Owners of big, old houses often have storage attics. Most of us are not so lucky. There is a small access way in a closet someplace and that is it. If you actually need to get into the attic, you try to drag in a ladder from someplace and it never fits.

The R. D. Werner Co., (888) 523-3371, www.wernerladder .com, has felt your pain and has just come out with a remarkably easy-to-install Easy Access Attic Ladder. Even better, Leno Corrade of National Ladder & Scaffold in Madison Heights (800) 535-5944, www.nationalladder.com, says his company has the 8-foot and the 10-foot styles in stock.

Here's all you do.

Making it happen

Tools: Hammer, chisel, drywall saw, portable drill, screwdrivers and ladder

Materials: 2-by-6 inch lumber, 4-inch and 5-inch nails, Werner S2208 or S2210 Easy Access Attic Ladder kit.

1. If you already have a convenient access opening, disregard this step. If you want the ladder someplace else, just punch a hole in the ceiling in about the middle of where you want the ladder to be.

2. Expand the hole until you find a joist.

3. Lay out the ladder 22 1/4 -inch by 54-inch hole, parallel or perpendicular to the joist. Cut out the ceiling. Do not cut through any joists at this time.

4. Choose the joist or joists you will need to cut.

5. Install 2-by-6 inch joist support boards.

6. Cut and install two, 2-by-6 inch headers at top and bottom and 2-by-6 inch stringer at side

7. Lift frame into the opening. Install four hangers onto frame and lower it into opening making sure hangers fit over the joists.

8. Attach ladder to frame. You will find detailed instructions for this step in the installation manual.

9. Insert telescoping feet to the ladder.

10. Adjust height of the ladder.

11. Attach steps.

12. You're done. Enjoy the extra storage space.