Attic storage: pull-down stair at central location, 100+ sqft of decked area, lighting + outlet at landing
ROT/EXT-ATTIC-STORAGE-PULLDOWNDescription
Even unconditioned attic is valuable storage. Design for it: a pull-down stair (22 × 54 in opening typical) in a central hallway, with a path of finished floor decking (¾ in plywood over the joists) at least 100 sqft. A switched light at the top landing + a duplex outlet for plugging in vacuum cleaners, holiday lights, etc. Attic floor structurally rated for the storage load (R301.5 allows 20 psf with the 30+ in clearance + ladder).
Why this exists
Homeowners use the attic for seasonal storage regardless of whether the design supports it. Doing the lights + decking during construction adds maybe $500 and dramatically improves usefulness; retrofitting is much harder.
Categories
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Dining room sizing · DINING-ROOM-SIZE
- Mudroom sizing · MUDROOM-SIZE
- Half bath near public zones · HALF-BATH-NEAR-PUBLIC
- Avoid plumbing on exterior walls in cold climates · PLUMBING-AGAINST-EXTERIOR-WALLS
- Stairs not from bedrooms · STAIRS-NOT-FROM-BEDROOM
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.