Feedback on adding stairs and loft area

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We are considering adding an open loft area and half bath as an upstairs on our ranch home. There is plenty of space in the existing attic but am trying to decide if the possible status stair location even makes sense before testin reaching out to architect architects or remodelers.

Ive included a portion of the floor plan and a picture of the area in question. the stairs would start at the end of the entryway and then there would need to to be a small landing at the top. The area over thr kitchen, pantry, mechanicals would be the new additon. the living room ceiling height is about 17 feet at the peak.

Would adding stairs in proposed area look appropriate? would a floating staircase be better but is that even possible with a landing? Would stealing the required 3 ft of space make the great room too narrow?

any other thoughts?

Featured Answer

Julie Praus

5 years ago

It looks like you have an 8’ ceiling in the foyer, maybe the same in the kitchen. If you take the total distance from existing floor to new floor and divide by the maximum allowable stair rise, you will get the number of risers required on your stairway. One less than that gives you the number of treads. Take that number times the minimum allowable stair tread and you will get approximately the length of the stairway without landings. Minimum headroom must be maintained through out the stairs and landing. You probably need about 11’ for stairs and 3’ for landing. With an 8/12 roof pitch, you may not have enough headroom.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
What would be the purpose of the loft. Stairs take up a huge amount of space so IMO you need to figure out what the purpose is for the space and how much it will cost.I see no real pupose in a 1/2 bath upstairs so more info IMO. BTW what do you mean by 3 '
Josh m
Original Author
5 years ago
The loft area woukd be a recreational and homework area for the kids. we need more space since it woukd be a commonly used area it would be nice to have the half bath up there instead if having to come

downstairs to use bathroom

by 3’ i mean the space the stairs woukd take up. code requires them to be 36 inches wide. so that woukd cause the great room to go from 16 feet wide to 13 feet wide in that area (unless a floating stair design woild work and the tv could remain agaisnt the current wall under the new floating stairs
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emilyam819
5 years ago
So the stairs would go in the foyer? Seems like they wouldn’t take up too much space in the great room.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
The width of the stairs is only one part they need to have a proper length out into the space to be done right that is where the loss of space comes in.
Josh m
Original Author
5 years ago
foyer and kitchen (whole house and garage) are 9 ft ceilings does that make a difference?
Julie Praus
5 years ago
It will add about another 18” in length to the stairs in my previous estimate.
Josh m thanked Julie Praus
3onthetree
5 years ago
YMMV, as always the AHJ will dictate regs and code interpretation.

First, what is the structure of the roof? You didn't specify, but if it's trusses it's no go. If stick built, what are the ceiling joists? Probably not capable of supporting 40psf?

Then you have the definition of a habitable space. Minimum 70sf, with minimum 35sf having a 7' ceiling. A window, and that probably being emergency egress and escape sized since it is the only room upstairs.

In figuring height available in the loft, not only the 9' ceiling, but then add the floor joists depth (use 10.5" minimum), and if stick built any collar ties lowering the potential ceiling height. Adding to thickness of roof rafter depth if needed to achieve insulation requirements.

Able to easily run HVAC (very hot space)?

As far as the stair placement, in order to get the full run without encroaching into the kitchen opening, it looks like it would intrude greatly on the front door swing and circulation. Though it does appear this wall was not designed for the tv location.