Cost of replacing spiral staircase with closed?

mandgreen

Hi

We are thinking of putting an offer in on a house which has a third bedroom in the loft. However, the staircase up to the loft is an open spiral staircase and a complete deathtrap especially for our young children.

Can we feasibly replace it with a normal closed staircase or alternatively add risers to take out the opening and carpet the existing stairs and if so do you know approximately how much both options would cost? I have included a photo below.



Thanks.

Browntoa

You can fit riser bars at the back

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=spiral+staircase+riser&client=ms-android-xiaomi&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjw943y9JPZAhWJesAKHddjA4oQ_AUIEigC#imgrc=f6zaGfCOsfzlxM:

tonyh66

the staircase in the picture meets building regulation standards as far as I can see. Its not a spiral its standard with 2 quarter turns. Fit risers if you think your kids will fit between the treads, I would also be putting a rail across the window opening.

Furts

The stairs do not comply with general Building Regs principles because they do not have a riser (or back board if you think this clearer) which resists children being killed. In turn one has to ask how safe the stairs are if there was a fire - quick safe access down is not possible. Then there is the open plan element into the third bedroom if I am understanding correctly. Taken all in, this prompts a question. Is there really a proper, safe, habitable "third" bedroom or is this a case of somebody evading regulations to try on a bit of illegal property developing? If so, has OP factored this into their offer?