Perished ceiling Re-generate an old or tired space and give it a fresh breath of life. Click here for answers, information and tips

[BJaneA]

This isn't DIY but please help, someone!

We were scheduled to have a new, bigger loft entrance with loft ladders installed and the roofspace boarded out. The joiner made lots of noises about what had been done when a new roof was put on 15 years ago, then, after cutting through some joists he made a phone call and said he couldn't proceed as the 'lats are slipping and sliding' and that the ceiling is perished. He said that the joists were fine but nothing could be put up there as the ceiling wouldn't hold and he didn't know how long it would last.

What do I do now? Does it mean a new ceiling and should I get a builder or a plasterer to see it? There are fitted cupboards and bookshelves up to the ceiling - will this be a problem?

[toptips]

sounds like he has cut throught the lathes with a hand saw,doing this is going to cause movement amongst them,you should use a jigsaw and cut the joists last,this way limits the damage.
get another opinion as it doesnt sound all that bad.