Is it a good idea to perform your unused attic space for storage adding attic flooring, shelving and attic ladder here in Florida?
The attic idea to de-clutter your messy garage, rooms, closets, etc. seems like an excellent idea to create extra space storage in the attic room. Let’s dive at the mains points to consider if it is a good idea before going forward with this additional storage solution.
Overstuffed room 
Clunky room
Ceiling construction.
Most of the residential building today are built with a pre-engineered truss system that is not designed to support much more than their weight plus the fire rated drywall ceiling unless they are specifically designated for attic storage loads.
I’d recommend asking first to a truss manufacturer or a professional to help you with your truss system can support storage loads. They could guide how to reinforcement it if they were designed not for storage before start with attic flooring installation and attic shelving.
2017 – Florida Building Code – Residential, Sixth Edition
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/FRC2017/chapter-8-roof-ceiling-construction
CHAPTER 8 ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION – First Printing: Jul 2017
R804.3.1 Ceiling Joists
CEILING JOIST SPANS 10 PSF LIVE LOAD (NO ATTIC STORAGE)
CEILING JOIST SPANS 20 PSF LIVE LOAD (LIMITED ATTIC STORAGE)
Where the attic is to be used as an occupied space, the ceiling joists shall be designed by Section R505.
Retractable attic stairs aka Attic Ladder
Before adding an attic stair in the garage attic, check if exist a fire rated wall separating the house attic from the garage attic because it can be a violation of fire code or make sure that your attic ladder is fire rated.
I’d recommend asking for the local home inspector about attic ladder in the garage, fire codes, load bearing of the truss system, permits, and other information to create a feasible plan to go forward.
Safety
The attic room is an uncomfortable place to get stuff in and out and is not recommended going up alone for safety reasons. It is common sense to take two persons to get things up and down to avoid dangerous situations.
At the end maybe prepare your garage to have an A/C could be a good idea as well unless you are going to improve your attic room with a ventilation system and get it roomy to organize your overstuffed home. Or much more accessible, go to a rented storage unit.
References for FAQ about attic storage:
What are the mistakes to avoid when making attic improvements?
https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2018/6/what-are-the-mistakes-to-avoid-when-doing-attic-improvements.html
What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic?
https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2018/10/what-are-the-hazards-to-avoid-when-going-into-an-attic.html
If you have questions on how can I help you on your demand, please, let me know your best schedule to make an appointment to take off your doubts or text me with your name, and the question, that I will contact you ASAP. I want to assist you in the best way is possible. If it is something that not fit me, I will tell you what kind of professional will be required to do the job.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Would love your thoughts, please comment.
HANDY TASKS SOLUTIONS