Architecture/stair cases

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Expert: - 3/4/2008


Question
Hello, my question is :  Can you put a staircase into a house ie in my living room where there of course isn't one already?  That would include cutting through joists of course?

Answer
Tracy - thanks for your question!

Of course!  That's a very common alteration, especially when you're addomg a second floor, when there's a big attic above, or when better access to a basement is needed.

You'll have to of course design the stair according to code, including required handrails (at the stair and the hole in the floor), headroom, and riser height and tread length.  You'll also have to properly structure the hole you cut in the ceiling or floor.

Assuming there are no other obstacles (such as plumbing, electric, or ductwork in the way), it's a pretty straightforward project.

The cost for a project like this is something you can only find out by having someone come out to your house and look over what you want to do.  Any good remodeling company should be happy to do that for you.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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