isn't properly insulated either. Vacillating over the insulation method, as we obviously want it to be efficient but maintaining good ventilation and losing as little head height as possible.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Boarding a walkway is definitely on our to do list 😀 But if you have the time, it's definitely worth installing a loft ladder

[@keefykeef]

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

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Hahaha.... can't take credit for that one. It's from the TV show Spaced 🤣 I think I should hand print it on a tshirt though. I should wear it every time I make a mistake, so everyone knows it's Vikkie from the future 🤣

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

And thanks so much Keith! Didn't realise it was you until I checked my notification bell. I'm so happy to be back to doing DIY and pushing my limits 😁

[@redzed40]

Nice job

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@anthonykenny1120]

great work as always,

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks ❤️

[@anthonykenny1120]

Give the plaster in the hall a bash, you have so much work ahead of you, so do what you can yourself, get as much work in the attic done before doing any ceilings, brilliant video. thanks@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@terrywalker4733]

Nice job Vikkie.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😊

[@annehoy9224]

Another great video VIKKIE XXX❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀

[@gingerelvis]

I really admire your grit and determination, it's looking great! I should have fitted a larger hatch when I was plasterboarding as mine is tiny! I'm fairly slim and I can only get just get through it if I put my arms up in the air first 😂 I decided against it because the joists are pretty skinny and I thought it would be a good deterrent to stop me filling the loft with crap! I'm guilty of trying to preserve as much of the original building as possible too but I think as it's such a small space you would be better off reboarding the whole hallway, it will make for a better plaster finish. Those plasterboard driver tips are a bit naff in my experience, the adjustable ones are probably better but I had the fixed cup ones and didn't get on with them, ended up just using a normal PH2 bit.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for the heads up! Stripping back the rest of the hall is something we have considered (not totally ruled it out yet) 😆

[@ianbird4737]

For doing jobs in the loft the very first thing to do is fit a long LED batten (in the past a tube light) so that you can see what you are doing (!) and aren't working in your own shadow if you only have a single light bulb. Regarding the plastering ... as it is ceilings, I would get a plasterer to do it. Having a go doing walls is one thing but ceilings need practice.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for the tips. We're actually in the middle of installing LED batten lights as we speak 😉

[@warriormonk2611]

We installed a loft ladder in our last house (well my dad did most of it) as the existing loft hatch was about A4 size and there was no way I was getting up there without dislocating my shoulders each time. We had to get through the lath and plaster ceiling which was underneath the plasterboard. It was not a fun or clean job 😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Ugh.. sounds messy 😕 we put an offer in for an old Victorian house that had a similar one and I was thinking how this house we bought was probably much easier. I trust the joists so much more than the other (it also had structural issues)

[@barryroberts6470]

Brilliant Vikki and Mr C.D everything is coming along nicely, if you ever get one of those eye hooks to use again like on the loft ladder, you said as you were screwing it in "there must be an easier way than this" well just put your screwdriver through the hole and use it like a handle. Hoping that you reach your Subscriber milestone soon. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year to both of you, Take Care and Stay Safe, Barry (the Wirral)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀 I hope so too... It would be a nice Christmas present 😄

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@superiorbeing95]

I had these loft ladders with an extra section for a 12ft ceiling, they were awful, uninstalled them and replaced them with concertina typr. For lower ceilings they are ok and you did a great job.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much for the heads up! The concertina ones do look cool! 😀

[@superiorbeing95]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK The 3 sections work great, the extra section high up made them dangerous to bring down and the hinges slackened off all the time causing them to bow, felt unsafe. Just in case someone has a 12ft ceiling and watches this. Great idea to make the frame up and then cut it in, i never did it that way before.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Hinges coming lose sounds VERY scary!!

[@craigevans9617]

This is the first video in this series that I've thought I'm totally lost. I enjoy seeing the slow and steady upgrades but I've no idea how that loft ladder went up. I'd love to add one of these too but this scared me. Great work and as always thanks for sharing.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for your honesty and so sorry we didn't explain this one very well. Which bit did you find confusing? Maybe I can try and do a youtube short for it to explain it better?

