attic remodel

[fixitwife]

my husband is remodeling our attic to be a bedroom for our son. We have a regular staircase going up to the attic, however, there is no barrier around the stairwell up in the attic. My husband has no remodeling experience and is okay doing the drywall, etc. But this stairwell issue is a stumper. Any suggestion of a book to get with instructions on how to do this??? Thanks for any help.

[Don_P]

Structure first, drywall later. This will give the basic requirements.
http://www.stairways.org/codes_standards.htm
Also check that the floor joists of the attic are sufficient for the conversion and that adequate headroom and egress windows exist. You should have someone look at this first, and probably do the necessary framing, wiring, etc, then turn the fit and finish back over to you.