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Posted by MiamiCuse on June 24, 2007, 11:06 am
>
>> MiamiCuse wrote:
>>> I have noticed that older houses typically have smaller access holes.
>>> My 1992 house the access to the attic opening is about 26"x26", and
>>> my 1972 house have five access holes to the attic and each one is
>>> only about 16"x16". This is too small for many people to get through
>>> - electricians, pest control etc...
>>>
>>> Does this mean in general the population is getting bigger over the
>>> years?
>>> MC
>>
>> It means the framing is different and the newer construction is likely
>> using engineered framing and it has different spacing.
>>
> Shrug. Usually means the builder was cheap, or the designer never actually
> swung a hammer, and was trying to shave pennies to hit a price point. One
> summer as a kid, I worked for a builder throwing up low-end cookie
> cutters. These places had a roof overhang in front, and 3 feet down the
> sides, but then cut back to no overhang. All to save a few bucks on the
> roof system. As to attic access holes- these places had 16x20, in a small
> closet above the shelf. This 1960 cookie cutter I am in is pretty good for
> access- 24x24, in the hall at attic centerline. My other house, we put in
> a pull-down stair, headered off properly.
>
> I'd hate to have me for a customer- I grew up in the business, with a good
> designer for a father. Sadly, I didn't inherit his talent, but it was a
> good education in what is and isn't good design and workmanship.
>
> aem sends....
>
It is the framing, the joists are 16" apart so the hole is 16". However I
don't think this is cost related. This one is a custom built house and I do
not see anywhere choices being made there were directly cost related. Even
the access itself it was using a standard cover - metal with hindges, you
loosen a butterfly screw, the cover swings down and hang by it's hinges, and
you get in. These seem like standard access plates that are 16x16. May be
it was an after thought someone forgot to put them in and had to put in
after the fact.
MC
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