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Original poster

Would this put you off buying a house?

104 replies

littlevet1 · 22/12/2016 15:36

Hello

We currently have two bedrooms and are are considering a loft conversion. We can create a reasonably sized (approx 3.5m2) third bedroom without creating a dormer window but only if we use an alternate tread staircase, like this:

www.stairplan.com/spacesaver.htm

The building control adviser has said that this staircase is acceptable. However both him and a couple of builders say that this staircase could put off potential purchasers, when we come to sell our property.

So my question is, would this be enough to put you off buying a house, if there was an alternate tread staircase going up into an extra bedroom in the loft? Obviously we have a normal staircase going from the ground floor to the first floor where the two original bedrooms and bathroom are.

Thanks for reading :)

OP posts:
LC01 · 22/12/2016 16:14

It would put me off too.

anyname123 · 22/12/2016 16:14

Crikey even just looking at it makes me anxious about broken ankles. Sorry, it would definitely put me off

FatherJemimaRacktool · 22/12/2016 16:16

We were quite interested in a house until we went round it and saw it had one of these. Bought somewhere else.

HowardMoonsJazzTrumpet · 22/12/2016 16:16

It would put me off. Too steep, too confusing in the event of fire.

PickAChew · 22/12/2016 16:17

I wouldn't be able to use that staircase, so yes, it would put me off.

Callmecordelia · 22/12/2016 16:17

It would put me off.

expatinscotland · 22/12/2016 16:19

I would still consider such a house a 2-bed with a loft space. No window, no proper stairs does not equal a bedroom.

ChristmasCwtches · 22/12/2016 16:19

It would really put me off, sorry.

Sidge · 22/12/2016 16:20

We had one of those leading up to our huge, converted loft bedroom. It wasn't a problem for any of us going up and down; the alternate tread was deep enough to stand on but then we do have small feet...

I'd be more keen on having a dormer window though; really adds to the feeling of light and space. Just having a velux window can make the room dark and more 'loft like' than bedroom like.

SundaeLieIn · 22/12/2016 16:22

I would definitely put me off.

periwinklepickspoppies · 22/12/2016 16:22

Yes, even aside from the issues for children and young people I'd be put off because of how awkward it would make getting anything up and down those stairs.

LizzyButton · 22/12/2016 16:23

Do you have to walk backwards coming down?

TheWoodlander · 22/12/2016 16:24

We were put off a house with one of these when we had small children. I would avoid if at all possible - they don't really look v nice either.

Italiangreyhound · 22/12/2016 16:25

If you are selling it as a three bed, I would expect anyone to be able to access the third bedroom.

MidnightDexy · 22/12/2016 16:25

I would not buy a house with this - even with B Reg approval I would not see it as anything other than a 2 bed house with a loft space. I am reasonably fit and healthy but imagine trying to carry an armful of clean laundry up there, or a cup of tea?! And not to mention when I am p**sed and have to crawl up our normal stairs to bed. No way.

I am laughing at the "mountain goats" comment upthread.

BellaShLex · 22/12/2016 16:26

I have them in my house leading up to the loft bedroom, there's never been any issue and they look beautiful. Mine are white. I can't see any problem with them.

tiggytape · 22/12/2016 16:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NotMeNoNo · 22/12/2016 16:38

My parents have one. It's quite safe and within building regs, but you do have to get used to it. I think it's OK for a loft conversion to only one room.

Irritatedmama · 22/12/2016 16:45

We saw a place that had steps like that up to the loft room. I found it scary going up and down and wouldn't have fancied kids or my elderly MIL having to use them.

BasinHaircut · 22/12/2016 16:47

It would really depend on the rest of the house for me. I could probably live with the stairs but the lack of dormer would put me off more. You remember a friend having a bedroom like that (with the same stairs) as a teen and it always made me feel claustrophobic being up there. The stairs do take some getting used to but are ok when they are a necessity.

In my area it wouldn't matter at all, houses are being snapped up very quickly at the moment. If I were you I'd be thinking about the value that the whole lot would add to the house vs the cost and seeing if it was worth it. You will still be able to sell the house, just not for as much as a loft conversion with proper stairs and a former window. If you are hoping to achieve the same price of a 'better' conversion then you need to actually do it.

BasinHaircut · 22/12/2016 16:48

To many spelling mistakes to correct in that post!

dinkystinky · 22/12/2016 16:48

Yes. They are lethal with small kids or if you're carrying stuff. Our house had one for the cheap loft extension and I hated it and wouldn't use the loft room at all as a result so would totally put me off I'm afraid.

SukeyTakeItOffAgain · 22/12/2016 16:52

I think they look fine and they wouldn't put me off.

FunSponge82 · 22/12/2016 16:53

I went to see a house recently that had a staircase like this and they really are awful. They're so bloody steep they're an accident waiting to happen imo.
Im not a big fan of spiral staircases but a spiral would win hands down over these space saving ones.
You can't have anything in your hands as you go up and down them as you've got to hold on for dear life!

Sorry OP, I'm sure it's not what you wanted to hear Flowers

SixtyDegreesNorth · 22/12/2016 16:54

I have stairs like this into my office. I thought it was illegal to call and room with this type of access a bedroom.

I am quite happy to use my stairs, but would not want to do them at night or if unwell, drunk etc.

I would see the house as 2 bed only still. So yes, it would put me off.