FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Rhode Island 2016

The 2016 FHB House is energy-smart, connected, healthy, and durable. It’s small and sensible. Most of all, it’s a valuable model home, meant to educate designers and builders who aspire to create high-performance houses that are exceptional in their quality, comfort, and style.

Design

Extra Square Footage – for free

A simple redesign of the stairs affords the opportunity to convert part of the stairwell into extra living space in an upstairs bedroom

By Mike Guertin
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

 

free footage 2The stairway from the first floor to the second floor is designed with a open stairwell from the base to the head. Often some of this space is framed over at the base and up several risers providing living space. It would essentially be free living footage if I could capture some of the stairwell.   Granted, I’d have flooring to install and a little extra drywall and paint – but it would be very cheap space; and space I would be paying taxes on anyway.

I couldn’t tell from the plans if this was a possibility until I laid out the stairs. The designer, Mike Maines, showed two risers to a landing and then a straight run of stairs up to the second floor. Because Rhode Island amended the model IRC to permit a more generous stair geometry (8 1/4 in. max. rise and 9 in. min. tread cut) I had some wiggle room to vary from Mike’s 7 1/2 in. x 10 in. design.

I was able to eliminate 1 riser/tread with a 7 7/16 in. rise and 9 1/4 in. run. So rather than two risers to the landing, now it could be just one step. This made a big difference in headroom.

free footage 1The IRC requires stairway headroom clearance minimum of 6 ft. 8 in. measured plumb from the finish tread nosing line to the ceiling plane above. While this is ample for average human headroom it isn’t always enough room to carry large furniture pieces. The important dimension for furniture moving is a perpendicular line between the nosing line and the lowest ceiling point above. Going with the code-minimum 6 ft. 8 in. only leaves about 5 ft. on the perpendicular measurement. So in determining how much floor space could be captured I went with a 73 in. perpendicular distance – just in case someone has large furnishings to move upstairs.

Since there was an LVL alongside the stairway I could easily frame perpendicular using 2x6s for the short (42 in.) span. It took about 90 minutes to do the head-scratching and frame in the area.   I captured roughly 16 square feet of space into the third bedroom. The area works well too – it will have two potential window openings and could be used for a desk area, a reading chair or a large plant.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Portable Wall Jack

Raise walls safely with the Guardian wall jack — we’ve personally seen small teams raise large walls with these devices, and they work great.
Buy at Amazon

QuikDrive PRO300s

Whether you're installing floor sheathing or decking, this tool will keep the installer upright, putting less stress on workers while saving time and energy.
Buy at Amazon

Bluetooth Earmuffs

We appreciate the fit and comfort of these earmuffs, plus the Bluetooth capabilities allow you to field calls or listen to your favorite podcast while working.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Rhode Island 2016 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Outdoor Spaces
  • Completed Home

Behind the Build

  • New York 2023
  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Rhode Island 2016

View All
  • Makeup Air for the Range Hood
  • Finishing the Basement
  • A Look at the Finished Home
  • Range Exhaust
View All

Fine Homebuilding House - Rhode Island 2016 Sponsors

  • AdvanTech Logo
  • American Standard Logo
  • AMVIC Logo
  • Boral_CulturedStone Logo
  • Boral_Flag Logo
  • Boral_TruExterior Logo
  • CertainTeed Logo
  • Coravent Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DXV Logo
  • Flir Logo
  • Gladiator Logo
  • MAXUSA Logo
  • ProtectoWrap Logo
  • Roxul Logo
  • Sikkens Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo
  • Integrity Logo
  • SoftPlan Logo
  • Tamarack Logo
  • TiteBond Logo
  • TrusJoist Logo
  • Whirlpool Logo
  • Zehnder Logo
  • ZipSystem Logo
  • Feeney Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program

The end of this program will likely lead to higher energy bills and fewer business opportunities for the American people.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Anneke Dunnington, Carpenter
  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot
  • One-Person Precision
  • Precut Bottom Plates in Doorways

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: A Double Roof Discussion
  • Framing and Flashing a Small Deck
  • Details for Integrating an Addition
  • Podcast 596: Broken Trusses, Frost-Protected Foundations, and Air Control Methods
View All

Framing

View All Framing Articles
  • Fast, Accurate Wall Framing
  • Step Up Your Stair-Gauge Game
  • Better Plumb Cuts on Hips or Valleys
View All Framing Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data