...we have been trying to make our loft accessible and ready for our new insulation that is being fitted tomorrow.
Our first problem was finding a suitable ladder. We bought a lovely wooden 3 section ladder and hatch months ago, then found that it couldn't be fitted because of our joist locations, then I spent some time researching other options and we eventually settled on a lovely telesteps ladder, then when we wernt to fit that found out that the fixings don't work now that we are allowing for a higher floor level with the new insulation.
So after much huffing and pouting we have now ended up with exactly what I didn't want from the very beginning - just a freestanding ladder.
It is at least a telescopic ladder, so it takes up hardly any room and we have designed a makeshift safety system so I don't feel quite so terrified carrying stuff up it.
There are also some benefits though - we can use it elsewhere in the house, it was a little cheaper than our other loft ladder purchases and we can move it out of the hatch to fit really big boxes up there!
The second problem was trying to find enough 'loft stilts'. They are screwed onto the joist before the new insulation goes in to allow us to raise the boarding without squashing our new insulation.
This 'simple' purchase involved an online reservation where it later transpired that there were only 15 in stock (we needed 70+) and then a last minute order so that M could collect and install on Monday night before he went away!
But eventually they are fitted - and ready for our insulation install tomorrow. Fingers crossed that all goes smoothly. I won't hold my breath though - the notorious Yodel (courier with a bad reputation) should be coming as well to pick up that telesteps loft ladder...
