The Family Handyman – September 2019

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM SEPTEMBER 2019 33

Figure A

Attic Lift

Powering the lift

Check to see whether there’s already an outlet close enough for

the power cord to reach. If there isn’t one, the best way to add one

is by connecting the new outlet to an existing attic light. This way

the VersaLift has power only when the garage light is on, and it can

be turned off without a special trip to the attic. For help with that

project, search for “wire an outlet” at familyhandyman.com.

46-1/2"

Headers

Outlet

controlled by

light switch

Storage trusses

have plenty

of headroom

Attic floor

decked with

plywood

If the

light is

on, the

lift has

power

(^22) - (^1) / 2
"
57"
Floor-to-
floor
distance
48"
clearance
BEFORE
YOU BUY
ASSESS THE CEILING
STRUCTURE: Standard trusses or
framing may not handle the weight of
a loaded lift or all the items you want
to store. Attic or storage trusses, on the
other hand, are designed to support
extra weight. If your garage attic has a
floor (plywood or OSB) and enough space
for you to stand up, chances are you have
trusses suitable for an attic lift.
If you’re not certain whether your attic can
bear the load, it’s best to consult a
structural engineer.
SHOP ONLINE: Attic lifts aren’t
sold in any brick-and-mortar
stores we’re aware of, but
several brands are
available online:
VersaLift, Auxx-
Lift and Aladdin
storage lifts were
the options we
found. Prices ranged
from $900 to $3,500.
We chose a top-of-the-line
VersaLift model, which cost $2,600.
SPACE REQUIREMENTS: There are
several models of the VersaLift; we
used the 24-in. model with wireless
remote, which needs an opening of
22-1/2 in. between joists, 46-1/2
in. along them and 4 ft. of
vertical clearance. You also
need to know the
distance from the
garage floor to
the attic floor
because the
models come with
different lengths of cable.
HEED THE WARNINGS: Read and
follow the safety precautions for using
the lift. The instructions also caution
against turning on the lift before you
connect the cables to the platform.
Doing so will cause a big headache
and add many extra steps.
TE
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CA
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RT
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ER
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RO
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CT
S^ G
RO
UP