Inspected a new home a few days ago and the Inside dimensions of the opening is only 19 inches by 26.5 inches . I called it out as being too small as the accepted standard is to be 22X30, however the contractor is arguing that the way the code reads is " The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches …" now he is trying to say it is fine as at “Rough Framing” it met the minimum opening size…Not sure how he justifies being able to close it down 3 inches in each direction… Any thoughts? And yes, The Furnace and air handler is in the attic. which is very common here. The biggest concern is being able to change out components of the mechanical.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
The vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other location with ready access. Where located in a wall, the opening shall be not less than 22 inches wide by 30 inches high (559 mm wide by 762 mm high). Where the access is located in a ceiling, minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. See Section M1305.1.3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
Edit: ^ this is Florida Building Code Residential, derived from IRC.
Well if you go by the text of R807.1 then the builder is right
But if you have mechanical equipment in the attic then M1305.1.2 would apply
Attics containing appliances shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) long measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
Larry, he’s playing the gotcha game. Technically he is right, common sense no imo. But if an HVAC unit is in the attic ,volley the serve back to him with:
Attics containing appliances shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) long measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
Exceptions:
1.The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance can be serviced and removed through the required opening.
2.Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall be not more than 50 feet (15 250 mm) long.
Evening, Larry. Hope to find you well.
Another GC’s opinion…Oh well.
You have an image further back?
Lots of thoughts. His assumption, the GC, is wood roughed framing without the drywall…Lol? The drywall dimensions atop the rough wood framing for the attic hatch doesn’t count? Lol..
Attic Hatch and opening Fire rating comes to mind.
“If the attic access is part of a fire-rated wall or ceiling, the hatch itself needs to have a corresponding fire-resistance rating.”
Awaiting for an image.
1: The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches …"
As per the International Residential Code (IRC), must be at least 22 inches by 30 inches. This opening should be located in a hallway or other readily accessible area, ensuring adequate access to the attic. Additionally, there must be at least 30 inches of unobstructed headroom in the attic space, measured vertically from the bottom of the ceiling framing members at some point above the access opening,
In our area they (local code boys) do allow the accesses in the garages. I do normally put in a statement alerting them to “code of the civilized world” about accesses in garages.
this home actually started of with an access in the laundry room but wound up the HVAC was installed directly over it so they had to move it to the garage. (the insulation guys neglected to insulate the original opening..and half of the laundry room so called that out also)
