Creating under-stair storage

AlisonTM

Hi, I am buying a property with limited built-in storage space and find the under-stair area is completely boxed in, something I've never seen before.
Anyone know of any reason why this space cannot be accessed and utilised? Hoping for somewhere to store my vacc etc! 

cerebus

Nope none, crack on!

I would fit a slim door to it so you can still utilise the wall space

Probably the previous owners didn't like the angle the stairs created but why they only partially blocked it in is a mystery.....

Brie

Might be a supporting wall of some sort that can't be breached?  Might contain pipes, wiring etc but hopefully there's still room in there.  If you tap on the wall does it sound hollow?  That might give you an idea about how difficult it might be to sort.

FreeBear

Be careful if/when knocking down that wall - You'll probably find a substantial post on the corner that is supporting the staircase. Do not attempt to remove it.

A cupboard could work quite well depending on what you find in there - If there isn't one in the toilet room, could be an idea to add a small one further under the stairs. Then you'd have cupboard space in the toilet room for things like loo paper.

cerebus

Brie said:

Might be a supporting wall of some sort that can't be breached?  Might contain pipes, wiring etc but hopefully there's still room in there.  If you tap on the wall does it sound hollow?  That might give you an idea about how difficult it might be to sort.

Supporting walls can be breached or we wouldn't be able to put doors and windows in them (all external walls are supporting)

There might be a waste pipes for the toilet in there but that won't stop the space being used 

The only issue might be the height of the void as the void will probably end half way up the wall due to the turn of the staircase but until measurements are taken no way of telling 

AlisonTM

FreeBear said:

Be careful if/when knocking down that wall - You'll probably find a substantial post on the corner that is supporting the staircase. Do not attempt to remove it.

A cupboard could work quite well depending on what you find in there - If there isn't one in the toilet room, could be an idea to add a small one further under the stairs. Then you'd have cupboard space in the toilet room for things like loo paper.

Thanks, I wouldn't be looking at removing the whole wall, simply creating access to what I presume is a sizeable void for storage space. Cupboards are a good idea but if I can create access to store larger items e.g. ironing board that would be better

moneysaver1978

If it’s a plasterboard and once you know there’re no pipes etc behind, you could make a hole to look inside to determine what sort of void you have.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flooring too - if you want the floor to be the same, etc

Jonboy_1984

Are there similar properties in the street/local area? If so a perusal of the sold listings on rightmove or zoopla might show any neighbours have done it already, and you can ask them (listing unlikely to show images of the cupboard interior).

AlisonTM

Jonboy_1984 said:

Are there similar properties in the street/local area? If so a perusal of the sold listings on rightmove or zoopla might show any neighbours have done it already, and you can ask them (listing unlikely to show images of the cupboard interior).

Genius! I found an identical floorplan for 1 and that does have a doorway