Reader's home of the month
This month's £150 Habitat giftcard goes to lindsaydglasgow's 'terrace on a teeny budget'...
Replacing your stairs
'First and foremost, stairs need to fulfil their primary function of getting you from one level to the next,' says Mark Dyson of Enclosure Architects. Once this need is fulfilled, you can really go to town on the aesthetics and create something that gives a really great first impression.'
In terms of renovation, replacing a staircase is akin to knocking down a structural wall. But if your stairs are badly positioned, oppressive, or hinder light flow through the house, then it's worth considering, as a new flight can make all the difference.
Always consult an architect or a specialist company, as it's critical that a new staircase fits in both proportionally and stylistically. 'A staircase is always interfacing with another area of the house, so there are lots of elements to consider,' says Richard McLane, co-director of staircase specialist Bisca. 'The middle section of the staircase can be quite straightforward, but the connections to rest of the building should be seamless.'
Remember also that plans must comply with building regulations, specifically the Approved Document K or Protection, Falling and Impact, and in particular section K1, which deals with stairs, ladders and ramps. You can download it free from staircases.org/regulations.htm.
NEXT - BEFORE YOU START
In terms of renovation, replacing a staircase is akin to knocking down a structural wall. But if your stairs are badly positioned, oppressive, or hinder light flow through the house, then it's worth considering, as a new flight can make all the difference.
Always consult an architect or a specialist company, as it's critical that a new staircase fits in both proportionally and stylistically. 'A staircase is always interfacing with another area of the house, so there are lots of elements to consider,' says Richard McLane, co-director of staircase specialist Bisca. 'The middle section of the staircase can be quite straightforward, but the connections to rest of the building should be seamless.'
Remember also that plans must comply with building regulations, specifically the Approved Document K or Protection, Falling and Impact, and in particular section K1, which deals with stairs, ladders and ramps. You can download it free from staircases.org/regulations.htm.
NEXT - BEFORE YOU START