Why must a stairway have a “landing turn” instead of going directly upward? Designer stalemating on refusing to provide “straight stairway” up to bonus room & which will have another stairs (stacked) at opposite end of stairs leading down to basement. He says this is required though definitely not a code.
Plan is based on 2700+ sq. ft ranch home with 9 foot ceilings with rather steep roof line. Direct access needed from garage to desired side hall leading to entire home as well as mudroom/bath combination & separate laundry. This landing area consumes what I wish to be entry point from garage.
Instead, plan entry flow is now thru mudroom/bath. With 2 doors privacy is an issue so not deemed desirable. Extending house width would only increase costs plus change the interior & exterior appearances.
Note: Our current home does have stairs built “on top of one another without a landing” (only way I know to describe).
Appreciate someone providing why/when this may not work or be advisable.
Replies
>> He says this is required though definitely not a code.
Required by whom? Local building authorities? If he can't or won't tell you who is requiring it, get rid of him.
I'm having trouble imagining what you're trying to describe. Could you possibly post a picture?
I can think of two possibilities that might reauire a landing or a turn. One is a total rise of more than 12 feet, but that doesn't sound likely from your description. The other is running out of headroom as you approach the roof, which could be fixed by putting in landing and a turn toward the peak.
Thanks for rapid reply. As to not being code - actually I believe he takes pride in turns/twists in design having designed many other much smaller & larger homes in this area. We are too far into this to get rid of him plus time is of essence; all is perfect except this unacceptable entry from garage! Have worked with him previously & satisfied...until this!
Lacking a digital camera, I am unable to provide photo's. Only way to explain is stairways are stacked: Up in area & down beneath the same stairway from another area. Have read a few pubs about stairs & height does not exceed the 12 ft, this subject gets complex! Just thought there might be an explanation. Thanks!
Well, before you give up, post your question over at Breaktime. (Second button in the second row of buttons above.) The stair guys there know a lot more than I do and may be able to ask the right questions to help you tell them the information they need to answer your question.I would try real hard not to let time pressure push me into accepting a feature I'm know I'm going to hate as long as I live in the house. Of course, that's easy for me to say. I'm not the one under the time pressure.
Edited 2/26/2005 7:21 am ET by Uncle Dunc
Time to remind your "designer" who is working for whom.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
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Excellence is its own reward!
Having a turn/ winder would be helpful if there wasnt enough 'Head Room' between the 2 sets of stairs because you could offset the upper ones to increase that value. Its also helpful if the width of the house is to short for a full run.
By no means is it code to turn. I think he is being jerky about some design issue he has in mind.
The only related code is what you already have mentioned. That is if the 'total rise' of the staircase exceeds 12 ft you need 1 landing, anywhere in the mix. That can be a straight stair with a landing.
Even if you keep him make sure at the end of the job to make it clear that you dont appreciate dishonesty, and that EVERYONE will know it. Its your house.
-zen