![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0_SSR9Fs8JUm9cxb9Idrh12DaHe2jZZL6GaUsqn4MWrLGqD945Fh8nL6Eril_m9vBzMum2MzgBfHn2dNnx81f9Ig1iPNWlk_fsIapl6fEX_rzrYaqLCWdHqwt_HjxXIYViVqLxPhTMcv/s320/Image312.jpg)
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Before fitting the new hatch, the old one needed to be removed. Additionally the ceiling at the top of the stairs was false, taking nearly 75mm of headroom away, and the old light fitting needed to be disconnected and removed.
Pics to the left show the 'before' state - the second is the point where the false ceiling stops, the original ceiling above is painted turquoise..!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iru3Q6XjWXYISmkqVHOw1pEUlcJfkQeDsMh71hkUermVd3ZM1Rwc1tnvMgDi0b8yBsEVSdKyZPUbVto2zkdcJLYHO28NzbEqj4gAtiiwMl5sUFfxszcPydaho2NLBWLmIMrPiT1B45Wx/s320/Image315.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUl0r0f-HusonT_T4A1mbrPxX0DDNceivGCoccLj_Hi3ntE3vyiHKAPU4_AQcSte3tWrI4gDk5Sj74xqKR_p9WdDJxF2w09XhcRx_bEUCUvJ6UNwwWMqe-FpBkau2UFd45W9kl4e5sk0s/s320/Image317.jpg)
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At the same time I started cutting the original plasterboard in the position I wanted the new hatch. Irritatingly it's neither the same size, or in the same place as the hole I have already. You can see the joists which will need trimming.
Cutting the joist was quite simple and easy, given their structural nature, I spent more time finessing the position of the new noggins (hammer-time!)
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I had to stop for the day at that point, as I'd not got drywall screws long enough to go through 2 layers of plaster.
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material, however it it saves having to go out and fetch more plasterboard then it's good enough. I also went about wiring in the new lights, which were recessed spots out of respect for the fact that the centre of the ceiling now has a door in it. They pick up off a junction box in the loft which was connected to the old ceiling rose. There's an additional spur from the JB to another spot position over the top of the stairs.
I could now go about finishing off the loft floor, which I managed most of (bar 4 panels) by the end of the day.
There's more plasterboard to go on the ceiling above the stairs, and then we can think about plastering and final finishes in that area.