Install New Attic Access Ladder Perpendicular to Joists
Yeah, You do not want to do as shown in the picture. Install the attic ladder/stairs in a way that it is parallel to the joists.
These units are often made so that they just fit between joists that are 24&quot; on center. If your joists are such then this is great. If not they you have cut out one joist and frame in headers at each end of the opening to support the cut off joist at each end.
If the attic is under a peaked roof structure you want to place the attic/stair assembly such that the upper end of the attic ladder/stair is under the highest part of the peak. This may very well mean that the end of the lowered ladder assembly extends out toward the outside wall of the house on the eve side of the roof.