[@craigevans9617]

​@@TheCarpentersDaughterUKPlease no apologies needed, you're providing informative and engaging content for free. I realise how fortunate we are there's no need for any further explanation. The confusion set in by about 3:30 but I'm sure it's equal parts my lack of knowledge/skill. The loft goes between the existing joists, but there's a frame needed...then you need to make sure the frame you build to correct for things not being straight and true is measured up on top. My head hurt 😁 Don't worry about it I enjoyed watching till the end even though I know loft ladders aren't for me.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I'll see what I can do. It might make an interesting video for people too 😀

[@JamesKooper]

👌

[@tr3vorb438]

Well done! Difficult to film.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! We were worried it would be too boring a view in narrow hallway lol

[@lindaarmstrong5972]

Really like your channel

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@charmedohio-yj2gg]

Another great video Vicky can't wait for the next one Personally I won't be doing this project as I don't have much room for my loft hatch area but this is still an interesting video and project to watch Also glad to see you managed to use the plaster board lift jig as it would have been awkward lifting it up in that narrow hallway as I have experience with this at work Catch you in the next one

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... yes, it was so awkward... especially trying to lift it above the door's architrave. We had to try and lift it on an angle and it kept catching. I probably shaved it down 3 time to get it to fit 😅

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

And thanks so much ❤️

[@nigelmitchell5726]

To me you are a pro Vikki ❤

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Aww, thanks so much. I do my best 😅

[@BackDoorBBQing]

That's a very similar set up to ours, what a difference it makes to using the loft.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

It's like it's inviting me to use it more, I think😀

[@matthewvaughan6327]

Good work, Vickie. You don’t get that level of detail in the B&Q how to videos. And they don’t show the awkward bits. If you need timber that’s an unusual size, go to a timber yard. They’ll usually plane a larger size down to your requirements. Famous last words: “I think the plaster under this wallpaper is in good condition”

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha... only time will tell once we rip eveything off the walls 😅 And thanks so much! I'd much rather show all the nitty gritty to prepare people than just skim over the details. It's really frustrating when I watch videos like that!

[@Split10uk]

I have one of those loft ladders. Bit of a pain to install, but well worth it.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Definitely worth it 👌🙌

[@timharrison8144]

We’ve got the exact same loft ladder….its lasting well

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

That's good to know 😀 I installed a similar one with my dad at the last place (youngmans) and what bliss it was compared to the old telescopic one we were using in this place 😅)

[@luludaddyden]

Another excellent video and I'm really looking forward to seeing the progress of your project. But I feel there is something lacking.... KEEP THE SWEARING IN!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha, thanks so much! 😀 For once, I'm not sure there was any swearing in this one to bleep out 😅 Maybe there was an effing hell with the first spring while off camera 😆

[@keenymeeny2]

I would be still installing that in about a years time .. Once again thanks , its giving me the confidence to get some DIY done,,, With me it’s all the gear no idea,,,, but if you need lighting advice I am your man ,,, aw ra best frae Glasgow

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! ❤️ Lighting is exactly what we've been doing today. I hated having little to no lighting up there. Especially as it's essential for repair and maintenance work!

[@keenymeeny2]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK I have made my house a smart house with TAPO switches linked to my phone as well as LED smart lamps , can be done economically . All the best , good luck with ongoing renovation regards Derek 👍👍👍

[@cjmillsnun]

Nice job. You should be toasty once that insulation is spread out. As far as skimming goes, I admit it's one of the 3 things I got done professionally. The others being the rewire and the boiler. Watching the guy who did it, you have to keep moving to get an absolutely flat finish. Had I done it myself, I would've probably had to artex it to hide all the lumps and bumps.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😆😆😆 Oooh... that's going to make the decision tough. I really wanted to have a go 😅 And thanks so much 🥰

[@Morpha-Ahprom]

💖

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

💖

[@jamesbenenati1039]

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.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

You definitely do here for a listed building and it may be different for certain councils, but most of the time, we don't

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍👏👏👏.Thank you

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Glad you liked it 🥰

[@iangascoigne967]

