Removing bannister

gouldilocks

We are doing alot of renovating/decorating at the moment, hopefully we'll be getting round to the lounge soon and wanted peoples opinion.

We live in a small 2 (well 1 1/2 .. second bedroom is only 5'2 x 11'!) bedroom house, you come through the front door straight into the lounge and the stairs are ahead of you so we were thinking about taking the bannisters down so room looks bigger, our neighbours have done it and it looks lovely.

Thing is now my Dad has put a dampner on it saying that when we come to sell we'll have problems, we've got no intention of moving for many years and I think that eventually the house will appeal more to a single person or a young couple, so what are people's thoughts?

andrew-b

See Building Regs Part K1 paragraphs 1.27 to 1.30
on Page 9 of http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADK_1998.pdf

If your not sure you could ask the building control office at your local council. Personally i'd advise against removing the bannisters as i think it's dangerous. How about an alternative...like toughened glass panels?

Andy

Smithills

I think I know what your lay-out is. Tempting though it is to remove them, I agree with andrew-b. Even if you think it's OK for you now, and you can easily re-fit something when/if you move, what about your safety? Imagine yourself coming down the stairs with a laundry basket, heavy suitcase, set of ladders etc- what happens if you slip? The bannisters will keep you on the stairs, rather than falling off sideways (if I understand your description correctly).

Up to you really, but remember it will come up on any survey your buyers get done, so keep the bannisters if you decide to take them out. Good Luck with your renovations!

gouldilocks

looks like Dad was right then! Thanks for your advise... my other idea if we did take them down would be to put a rail the other side as at least there'd be something to grab, but then again "clumsiness" is my middle name so perhaps we need to keep them!!