1930s staircase - self supporting? Project based.

[itsallaboutyou]

Evening all.

I’m looking for a bit of advice on a little project I’m hoping to complete over Easter.

Currently our tumble drier and washing machine sit proudly under our stairs. Electric, ventilation and water are already in there - but it’s a pain, as there’s not really enough space for a human to get in (there is, but this is how I’m selling it to the boss!)

Below is our current under stairs.

I’m aiming for something like below, but with bespoke doors, possibly bifold to minimise the space needed.

My big concern, is that I’m unsure if there are any supporting posts, behind / inside where the door frame is. I doubt it - but before I start taking the plasterboard off, I’d like to make sure I’m not going to cause loads of damage. My very basic understanding is that the stairs are keyed in to the brick work and then joined to the joists of the first floor - how the half landing fits in, I’ve no idea. In effect - there is no vertical support, other than provided at first floor level. It’s a typical 1930s semi. Am I overthinking it? I’m happy to employ a joiner for an hours advice - but I feel confident that the actual job, kitchen unit, bit of worktop and some doors is relatively simple. Is it likely that there will be an upright supporting member?? Or am I worrying unnecessarily?

Any advice most welcome!

Tom

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I think that the only way to be absolutely sure is to remove some of the plasterboard on the inside. It certainly looks as though the newel post stops short and doesn't carry through to the floor below, but without seeing inside the wall there's no way if being certain.

 

[SFK]

You could also ask to see neighbours stairs and see if there's are original and self supporting.
Sfk

 

[itsallaboutyou]

Morning all - cheers for the replies!

I think you're right - might just have to bite the bullet and expose the inside of the stud and see what's there.

I agree - I'm sure that I remember my dad - who rebuilt the stairs and upper floor in my mums house, also a 1930s semi, that it in effect supported itself.

Unfortunately, all my neighbours have downstairs loos - so are in effect the same as ours!

I'll try and do a bit over the next few days and post some photos!

Cheers!

 

[SFK]

Post some photos when you do as we what to see what is inside wall.

 

[itsallaboutyou]

Will do! I’m hoping to take the back off the door frame and the internal board tomorrow.
Keep you up to date!

 

[plastic_peanut]

Curve ball. What’s on the other side of the right hand wall?
Could you not box in the stairs and have the washer drier mounted vertically and accessed from the other side.

I am assuming the staircase isn’t in your kitchen and perhaps it’s the on the other side of the wall?

 

[itsallaboutyou]

Ah yup - it is our kitchen. I’m stood in the doorway to our back room In the photo! There was originally a door where the mirror is, which was boarded up. A large doorway was the cut in between the kitchen and rear living room and the whole thing extended out double length.

I mentioned that to the boss when I redid the kitchen - but as space was limited couldn’t really work all our kitchen units into it. But I. Hindsight I’d have liked to have made it work - but hey ho!