I've fitted a couple of these types hate fitting the springs and bit of a faff fitting the ladder over all. Spend a little more for a fakro or keylite ( these are really easy to fit google them)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Cheers! I'll bare those in mind if I plan to add another 😀

[@oldinni]

hi,love your site ,keep up the good work ,what make was the drill /screwdriver with the switchable head and where to purchase from please

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀 I use an old version of this 😊 It's not as strong as my Stanley range, but useful for awkward times when you dont want to carry two combi drills geni.us/lOoxYRF (amazon affiliate link)

[@kathleenduffy6638]

Superwoman 💪🏻❤️

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Haha..thank you 💪😆

[@craigbeas6111]

Xmas tool reciprocating saw 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 A full size circular saw 😂😂

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

😬😬😬😬 I have both of those lol. I just love how lightweight the compact one is (and forgot I should've used my reciprocating saw 😅

[@craigbeas6111]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK what other tools could you have for Xmas ? Have you tried a smaller battery saves slot of weight 🎄🎄🎄

[@nikkipoucher1450]

Are you thinking of putting a safety rail in the loft around the hatch opening? I’ve been researching on ‘ how to’ and would be interested if you were doing one.

[@cohort6099]

There's a channel called "The fixer" and he has just insulated his ceiling trapdoor. It would be worth a look for you as he did a really good job.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I know just the channel! I was watching how he added more insulation in his attic and he's very easy to understand 😊 I'll look for that video 😀

[@cohort6099]

I reckon he made it so insulated that he could take that stair to santas @@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@redhornet07]

Really good install, impressive. I quite admire your methodical approach to make certain the measurements & cuts are correct so there’s no issues with the install. When you were removing the old loft access door, would a reciprocating saw made it easier for you to cut through the old screws/nails/timber, etc.? Just curious.😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! And yes.. you're right! That's a tool I totally forgot I could've used 😅😅😅 I've got one that turns into a jigsaw (which would've also been better than a multi tool 🤣). Oh well, I can't win them all lok

[@RichardDowd]

Really want to do mine. I can barely get my head through the current hatch, never mind get up there. Think would have to move it into a bedroom as the joists at the top of the stairs are so close.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Sorry to hear that! We viewed a property like that which was Victorian and no space for a ladder at all. I would be then tempted to get advice on the best place to have one. And when you know where, I would use the packaging as a template to cut your hole. Hope you get it sorted!

[@RichardDowd]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK thanks, it's a real shame to have the space there and doing nothing isn't it! I just got you on IG, I'll get you a picture of it 🪚

[@richyandliz4802]

Hi did you check its ok to cut into roof trusses? I would have thought its not a good thing to do structurally as they are designed to spread the loading of the roof?

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

My Dad builds roof trusses for a living at his woodyard so consulted him.

[@tracyfifield196]

Get a plasterer in!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀

[@mikelacey9384]

Vikki - you are quite often working at height ie (loft hatch work) - as a suggestion why don't you make yourself an additional 3" platform to "clip" over the top of your existing step up? Gain 3" in height for easier working.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! That's a great idea 😀

[@Shrillracer]

Hi I watched this in amazement I built a house where a builder cut throu two trusses and he made the mistake so he had to pay for an engineer to surveyor the damaged trusses and the load removed from them had to be placed on the other trusses to spread the load and we had the loft boarded to so it didn't make any difference we still had to spread the load to the other trusses

[@Shrillracer]

Sorry Structure engineer

[@MrCrabbing]

That's great are you doing a Velux, I wanted to do one of those and a Velux as my loft has a great sea view.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

I really do fancy installing those sky tunnels now and have started to price up scaffolding. I might be too chicken for that though!

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

And thank you 😊

[@Mech747able]

Good job, was wondering what you used to do the 3d plans.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks! 😄 We use Sketchup. You can use the free version to do this.

[@Mech747able]

​@@TheCarpentersDaughterUKThank you.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Any time 😀

[@36ydna]

Board out the loft if you can; a loft provides really useful storage space.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much! I do plan to board some eventually, but probably just a walk way initially 😀

[@Petertronic]

When boarding a loft, where does the required 300mm insulation go? I've always wondered this.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

We've always wondered that too. After doing research, I found it's best to add more structural timber on to, but going the opposite way. But you need to add a few layers to raise it. Now I'm not sure you can compress it either. (Got to do more research). Maybe it would put too much pressure on the plasterboard below.

