A Complete Guide To A Successful Design Loft Conversion Stairs What good is a loft conversion without stairs? And what good are the stairs if they’re not functional or don’t meet the building regulations? It’s about more than just practicality. The fact is that poorly design loft stairs can (and often do) fail building inspections. And altering dodgy staircases can be costly.
Despite common opinion, there are several ways to design and position the stairs for your loft conversion. And ensuring that they look good, and function well, is super important. At Combit Construction, specialist loft conversion company in North London, we understand what it takes to design stairs that tick all the boxes. That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together this guide to ensure that your staircase is right, first time round:
1. Involve the Experts Planning and constructing a staircase is not a chore for the inexperienced. That is why we advise you to enlist the help of specialists right away. An architect can assist you in designing and positioning your stairs so that both form and function are maximised. They're also familiar with the building rules that apply to your property, so they can plan accordingly.
When it comes to loft ideas for your home, your builder or remodelling team is another important source of advice and knowledge. Discuss any issues you have concerning your loft conversion and access with them.
2. Where Should the Stairs be Positioned? The placement of the stairs is vital to the overall efficiency of your new loft conversion. If it's possible to build the new staircase right above an existing set of stairs, it might be the best option it's not just convenient, but it also saves space. It's not the end of the world if you can't place the new staircase immediately atop an existing one. Consider different placement choices for your new loft stairs, keeping in mind that the new staircase will take up a significant portion of the space below. It's a matter of figuring out what will work best for your property when it comes to deciding where the staircase leaves the lower floor and arrives on the upper floor.
3. Allow Enough Headroom Building regulations require a minimum of 2m of headroom throughout the whole length of a staircase in most cases. Because stairwells are linked to a higher risk of falling and other injuries, your building inspector is likely to be picky about how they're built. When it comes to loft stairs, however, the standards understand that slanted ceilings are frequently required, thus the minimum criteria may be significantly less stringent. Consult your loft conversion builder to determine what will be needed for your project.
4. How Can I Make More Headroom? Sometimes it can be tricky to position a staircase where it maximizes space efficiency as well as headroom. We understand the challenges associated with positioning staircases - all too often, the ultimate position upstairs results in the staircase landing in the middle of a bedroom or kitchen downstairs! To ensure that you have enough headroom you may need to consider creating extra space for the staircase by installing a dormer window upstairs or positioning the stairs directly under the highest part of the roof, which is the gable. Any alterations to the roof structure which may be needed to accommodate the staircase must be factored into your project in the design stage.
5. Staircase Designs for Homes There are a lot of loft stair ideas out there, but they usually look best if they're created to complement the house's main stairwell. This is especially crucial if the new staircase is built immediately on top of the old one.
Is there not enough room for a single flight of stairs? L-turns, which are made using tapering steps or landings, are frequently utilised to get around problematic barriers or to save vertical space. Spiral stairs are a fantastic method to save space while still adding a subtle touch of elegance (pardon the pun)! When space is limited, fixed ladders are another option. It's crucial to keep in mind that retractable ladders aren't an option.
6. Turn Your Staircase into a Feature Ok, stairs are a necessary part of a loft conversion, but why not turn your staircase into a design feature? Staircases are a great way to add vertical drama - they’re constructed in double height spaces and offer great opportunities for creating something aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. If you’re prepared to spend an extra pound or two, it’s not hard to ensure that your staircase is something that is guaranteed to turn heads. •
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Colour is a great way to add character and elegance. Remember, your staircase is a high traffic area, so depending on the overall theme of your new loft conversion, you may wish to stick to a darker, more practical overall scheme. That being said, bright colours are making a comeback across the UK, so why not go all out and create something that will really impress?! Contrast creates drama, and by painting the stairs a lighter colour than the walls, you can turn your staircase into a beautiful, eye-catching feature. Stair runners are about more than practicality. They’re another great way to add colour and style up your new loft conversion. If railings are part of your new staircase, add extra charm by choosing trendy or decorative ones. There’s no shortage of ideas out there, from traditional decorative timber and
wrought iron to modern glass panels and wire balustrading… the only limit is your imagination!
7. Don’t Waste Under-Stair Space Most homeowners prioritise storage, so why not take advantage of the chance provided by a new staircase to add some more cupboards? The area beneath your stairwell can be transformed into a completely functioning storage room for children's toys, household belongings, or sports equipment. If your loft conversion and staircase are part of a larger remodelling project, you might think about converting the under-stair space into a laundry or bathroom room. There are some incredibly unique and beautiful ideas out there, so do your study and maximise every square inch! Igor and the team at Combit Construction, specialist loft conversion company in North London, can help you achieve the perfect loft conversion for your home. We understand what it takes to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, and our team is here to help you every step of your renovation journey. Good Luck!