Attic Conversion

Chris.P_3

Although I in no way wish to add fuel to this fire I have been led to believe that there isn't any regulation that specifies a minimum width for a staircase? yet you are saying this is 900mm? where does this come from? The reason for asking is that we are in the process of getting a loft conversion done by a large reputable company and their plans specify 750mm. I have had a look round on the internet and cannot find anywhere that says that 900mm is the minimum requirement, but a lot of sites that say there isn't a minimum requirement (Only for the going and the Rise)

System

Chris.P wrote: »

Although I in no way wish to add fuel to this fire I have been led to believe that there isn't any regulation that specifies a minimum width for a staircase? yet you are saying this is 900mm? where does this come from? The reason for asking is that we are in the process of getting a loft conversion done by a large reputable company and their plans specify 750mm. I have had a look round on the internet and cannot find anywhere that says that 900mm is the minimum requirement, but a lot of sites that say there isn't a minimum requirement (Only for the going and the Rise)

usually the clear width of the stair required is 800mm so the opening required in the structure is around 900mm - the caveat is if it only going to a single room (or a single room and an ensuite) you can reduce the width down to 600mm - it's part K, M and B of the regs - it's a bit of a mash of different regs which vary depending on the situation, one is access, one is fire safety and the other is protection from falling so it's a bit of interpretation (and arguments some times) - and it refers to a BS too...
(I think it also differs if you are going from ground floor to a new first, or first to a new second)
Some local authorities will have their own guidance on these too (and scotland differs again) so best advice is to speak to your local authority - although I would assume your company will have already made themselves familiar with your local authority guidance

Chris.P_3

Thanks for the clarification, looks as though we should be O.K. then, but I will check just in case.

System

Chris.P wrote: »

Thanks for the clarification, looks as though we should be O.K. then, but I will check just in case.

Assuming you are getting it done with regs and a completion cert etc it won't be anything to worry about as they will inspect works as they go and I'd be surprised if a specialist company isn't aware of what the local dept will be looking for here

Chris.P_3

brightontraveller wrote: »

again guidance do you not understand the difference ?

Although I am certainly no expert on building control or any such building matters I certainly do know a fair bit about the English Language and the title kind of gives us a clue? Legislation.Gov.Uk? The short meaning for Legislation is "statutory Law" or definition of legislation is literally 'proposing of a law', from lex 'law' and latus 'raised', as defined in the Oxford English dictionary. I certainly know what I will be doing on our loft conversion, everyone else can make their own choice.

Chris.P_3

the_r_sole wrote: »

Assuming you are getting it done with regs and a completion cert etc it won't be anything to worry about as they will inspect works as they go and I'd be surprised if a specialist company isn't aware of what the local dept will be looking for here

Yes we are getting it done to Regs and with building control involved. To be honest although the law is the law I am more concerned for the safety of my family than anything else and would rather go over the top. We have even gone so far as having sprinklers fitted as this seems a small price to pay while the floors are up for other work.