Attic: what a handyman does
Enhaus handles the attic jobs that do not need a roofer or electrician: installing rafter vents so insulation reaches the eaves without blocking soffit vents, adding batts on the attic floor, weatherstripping the hatch, and boarding a walkway. Roof leaks, flashing and wiring go to licensed independent contractors.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Install rafter vents (insulation baffles) between the rafters at the eaves
- Add batt insulation on open, accessible areas of the attic floor, out to the eaves
- Insulate and weatherstrip the attic hatch or pull-down stair cover
- Tighten, adjust and repair a pull-down attic ladder
- Lay plywood walkways across the joists so you can reach the hatch and equipment safely
- Seal small gaps around pipes and wires where they pass into the attic
- Reconnect a loose bath fan duct to its exhaust outlet
- Patch and paint the ceiling below once a roof or vent problem has been fixed
Signs it is time to call
- Insulation pushed against or covering the soffit vents at the eaves
- Insulation that is thin, matted or missing in patches
- A cold, drafty or poorly fitting attic hatch in winter
- Dark stains or damp spots on the roof deck, rafters or the ceiling below
- A pull-down ladder that wobbles, sticks or no longer closes tightly
What is not a handyman job
Roof leaks, shingles, flashing and roof vents need a licensed roofer. Illinois licenses roofing contractors through the IDFPR, and the state advises writing down the license number and verifying it before you sign. Wiring, junction boxes and fan or light circuits go to a licensed independent electrician. Mold covering more than about 10 square feet, or hidden mold, should go to a qualified professional. Large blown-in insulation jobs, new ventilation openings and framing changes go to an insulation or building contractor.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We look at the attic access and the area to be worked before we start, and agree on what will be done.
- We lay down protection where we need to cross finished floors and ceilings.
- We tidy up and show you the finished work.
Common questions
What is a rafter vent and why does it matter?
A rafter vent, also called an insulation baffle, is a channel stapled to the roof decking between rafters at the eaves. ENERGY STAR says it keeps soffit vents clear and gives outside air a path up to the gable or ridge vent, so insulation can run all the way to the edge of the attic floor.
Can you fix a roof leak I found in the attic?
No. Roof leaks and flashing go to a licensed roofer, and Illinois advises checking the roofer's license number with the IDFPR before you sign anything. Once the roof is repaired and dry, Enhaus can patch and paint the ceiling below and replace damaged trim.
Do you add insulation to the attic floor?
We can lay batts or blankets in open, reachable areas once rafter vents are in place. ENERGY STAR notes that blown insulation may need a block of rigid foam board at the outer edge of the top plate to keep it out of the soffit. Large blown-in jobs usually go to an insulation contractor.
Can you repair my attic pull-down stairs?
Usually. We tighten hinges and bolts, adjust the fit, weatherstrip the cover and replace worn hardware. If the frame or the ceiling joists around the opening are cracked or cut, that is structural and needs a contractor. A ladder that wobbles is worth fixing before anyone carries boxes up it.