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Does anyone have steps down from their bifolds?

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Evening folks

Our extension has finally started and we are having 4.2m bifolds Installed. I didn't appreciate the ground height so there is a fairly big drop down to the ground and will need a couple of steps down. Not the end of the world and can't be helped.

Has anyone done similar? I'm not sure whether to do the steps in decking (non slip stuff) or try and match the existing rather poor patio we have running up the side of our house!

Any pics/thoughts gratefully received!
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Comments

  • Herongull
    Herongull Posts: 1,356 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    You can always buy plastic "caravan steps" until you decide, and then you might decide to just keep them long term.
  • minibbb
    minibbb Posts: 342 Forumite
    Ah what a good idea thanks! Didn't even know they existed! Saves a mad rush to decide :)
  • Furts
    Furts Posts: 4,474 Forumite
    All a bit concerning. You have new building work subject to the Buildings Regulations and hopefully you submitted a Full Plans Application. One ethos of the Regs is access for less able folks, all covered by Part M. Your steps are totally counter to this concept.
    Which prompts some questions. What was designed here, what was discussed, what provision have you considered and where do you stand on this?
  • Davesnave
    Davesnave Posts: 34,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Furts wrote: »
    .
    Which prompts some questions. What was designed here, what was discussed, what provision have you considered and where do you stand on this?
    I think this goes to the nub of the matter; they have nothing to stand on!

    But seriously, Furts is right to suggest that you don't seem to have participated very fully in the design of your extension, or you'd have known there'd be a change in level, and roughly what it might be.

    It's easy to 'leave it all to the professionals,' but not then so straightforward getting what you later decide that you wanted.....if that makes sense!
  • minibbb
    minibbb Posts: 342 Forumite
    Thanks chaps.

    It's permitted development with full architects plans. There was step to a small patio and a further small step down to the garden before so it's my own silly fault for not twigging earlier! Not too fussed just need a good solution long term whether it be stone steps or decking.
  • Davesnave
    Davesnave Posts: 34,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    minibbb wrote: »
    stone steps or decking.

    Stone over wood, any day, and permitted development still has to meet building regs, but I'll leave that to others who know more than me.
  • minibbb
    minibbb Posts: 342 Forumite
    I tend to agree with stone tbh- just means doing the patio around the side to match/join up . Building inspector has been here three times already so have no doubt whatever they do it'll be to regs :A
  • Furts
    Furts Posts: 4,474 Forumite
    minibbb wrote: »
    I tend to agree with stone tbh- just means doing the patio around the side to match/join up . Building inspector has been here three times already so have no doubt whatever they do it'll be to regs :A

    You cannot wash your hands of this - it is your home and just saying "it'll be to regs" is the height of naivety. To what regs and to what design? Who is controlling this? Then to give a couple of examples ...

    Typically your builder with have foundation blockwork beneath your bifolds - if you introduce steps and lower the levels then this could be exposed. It will not look nice!

    Similarly if you put in decking.

    But if your dpc is beneath the bifolds then the exterior level should be 150mm minimum below this. That then means you do not get mobility access.

    But to get mobility access steps are an avoid wherever possible these days whilst ramps are acceptable.

    If you have a ramp the gradients need to be determined and a start, finish, and landing considered

    Hence you can see that on something you want an answer a design is required just like it is required for all the rest of your extension building.

    Remember it is your legal responsibility to apply for, and deal with the Regs. It is your responsibility to call in the inspector and to meet with them. This has nothing to do with your builder. Yet your response comes across as "I know nothing, and I am foolishly allowing my builder to deal with everything" If this is the case then it is a hugely risky situation to be in and not something I would recommend to any consumer.
  • theGrinch
    theGrinch Posts: 3,133 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Had a concrete step made. No problem and no issues.
    "enough is a feast"...old Buddist proverb
  • Furts wrote: »
    You cannot wash your hands of this - it is your home and just saying "it'll be to regs" is the height of naivety. To what regs and to what design? Who is controlling this? Then to give a couple of examples ... Not sure why you have assumed that the OP isnt doing this to regs or using someone that isnt checking this for them. The step question is a common one and one that doesnt really have building regs implications.

    Typically your builder with have foundation blockwork beneath your bifolds - if you introduce steps and lower the levels then this could be exposed. It will not look nice! The foundations would need to be a minimum distance below grade level not finished floor level so the foundations would never be exposed.

    Similarly if you put in decking.

    But if your dpc is beneath the bifolds then the exterior level should be 150mm minimum below this. That then means you do not get mobility access. I am not sure where the mobility access has come from. You do not need to comply with Part M if you are extending your dwelling house for your own purposes?

    But to get mobility access steps are an avoid wherever possible these days whilst ramps are acceptable.

    If you have a ramp the gradients need to be determined and a start, finish, and landing considered

    Hence you can see that on something you want an answer a design is required just like it is required for all the rest of your extension building.

    Remember it is your legal responsibility to apply for, and deal with the Regs. It is your responsibility to call in the inspector and to meet with them. This has nothing to do with your builder. Yet your response comes across as "I know nothing, and I am foolishly allowing my builder to deal with everything" If this is the case then it is a hugely risky situation to be in and not something I would recommend to any consumer. Very rare do clients meet with building control. I would pass this responsibility over to your builder/architect unless you are managing the project yourself. Building Control will need to sign off at the end and its your builders/architects responsibility to ensure compliance.

    Some quite random comments here. So thought best to give some input. OP as others have said just ensure your builder/architect has applied to building control and served notice. This only needs to be done 48hrs before the works start (including full plans application). If you decide to go with the decking idea ensure it is not above the 300mm otherwise you will need planning permission. Similarly ensure the the heights of the extension all meet permitted development heights measured from grade not finished floor level.
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