This is really a loaded question, but it is an interesting one nonetheless. For starters, it depends a lot on how good you are at DIY. The information that comes with many ‘off the shelf’ loft ladders will have you believe that they are easy to install. But this does depend on having a certain degree of knowledge about DIY. If you are a self confessed beginner at this, then installing a new loft ladder probably isn’t the best job to start with.
But if you are reasonably confident then you could attempt it. You should make sure you read all the instructions carefully before you begin though. If you don’t understand them in any way then you should think twice about doing it.
In many cases you won’t be able to install a loft ladder on your own anyway. This job quite often requires someone to be up inside the loft while the second person is down on the landing. Obviously you cannot take up both positions, so you might be able to find someone who is better at DIY than you are, so you can handle the job together.
The key thing to remember about loft ladders is that once they are in position they will be required to take your weight. This is why it is an important job to get right. There is no room for error here – if you make a mistake when installing it you could find out about it when you are halfway up the ladder and it gives way underneath you. Needless to say this isn’t the kind of position you want to find yourself in.
Some loft ladders are easier to install than others though. It all depends on the make and model you decide to get. If you are thinking about putting one in yourself with someone else’s help, read up all the literature you can find on the ladder before you buy it. This can help you make the right decision and buy the ladder that is going to be easy enough for you to fix into place.
Alternatively some companies provide both the ladder and the manpower to do the whole job for you. You will of course pay more for the service but it is sometimes easier to do it this way. The peace of mind you will get in return is more than worth the additional cost.