What your attic probably does not have is a set of code compliant stairs.
Attic access dimensions code.
Here s the full text of the code.
Built for safety this sturdy wood ladder makes it easy to access your attic with nine non slip steps and a convenient handrail for support while climbing.
Openings for ventilation having a least dimension of not less than 1 16 inch 1 6 mm and not more than 1 4 inch 6 4 mm shall be permitted.
2009 ibc commercial construction.
Weight capacity designed to fit ceiling heights from 8 ft.
To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder.
The werner wood universal fit attic ladder features the werner wood universal fit attic ladder features a 250 lb.
Openings for ventilation having a least dimension larger.
Your attic may presently have a fixed ladder a pull down ladder or no ladder at all.
If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required.
The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.
An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches 559 mm by 762 mm shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches 762 mm.
And standard ceiling openings of 22 5 in.
According to the 2006 international residential code r807 1 attic access homes with combustible materials in the ceiling and roof construction must have an access to attic areas that exceeds 30 square feet and with a vertical height of 30 inches or greater.
Where the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.
Other model building code citations for attic access stairways 2009 ibc commercial construction requirement for attic space access.
Still the information might be of some interest to inspectors.
The rough framed opening must be a minimum of 22 inches by 30 inches.
Solutions for the new code requirements r 42 attic access hatch exceeds all code requirements 22x30 pre finished white wood frame trim e zh t h triple gasketed air tight seal z hatch mark d.
The access opening should be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location and minimum 22 x 30.