Bob,

You have "altered" the opening because you no longer have an "opening", you have a "permanent ladder", which will also require other things, such as protecting all the NM cable, etc., in the attic to a height of 7 feet.

With just an "opening" you only need to protect the NM cable within 6 feet of the "opening".

I agree that replacing an old, beat up, piece of plywood or gypsum board which is 2x2 with a new piece, or replacing the old trim, would not be "altering" "the" "opening", however, installing a "permanent ladder" would.

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Jerry Peck, Construction / Litigation Consultant
Construction Litigation Consultants, LLC ( www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com )