Attic pull-down ladders are often installed by homeowners to allow for easier access to the attic. While they can definitely be convenient, improper installation can often lead to a safety hazard. When attic ladders fail, a homeowner (and every so often a green inspector who fails to inspect the ladder first) can hit the floor with enough velocity to break bones, become trapped in the attic, or worse. Some of the defects observed by experienced inspectors include loose mounting bolts, missing or improper fasteners, cracked steps, ladder being cut too short or too long, or structural elements of the home have been cut while installation was being done, such as trusses. New home buyers should ensure that their attic pull-down ladders have been fully inspected before purchase.
