3 step ladders are okay if the attic access is in the house; poke your head through the scuttle, take a good look around, take a picture, & move on. However, they won't help you if the access in in the garage, about 10' off the ground. For those, I have to take out the telescoping ladder my wife got for me. It collapses to about 30", fits anywhere. Just make sure it's secured in the extended position, or it might collapse when you're about halfway up the ladder in a vacant house where no one will find your rotting corpse for days after your head gets crushed on the concrete floor and blood oozes from your eyes, ears, and nose until you die. Maybe I worry too much sometimes. Good luck with the ladder!