Figure 1 modified joists there are some important points to highlight.
													
																	Cut hole in ceiling for attic access. 
									
	
		
	
																	The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic. 
																	Use a pencil and draw a box within the joists. 
																	How to make a scuttle attic a k a. 
																	Locate the joists behind the drywall. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	Your goal is to cut a hole that is the correct size at the desired location in the ceiling. 
																	I will be crawling around up there as i m 6 tall. 
																	Attic access panel determine where your joists are. 
																	The space above the ceiling is very tight but there is inadequate insulation and i need to add support for a projector. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	You must have a location that is free of hazards and obstructions in the overhead space and is free of hazards in the ceiling. 
																	If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2. 
																	Step 2 cut joist support boards. 
																	Using drywall knife start cutting the ceiling out along your line. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	The following diagram figure 1 shows the floor or ceiling joists after the access hole has been cut to install a new flight of stairs or provide an attic access. 
																	Often the access is in an out of the way place like a closet. 
																	If the room has no ceiling. 
																	Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	Use a straight edge knife to cut any drywall paper that. 
																	If you ve got to cut a hole in a drywall ceiling for a light fixture you could just let the dust and debris fall and clean it up later but there s a better. 
																	How to cut a hole in the ceiling for attic access 1. 
																	Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	I ve been nervous about cutting a hole but it is time. 
																	Using a stud finder mark your joists. 
																	I need to have attic access in my bonus room. 
																	Position a stepladder directly under the desired area for the attic access hole. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	Do not cut through a double beam in the attic since these are support beams for the entire house. 
																	For some unknown reason attic access doors in older homes are usually through a small scuttle hole cut in the ceiling. 
																	Cut 2 joist sized boards long enough to span two joists on each side of your chosen. 
																	Werner s easy access attic ladder 5 cut ceiling joists step 1 mark.