Staircase Compliance

JTMan

I am in the process of purchasing a 3 bed house that I really like.

The upstairs bedroom is a 'converted loft' with a windy staircase up to the bedroom.

My structural surveyor has said:
"We are of the opinion the restrictive head height of the staircase may render the conversion non-compliant and as such this space is suitable for storage only."

However, the existing owners have a report of full compliance with building regulations and planning permission.

Any suggestions on what I should do next? How do I sort out the 2 different opinions?

I really want to buy the place.

Thanks.

Rows Grower

JTMan wrote: »

I am in the process of purchasing a 3 bed house that I really like.

The upstairs bedroom is a 'converted loft' with a windy staircase up to the bedroom.

My structural surveyor has said:
"We are of the opinion the restrictive head height of the staircase may render the conversion non-compliant and as such this space is suitable for storage only."

However, the existing owners have a report of full compliance with building regulations and planning permission.

Any suggestions on what I should do next? How do I sort out the 2 different opinions?

I really want to buy the place.

Thanks.

Tell your structural surveyor you're not happy with his opinion and you are going to seek a second opinion.

the_syco

JTMan wrote: »

My structural surveyor has said:
"We are of the opinion the restrictive head height of the staircase may render the conversion non-compliant and as such this space is suitable for storage only."

However, the existing owners have a report of full compliance with building regulations and planning permission.

Does what the existing owners have, list the converted attic as a bedroom or not?

JTMan

the_syco wrote: »

Does what the existing owners have, list the converted attic as a bedroom or not?

The existing owners have listed it as a bedroom. It is a large nice bedroom.

Gumbo

Spiral Stairs are very rarely allowed but they can work in some cases.
You need your engineer to study Technical Guidance Document Part K,

Loft Conversions
1.1.15 Spiral stairs with goings less than
recommended in Table 2 of BS 5395 Part 2:
1984 and alternating tread stairs would not
normally be regarded as acceptable.
However, they may be considered in the
conversion of a loft where space is limited i.e.
where there is not enough space to
accommodate stairs satisfying par. 1.1.1 to
1.1.14 above and the stairs serves only
accommodation which will be used
infrequently and, where the accommodation
includes only one habitable room.
Alternating tread stairs should be in straight
flights, have handrails on both sides and the
treads should have slip resistant surfaces.
The goings and rises for the wider parts of
the steps should comply with par. 1.1.4.

Your Surveyor should note the stairs and he is quite right to do so. This brings on the request from your Solicitor to request a Cert of Compliance. Then you show him the cert that the Vendor has and it should close out the issue.

Calahonda52

Is there a bank involved?\
when I was in that space, I would never accept a vendor opinion of compliance statement

JTMan

Thanks for the advise all.

Yes, there is a bank involved, the bank had no issues with the structural surveyor report which they have seen. It is just my concerns from the report.