A very important element of a loft conversion that is often overlooked is the staircase. For both aesthetic and practical reasons, access to a staircase must be designed by a professional.
The construction of a loft staircase must pass a series of building and permit regulations and planning every measurement is essential. For example, the stairs can be an obstacle if the roof height is too short or if the landing is not wide enough.
Types of Loft Conversion Stairs
A typical design solution is a linear traditional staircase which has a lot of benefits. While it can take up room on the second floor, a traditional staircase sacrifices very little space in the new loft. They are safe, practical, and affordable. Another design up for consideration is a spiral staircase. This style looks architecturally pleasing, but can create several issues. First off, moving furniture up a spiral conversion staircase is near impossible if a homeowner has large sofas or beds. They are also generally more expensive to build than traditional staircases.
Loft Conversion Staircase Requirements
Installing a traditional staircase is clear-cut when done by a professional; however, building requirements must be followed. There should be a clearance of 1.8-2m of headroom, and a minimum width of 600-800mm. A landing at both the bottom and top of the stairs is crucial. The maximum rise of the conversion stairs should be 220m with a 42° pitch. Safety regulations mandate that staircases are enclosed by a door, wall or partition in case of a home fire. Enclosing the stairs will dramatically stop the spread of fire and potential save a homeowner’s life.
What Type of Costs Are Involved?
When planning a loft conversion, it is crucial to get an accurate budget for the job. Deciding between a traditional and spiral staircase can affect the overall cost of the loft conversion. A spiral staircase is a custom option that requires a specialist to tailor a design that fits each individual home. On a side note, it is important to guarantee that delivery of the conversion stairs, as well as installation is timed properly or it can result in large delays in the conversion.
Need a Quote?
Feeling weighed down by the process of designing a “Do It Yourself” loft conversion? Since this is not an easy DIY project, we are able to provide up to five loft conversion specialists who can give in-home estimates and job plan ideas. This is a free, no hassle service for any homeowner interested in converting their loft. Also, home owners can get answers to planning questions, get new construction advice, and have professional loft design options. Most importantly, homeowners will have the opportunity to create 30% more space added to their home.
Once a trusted professional is selected, homeowners will be able to remain living at their home throughout the renovation. A clean, safe, and organised work environment will make the conversion transfer run smoothly for all parties involved.
