Bathroom Access/Move the stairs?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I'm about to purchase an 1880s victorian end-of-terrace (2 up, 2 down). The position of the staircase means there is no access to the bathroom without going through bedroom 2, so I would have to move the stairs. Has anyone had this done?

N.B. The plan is mislabelled. Upstairs should read (top to bottom) Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, Bathroom.

I'm debating whether to have the staircase turned with access to the stairs in the dining room, or have them moved to the side of the house (party wall), as I'd like to have the loft converted eventually, and that would allow me to have the loft stairs running above in a similar way. Apparently it's much more expensive to move them 90º though, due to the direction of the joists.

I also plan to have a side return extension as the kitchen is tiny, though I'm struggling to work out a decent plan for my new kitchen diner.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

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8 years ago

Hello. The cheapest & most efficient way forward is to find a good local architect to help you with the layout. From my experience with similar houses, I know the following 1. that they are feel even narrower in real life than shown in any drawing. 2. that you can achieve better design layouts that allow you to avoid the "long skinny bedroom 2". 3. Similar houses that I have dealt with have low headroom in the loft. So any future loft conversions require due attention at this stage. 4. I know that the floor joists usually run parallel to the flank walls, so you can buy a straight flight of stairs off the shelf that would cost less than £1000 to supply & fit. 5. Storage is usually lacking in these types of houses.
Getting an architect to see your house & to come up with design layouts based on accurate measurements will help you create a space that works. It will save you money in the long run.

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Comments (11)

Jonathan
8 years ago
Check the direction of the joists- it can be done either way but will be the thing that influences the cost most- I would budget £2500- £6000.
Whatever the cost I think it will be vital to your future plans.
Rob
8 years ago
i think reversing the stairway is the only sensible solution. You could move them around 90 degrees but that is much more expensive and you will lose a lot of usable space to the first floor if you plan to go into the attic.

Bit off-the-wall but have you thought about putting the kitchen where the living room is? Build yourself the side return extension with lots of glazing, leave the dining room as it is and the new extension / old kitchen become your new living room with doors on to the garden.
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oooo so a two story extension effectively? sounds beautiful. I doubt I could afford this - I was budgeting £30k for a single storey extension to the kitchen and £6k to reverse the staircase. I wonder, do you have a v rough idea of what a double storey extension would cost? (in Bristol) as that does sound amazing - I know you cannot be exact - I can only extend the same length as the kitchen as the garden is pretty small at the back ..
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On the slim bathroom concept there is insufficient room for the door and it will be dangerous by the top of the stairs, insufficient room for a basin and insufficient room to pass the wc, it will be uncomfortable to sit on a wc that close to the wall, having only 60cm to walk past the wc is too tight and it might be less by the time you have added a soil pipe , there is insufficient leg room when sat on the loo and a half wall to put the cistern on is an odd choice for an already tight room. I’m not a fan.
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Might not be the answer you were looking for but this might be the simplest solution.
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Jonathan
8 years ago
I am going to put in a vote for moving them 90degrees into the dining room- because if the first riser is by the kitchen and the top is near the hall door you can duplicate this into the loft and come up there at the lofts highest point.
Joe Hood
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks guys. Yes Jonathan, I thought that too. Moving the stairs to the side (but ascending from back to front) seems to be the most efficient way in terms of space, as the space above the stairs can be used for the loft staircase. It means Bedroom 2 will be long and skinny but I think that's still the best way.
Laurence Burley
7 years ago
Hi Joe. Just wondering what happened with your project please? I'm currently thinking about doing something similar but not sure where to start...

Thanks
Joe Hood
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Laurence. I've only done the bathroom so far. Planning on having the rest done next summer/autumn. At the moment I'm planning to turn the stairs 180° which has been done in other houses on the street. I'd be interested to see your plans too.
PRO
Create Perfect
7 years ago
Hi Joe, How is the bathroom looking? I think you are heading in the right direction with the stairs.

If you need any help with the kitchen once you get started feel free to get in touch.

All the best, Gina
Laurence Burley
7 years ago
Hi Joe. Do you know how your neighbours have done it please? We are really only just starting to think about this so no plans yet. Our house is identical to yours but without the small room above the kitchen (assume this is your bathroom)...
PRO
Create Perfect
7 years ago
So where is your bathroom Laurence? Joe is wanting to move the stairs to be able to access his bathroom without going through that bedroom - what are you trying to achieve with yours?

It's exciting times ahead for you! :)
ubrandes
6 years ago
Hi Jonathan!

Not sure if this thread is still active but gonna give it a try..

We are currently contemplating wether or not to put an offer on a house with the exact same layout as yours had.

Would love to hear how did you end up turning the stair case? And roughly how much did you spend on the staircase works? There are lots of other works needed in the house so trying to add up possible costs at the moment..

Many thanks!

Ursula

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