Forgive me if this isn't the appropriate place to seek advice, but I was hoping to at least get some information before deciding if I need to hire a structural engineer. What I'd like to do is widen the access to my attic in order to install attic stairs. The joists are 16" apart and the opening is 24"x24". In order to fit a ladder designed to fit 22"x47", I'd need to cut 2 joists. Also, the house is stone with a slate roof. I've mocked up the joists and walls in SketchUp (see attached images). |