Hey Gang-
Am looking at moving into a different house and the only problem with it I can see is the stairs. They start at the center of the house and go up to the 2nd floor under the ridge. This means a 180 degree turn to go back towards the house. That then means tipping your head due to the rafters. It would be sooo much better to turn them 180 degrees and come up under the ridge.
So my question is how hard would this be. I realize this means also changing the basement as well, and probably first. But the ‘well’ is already there and theres no plumbing/electrical problems. It SEEMS to be easy, and thats when the alarm starts going off. What could I be missing…
Replies
Is it just me? I'm totally confused by the wording of your question. Just what is the question again? How about some supporting photos or drawings?
Huck-
I want to remove the old stair and build a new one going the other way.
OK, so there's currently a landing at the midpoint, where it changes direction 180 degrees? But you want a straight run, starting out in the opposite direction? And why would you have to change the basement? Maybe I need to come back to this after a good night's sleep. Sorry.
At first I pictured a landing with a 180-degree turn, but I'm thinking if the stairwell is supposed to stay the same, maybe this is what he means:
Edited 1/5/2006 12:24 am ET by WNYguy
That seems pretty straightforward. Just needs to verify structural issues, only elec. issue might be light switch location changing.
Yes Yes Yes- Just change the ridge to be parallel to the ridge. Its funny how knowing what it looks like and how I explain it match, but how others have come up with completely different ideas.
I don't have a landing. I just want to change to the opposite direction.
A picture of the problem staircase would tell us how hard it would be for us to rebuild the staircase. How hard it would be for you depends on your knowledge base - are you a carpenter? If yes, then it's just a matter of demoing the old stairs and building a new set. Unless you've got electrical or plumbing - then you've got to move them.
Unless it contains structural elements that tie into the house away from the staircase (beams, etc) Staircases I've built in houses are standalone items - there's usually some electrical wire in the walls below the staircase but other than moving the wire, it's just wood and drywall and carpet and finish trim.
How about a pic?
View Image
Do you mean turn them 90 degrees?
No, 180.
Sounds good to me
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For one, if the stairwell is open there will be some floor framing/ support issues to contend with.
If there are supporting walls on both sides of the stairs (closed stairwell) reframing the floor opening will be a piece of cake.
Gord
Yes, walls on both sides. House is a 1940s Arts and Crafts. Very steep angle, too. But I do have lots of experience making big boards smaller (3 years framing and did a foundation up remodel in my own)
"Very steep angle, too."Now you may have a problem. I you cahnge it, codes and insurance may require that you adjust the pitch to modern codes for rise/run. That requires a longer openning thru the floor to be framed
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Right, thanks. I should be able to extend it horizontally.
Two walls, very good.
How steep? Rise and run.
Total height? Total run?
It's that its going toward the ridge so I want to reverse it and make it go to the ridge that is confusing everyone. Gord
Yeah, I guess when you're writing it it seems soooo clear, and reading it is soooo confusing. I should learn how to add a drawing or pic.
If it really bothers you that much, look for another house unless you feel that this one is definately priced at least 20k below market. There is going to be a lot more to this than just framing.