[@Petertronic]

Yes, I've read you should not board directly on the joists or compress the insulation. There's plastic loft legs you can get but they look a bit weak to me and put point loads on the joists, whereas loft boards on the joists ties them together and distributes the load better. It needs deeper research.@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK

[@Ant98986]

Are you still redoing the plumbing?

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Eventually, yes, it will be done. But we haven't decided yet on the heating source. I suspect it might take us a long time to decide as we've heard mixed reviews on heat pumps

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

FYI, if you don't have an existing hatch to make bigger somewhere else in your home, you could use the MDF packaging as a template as I did doing the first one ever with my Dad in our last house (but you need to know there's no cables, pipes or structural timber there): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5rbq3Wlqslroassi=-5Ce2DEjtcqyov3-&t=44

[@vipulhitesh7719]

What CAD software do you use? I like the planning aspects that gets done behind the scenes.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thankyou, we paid for sketchup pro for a years subscription, when it was 15% off, but the free version apparently works well. But there is an extention I like that creates a cut list for woodworking projects when I finish designing them that I found really useful with the paid version.

[@vipulhitesh7719]

Thanks! Very helpful and will help me plan future mods for the house. Just to add, you have been a very good inspiration generally. :)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀

[@richardhart7652]

One job down 999 to go😊

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Hahaha... yes, sadly 😆

[@ricmorris9758]

Is it me, or do those look like truss chords rather than joists?

[@cubeflinger]

Don't see any supports on the truss that you cut. Mm

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

It's all sat on 2 walls very close to each other that are about 1.1m apart. If it wasn't, then I'd double up on the first and last joists. It's also getting boarded shortly.

[@ricmorris9758]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUKI'm not sure that's the point being made. You cut 2 truss chords.

[@wrighty7769]

Inshal ayshan

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Sorry I don't understand. I've tried to translate and all I get is "get a living"

[@dianahenderson]

If you can afford it by all means hire it out...then you can be free to tackle other things...mudding and sanding drywall is tedious, very, very messy and does require a bit of skill.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks so much 😀 I think I'll have a go on the dining room (taping etc) but leave the hall. All the plastering for beginners videos were so tempting though lol

[@v88krb]

There are simpler and better loft traps that are fully insulated and can be used with an aluminium ladder that rests in the loft not on the trapdoor. Suggest also you need to learn to use a hand saw instead of relying on power tools. But you're learning and willing to have a go, so good on you. Get a plasterer if you want a fine finish.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks. I try to favour hand tools where possible because they're quieter and less dusty, but for absolute accuracy, I'd use power tools every time for this job.

[@handyjim]

get a plasterer

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks for your honesty 😀

[@tdlcraig1]

Building regs for cutting trusses? Selling the house can be a nightmare if you've self installed them without approval.

[@HouseFairyDIY]

Well done! That was a tricky project but you weren't fazed. I'm always amazed at how confident you are in tackling whatever job you do. Your husband does an excellent job of filming too. I think it must make it so much easier to have someone dedicated to doing the filming. This is where I struggle and why I don't make many videos. Anyway, you're one step closer now...or was that ten steps? 🪜😃

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thanks 😀 I think I'd be more scared if this was my first one. The one before this, my Dad showed me how to do it, so this time I wanted to do it on my own. When I work with my Dad, because he's holding my hand, so to speak, I don't always feel like I've fully done it. To complete this was so sp rewarding. And yes, it really has helped with my husband getting different angles that I wouldn't normally. Otherwise I would've clamped up a camera and moved it occasionally to break up the scenes. (He does like me to repeat myself a lot though, because sometimes I think I make sense while describing a step and he doesn't 😅😅). But I suppose that adds to the clarity as he's watching me as if he's a viewer.

[@HouseFairyDIY]

@@TheCarpentersDaughterUK You make a good team from the sounds of it.

[@harpo187bling]

Nicely done.

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

Thank you so much 🥰