How to move a staircase

Moving a staircase from one location in the house to another can be a major task, but the good news is that it’s one that can be completed, as long as you know what you’re doing. There are some important issues that you need to be aware of, including the potential for legal arguments, but as an obstacle, it’s certainly not an insurmountable one.

Perhaps the first step should be to consider why you want to make the switch in the first place. For some homeowners, it may just be one of aesthetic preference, in that a staircase would simply look better in another location. For others, however, it will be more a question of practicality, with the owners having decided to move the staircase simply because it will help to make the property easier to live with. Moving the staircase, reversing its direction, incorporating half landings, and even adding spiral staircases can greatly increase the amount of room that you have.

Once you’ve decided this is the right course of action, you need to think about the possibility of legal ramifications. In some properties, and in some areas, you may need to have a consultation with building controllers and planners before proceeding. This is one of those issues that, even though it may seem a major inconvenience, you simply mustn’t circumvent. There could be serious repercussions if you find out later on that you have contravened the rules.

Always think about the practical matters

So, once you’ve decided to go ahead, you then need to find out exactly how to move a staircase. Constructing and fitting a staircase can be an extremely complex operation, and moving one is no less complicated. If building regulations dictate, you will need to provide drawings before taking the project on to the next stage.

Once the process has the go-ahead, there are a number of practicalities that need to be taken into consideration. They include the amount of headroom that will be available in the new location, and how much landing space will be required. It’s important to envisage the staircase in its new home before the move is made and to imagine yourself using it. Will it be roomy enough? Will everyone be able to use it in comfort? What if you’re carrying large items or moving furniture?

Here at JLA Joinery, we know all about the potential issues, and we are more than happy to advise you on how to move a staircase right from the start. We’re here to help, so get in touch with your local experts or learn more about our staircase design here.

Back to Blog