"Mark D" wrote in message
...
Hi All,
I live in a very small 1930s semi and I'm in the process of converting
the loft space to a usable space...floorboards, ceiling and velux
window are installed...

I'm currently using an aluminum ladder for access.
I want to install a stairway but there is too little room for it to be
obvious how best to do it.

One option is to use a modular spiral staircase as seen at my local
dealers but the amount of room on the landing is minimal (with two
doorways to the kids bedrooms to contend with so access to these rooms
will be blocked). ;-(

A friend had their's done professionally and the installers took a
chunk out of their bedroom to run a stairway and repositioned the
hatch at the top of the new stairway. Is this my only realistic
option?

Have you got any ideas or are there any sites that deal with loft
conversions in small houses?


The installation of a permanent stair is the general "rule of thumb" that
defines the loft space as "habitable". Once it is habitable it will be
reqired to fulfil all the fire protection requirements etc., for a habitable
loft conversion. These fire regulations would not allow an unenclosed spiral
stair, as a 30 minute fire door will be required to separate the loft from
the rest of the house (and that's just the start). I have no objection to
the regulations and abided by them for my loft conversion - when you have 6
9 year olds sleeping up there on a sleep-over, you may be glad you did!
Nonetheless, if you want to keep within the law, your existing access may
have to do!


--
Bob Mannix
(anti-spam is as easy as 1-2-3 - not)