Roof Access Options
We are looking to build a roof deck, but the access to the roof currently is either through the back window and fire escape, or else up the hatch from the common hallway. In both cases you have to climb a narrow steel ladder (not for the faint of heart). My options seem to be…
We are looking to build a roof deck, but the access to the roof currently is either through the back window and fire escape, or else up the hatch from the common hallway. In both cases you have to climb a narrow steel ladder (not for the faint of heart).
My options seem to be threefold: (1) add outside iron stairs to the last level of the fire escape and turn the back window into a door; (2) build stairs up to the hatch in the hallway and increase the opening size of the hatch (which is currently about 2′ by 3′); or, (3) add a spiral staircase in our living room up through the skylight (2′ by 3.5′) that will also need to be enlarged.
My inclination is to go with option 2. Has anyone encountered this issue before? What costs am I looking at? Who does this kind of work?
Thanks for any input brownstoners.
I’m planning to do the same thing– and am looking at prefab steel stairs from my living room going up to a skylight large enough to walk through– found a company in Canada that sells nice ones for 1500. Give a post when you figure out how you plan to proceed– would be interested to know.
I’m planning to to the same thing– and am looking at prefab steel stairs from my living room going up to a skylight large enough to walk through. Give a post when you figure out how you plan to proceed– would be interested to know.
Tom van den Bout, a partner in NV Architects, 212-964-6070, tv@nvda.com, http://www.nvda.com does creative, beautiful work. He’ll come up with ideas you’ve never thought of and at a range of prices. He’s also an expert in landmark matters, so he can advise you on what is and isn’t doable for your house. I’m planning to add a roof deck next year and asking him to design it and the access to the roof (I have the same situation as you; I’m thinking of extending the internal stairs to the roof — it’s much neater, though more expensive, than adding to the fire escape).
The first thing you really want to get a handle on is whether or not a roof deck is even permissible on your property. Secondly, if it is an architect would need to come in to survey the property to draw plans and review them with you to your specifics for the deck. After that a contractor will be needed (prefereably one who mainly deals with building decks).
After that those plans need to be reviewed by the NYC DOB in order to be approved and permitted to start the work.
Depending on the scope of work, these types of jobs inlcuding the filing, architectural design and construction can run anywhere from 6k and up (just for starters).
Give us a call or send an email so we can discuss this further. One of our project managers will be able to assist you in achieving your goal.
-Tissony
Tissonybuildings@hotmail.com
718-844-1054
The first thing you really want to get a handle on is whether or not a roof deck is even permissible on your property. Secondly, if it is an architect would need to come in to survey the property to draw plans and review them with you to your specifics for the deck. After that a contractor will be needed (prefereably one who mainly deals with building decks).
After that those plans need to be reviewed by the NYC DOB in order to be approved and permitted to start the work.
Depending on the scope of work, these types of jobs inlcuding the filing, architectural design and construction can run anywhere from 6k and up (just for starters).
Give us a call or send an email so we can discuss this further. One of our project managers will be able to assist you in achieving your goal.
-Tissony
Tissonybuildings@hotmail.com
718-844-1054