Tag: stairs

Loft Conversion

The different types of stairs you can have in a loft conversion 

23rd September 20220

When it comes to loft conversions, some homeowners might be put off the idea because they don’t think they have enough upstairs. But there are some great alternatives to put the stairs in the right place to save some space. If you want to know some of the options and ideas to work with, then keep on reading the article. 

The regulations of stairs –  

Before we get into the types of stairs, here are some of the regulations you need to know before you start your design.  

  • There needs to be 2m of clear headroom over the stairs, although the regulations allow this to reduce to 1.8m at the lowest point if the stairs are under a sloping roof. 
  • The angle of your stairs should not be more than 42 degrees.  
  • The riser of each stair should be a minimum of 150mm and maximum of 220mm in height.  
  • The top of the stairs needs to be positioned at the highest part of the loft.  
  • You must include a handrail. 

Here are the different types of stairs –  

Spiral Stairs – 

Firstly, if you have tight space in the home, then spiral loft conversion stairs can be a great option to accommodate a small area in the loft. The staircase also looks great and can save some space. They cost less compared to other solutions.  

Stairs over stairs –  

An excellent idea for loft conversion stairs are to put them above the original stairs. It is an good idea because it usually is the most effective place for the stairs and most efficient. 

Paddle stairs – 

If you have very limited space paddle stair may be the best option for you. Although this type of staircase can only be used to serve a single room and an ensuite. This is to limit the amount of traffic that the stairs would have.  

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Architecture & Building, Loft Conversion

The ultimate guide to loft conversion stairs

6th January 20220

Loft conversion stairs are tricky to get right, and they can make or break your project. Here’s what you need to know about ensuring that the stairs comply with regulations.  

Where should the stairs be located?  

The most ideal situation would be that you place the new stairs above the existing stairs for the most space-efficient solution. By doing that, it helps the new stairs feel like they were part of the original home.  

Make sure you have enough head height for your stairs –  

Making sure that there is enough head height is probably the most important thing because it may be impossible to get permission to build. This is why it is important to get a good architect and make sure that problems on the drawings are spotted early. If you don’t realise this mistake it can lead to major problems and an angry homeowner.  

To follow building regulation rules, you must have a minimum 2m head height to get permission for this type of project. This is to follow the health and safety rules of the building regs. You need to make sure that there is no room for risk of falling and injury.  

What to do if you don’t have enough head height?  

Finding a new place to put a staircase can be very tricky. It may be necessary to locate the stairs to a more central location under the roof’s highest point. However, you may have issues with this because there might be a bedroom or a landing in the way.  

Experienced architects will know some type of solution to not having enough headroom. You can create extra headroom by:  

  • Extending the roof with a dormer window  
  • Installing a roof window that adds extra head room 
  • You can also change the roof shape although it is a process 

Regulations for a loft conversion staircase –  

To be able to create a loft conversion you must comply with building regulations. The regulations for a loft staircase are:  

  • The staircase must be in place to provide safe access to and from the loft.  
  • The minimum head room height is 1.9m  
  • Hand rails must be provided  
  • Must have a maximum steepness pitch of 42 degrees 
  • All risers must be equal  

How much will it cost to put stairs in the loft?  

The total average price for a loft staircase is around £2,000 – £9000. However, if you would like custom-built stairs, you’ll be looking at around £5,000 – £10,000.  

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Architecture & Building

The Beginners Guide to Knowing About Staircase

17th November 20210

If you’ve decided to take the risk and move the staircase in your home, you might be feeling a little anxious about the project. Moving your stairs can be a big job and expensive job depending on if you want new stairs and where you want them. 

How Much Does Moving Your Staircase Cost? 

The average cost for moving stairs is around £3,000. Why? This cost will cover removing the old stairs, replacing the new stairs and the labourer costs. After all of this you will most likely need to replace your flooring materials around the area which could add to the costs.  

How Hard Is It to Move a Staircase? 

Moving a staircase is best to be left the professionals as it’s a complicated process. Not only would you have to seal the gaping hole left in the floor you would also have to cut one into the floor for a new space for the stairs. This also means adding new floor joists and flooring materials. 

Do You Need Planning Permission to Move Stairs? 

There isn’t one chance that you wouldn’t need a permit that involves changing the location of a staircase. Moving around stairs without doing your due diligence is highly dangerous. Why? When you move or remove the stairs there will be an open hole that will need to be framed in which requires adding structural members to the open space, such as sistering floor joists. Moving stairs usually involves replaces the flooring. 

How Long Does It Take to Move Stairs? 

It is difficult to estimate the exact time it would take to move stairs but will likely take 3-4 days. A complex design could take a while depending on the complexity of your design, you may need an architect to draw up the design which could make the process longer. The actual removal of your old stairs will most likely be the longest part, depending on where your stairs are located. 

Can You Move Basement Staircase? 

You need to remember that the framing in the basement holds up your entire home, so when you decide to remove a wall or cut into your main floor joists you need to make sure they have been supported correctly. If you do not support these properly this cause huge damage to your property. No, your house wont collapse but it could shift your main beam or crack the drywall in your home 

Types Of Staircases 

  • Straight – The most common type of stairs, straight stairs are very popular and affordable. 
  • Quarter turn – Quarter turn stairs are usually more visually appealing. 
  • Half turn – With a landing or resting space half way. 
  • Winding – Winding staircases take up less space and can be used throughout several floors 
  • Spiral – Usually constructed with metal, spiral stairs fit perfectly in complex designs. 

Different Materials Used for Staircases  

  • Softwood – Often used for straight staircases, softwood is cheaper and easier to work with. 
  • Hardwood – Pricier than softwood but a lot stronger. 
  • Metal – Strong and durable. It is mostly used for spiral staircases but are very noisy. 
  • Glass – quite expensive but gives off a really nice modern finish. 

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