Loft extension but with no stairs - any point?

[WinkyWinkola]

We want to convert our loft.

A reputable architect has said that while the loft itself is roomy enough, the stairs will be really poky and detract from the house. The house is a Victorian semi with mostly generous proportions throughout.

So, we were wondering if we converted the loft into a decent room anyway as a work-from-home hideaway for DH. But instead of the cranky old step ladders we've got going up now, get some top notch, smooth gliding, easily handled ones that DH could pull up after himself. The room itself is large and would be so lovely if converted with a dorma.

What do you reckon? I'm going to talk to the architect about it but just wondered if anyone on here had a notion as to whether not having a staircase going up would be a major minus?

You will not be able o count it as a room when you sell the house as it will not meet building regs because of a lack of escape rout.

"Escape route in case of fire." that post should have read.

I am sure small stairs would be fine, even if they are pokey. Would they be hidden behind a door or exposed?

He's an architect so surely he can think of something that would work. What he's proposing sounds ridiculous to me. Have you thought about getting a second opinion?

Agree. Second opinion.

Why bother to convert the loft with a dorma and not have decent access.

Fire him.

If it's just for yourselves and you need the extra space then do it (dependent on cost) because you will never recoup your finances as Ladidadi says but if you are planning to sell in the near future then I really wouldn't bother.

In Victorian semis there are usually generous proportioned rooms/ landings where you could incorporate a staircase - even if it would be small and poky...

Do you have a small room below you can use to fit proper stairs and then make a really nice room upstairs and use the rest of the small downstairs room or landing as a study?

We have two loft rooms like this, and yeah, they don't count as rooms, but we have decent ladders on them (which don't retract), and they get used as bedrooms. Yeah, I know, fire regs. And no, they're not rooms when we sell the house, they're 'finished storage space' or some such.

Buildings Regs won't pass it as a habitable room. You need specific fire retardant boarding, a window a certain % minimum size relative to floor space, proper stairs, linked smoke alarms and door closers on lower floors for starters. You may well need planning permission/buildings regs for a dormer which could open up the can of worms with the access. You could use to as a bonus room/storage but if you are going to splash out anyway may as well employ an architect who will make the stairs work too otherwise it won't seem a bonus when you come to sell. If any of your neighbours have done similarly ask them who designed it and could you take a look.

I think you're right. We need a second opinion.

We could convert ⅓ of a bedroom below the loft into a stair space and use the other ⅔s to create a new family bathroom. The old family bathroom could be made into a bedroom.

Our current architect obviously has no vision! Thank you for comments.

The funny numbers should read one third and 2 thirds!

By the way, anyone used these chaps? They look pretty slick.

Architect Your Home

Def get 2nd opinion. We had a loft done with very little stairs space in our cottage a few years ago. The architect/builder used 'spacemaker stairs' and all passed building regs etc. Was def worth doing for us.

I think those space making stairs may also be referred to as 'paddle' stairs. Thats a bit like what they look like.

Would a metal spiral staircase be an option (minimal space required)?

we are going down the storage room route, it is 10k cheaper and means that we don't make our 3rd bedroom smaller to put in a return staircase. We can't afford to move but can afford to do this and will give us the extra space we need. Can't see us moving for at least 20 years so doesn't matter that it won't add value IYSWIM.

Theres lots of different examples of stairs on here :

www.stairsolutions.co.uk/prod_spacesaver.htm

Get another architect - this one sounds severely limited in his thinking.

we are in a 1930's terrace which IMO are more limited in space than victorian. we can still fit a reg staircase without losing any bit of third bedroom.
I'd ask for second opinion.

Ours is a very small open plan 1965 3 bed terrace there is no way to put on a return staircase, nor is there really enough head height in the loft to make it worth 10k more. I want to put in a straight staircase between the 2 double bedrooms whigh is currently the empty airing cupboard and chimney!!!! Plus as an ex-council house there is no way they'd let us put on a dormer. I'm happy with my plans I just want a few more quotes....trying to get anyone to give one....grrrrrr........

I cannot believe there is no way round this? We have a victorian semi. The staircase starts on the landing (right above the bottom step of the ground to first floor stairs) and after 3 steps turns, then turns again so it is now going back on itself, and goes into the loft. We had to cut a small corner off the doorframe to our bedroom as the stairs went across it, but it does not impede at all. (it really is a small corner, we do not have to duck to get into our bedroom)
I have to say, we did not use a firm of architects but a joiner, who specialises in making stairs. He planned our stairs to get the best fit and than made it in his garage

Get some more options, from other architects, because I am sure there must be a way.
Another popular solution is to remove the airing cupboard (if on the landing) and use that space to start the stairs.

We got rid of our tiny tiny bathroom and turned the back bedroom into a buge bathroom. Used the old bathroom for stairs up to the loft bedroom/bathroom.
Meant we didn't add a bedroom, but got a large family bathroom, and an extra double bedroom and an en-suite.
And looks fab.