Switching staircase or adding ideas

Hello all, What is involved with switching the direction of a staircase or adding a staircase to connect two currently separated floors. We are looking at a home that is set up as an illegal 4 family (C of O is for a three family) and would want to connect the two bottom floors to become one unit for ourselves. Any estimate of cost?

kellyj

in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years and 11 months ago

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ekoflooringwoodwork | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Kellyj, I would like to take a look and give you free estimate for this job. Every job and existing conditions are different.  Please email me at tom@ekony.com, or call me at 347-628-3965.

brucef | 12 years and 11 months ago

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In the event of a conventional stacked stair, there is only one opportunity to switch direction without blocking yourself. We have done this numerous times, sometimes under the radar. One complication is that your existing stair is “grandfathered”, because its riser/tread geometry probably does not conform to modern code. SO there is no option to go back while seeking DOB approval. They won’t let you put back what was previously there, instead you will need a new design that meets modern code. Typically, we like to eliminate the garden to parlor run, and switch the cellar run so long pipes can go straight down instead to the back of the garden hallway. We’ve gone so far as literally re-installing the cellar stairs so they look to the casual observer/inspector as if they were always there.

staceys | 12 years and 11 months ago

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We did this with a 3 to 2 family home. We broke through one wall to the stairway that connected 1st and 2nd floor which we would be living in.  Then we added a small wall from the common wall to the banister on the second floor which just left the landing and stairway leading to the third floor.  

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/5089a1c6b2f28-processed-Picture_019.jpg

This is the wall we built between the stair and wall.  We also put a little coat closet behind that wall.  

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/5089a2f543783-processed-archway.jpg

This is the wall we opened to connect the second floor with the first floor.  This was the most time consuming part because we had to open a load-bearing wall.   Good luck!

bklyngirl | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Are you dropping in a spiral or literally switching up the direction of the existing sc?  You will need to consider clearance and pitch for a new landing.  This will affect then slope of the stairs and size of the treads.  Then you need to think about plumbing, electrical and then structural.  If your new direction cuts in to any supporting or bounce beams then you will need to add additional support.  Plan on spending bucks.