ᐅ Low Ceiling Height; Building Higher Than Approved?

Created on: 19 Aug 2024 13:49
S
Schnubbihh
Dear community,

I would like to ask for your advice on how you would proceed in my situation.

Problem:
(1) Building permit / planning permission has been granted, and construction is scheduled to start in mid-September (1.5 stories, gable roof).
(2) During detailed and electrical planning, it became clear that the ceiling height is quite limited (2.43m (8 feet) on the ground floor and upper floor); this is my fault, as we did not really pay attention to ceiling height beforehand.
--> As a result, the sense of space will probably not be very pleasant, and the electrical planning will be quite complex since suspended ceilings are no longer an option.

The following options arise:

(1) Leave everything as it is and at least plan recessed boxes in the ceiling structure on the ground floor (around €1,500 (approx. $1,600) additional cost); use surface-mounted spotlights on the upper floor (bathroom).
- Disadvantage: Low ceiling height + possibly surface-mounted spots
- Disadvantage: Additional costs for the ceiling structure
- Disadvantage: Not very flexible for future changes
- Advantage: No risk regarding the building permit / planning permission

(2) Raise the ground floor by one brick row (12cm (5 inches)) and adjust the joist layer in the attic to gain height there as well; then install suspended ceilings for the electrical installation.
- Disadvantage: Not included in the current building permit / planning permission; however, there are no issues with setback distances or maximum heights according to the local development plan
- Disadvantage: Additional costs due to masonry work and suspending the ceiling (cost estimate pending)
- Advantage: Significantly easier and more flexible electrical installation
- Advantage: Better sense of space (recessed spotlights + approximately 3-4cm (1–1.5 inches) more headroom)

What would you decide?
K
kbt09
20 Aug 2024 13:26
You have to account for that... and a step height of 19.6 cm (7.7 inches) is quite steep. It’s something you should try out as well.
S
Schnubbihh
20 Aug 2024 13:32
kbt09 schrieb:

You really have to take that into account... and a 19.6cm (7.7 inches) step height is quite steep. It’s something you should definitely test out.

In our rental apartment, the steps are currently between 19 and 20cm (7.5 and 7.9 inches) high (strangely varies depending on the step). So far, we haven’t had any issues with that.
11ant20 Aug 2024 14:41
Schnubbihh schrieb:

The staircase currently has 15 steps with a rise/run of 18.8/26. It should still work with an increase of +8mm (0.3 inches), right?
“Yes” is the correct answer.
Otherwise, if you increase the height, the windows would also need to be adjusted, or else the ceiling will cast shadows.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
M
MachsSelbst
22 Aug 2024 11:54
We also have a step height of 19.5 cm (7.7 inches), and neither our 2-year-old nor older people have had any problems with it so far.
DIN 18065 does not specify the range of 14–20 cm (5.5–7.9 inches) without reason, as this is an acceptable range to work within.
S
Schnubbihh
22 Aug 2024 12:11
We have now decided to go with recessed ceiling spots (for an additional cost of 3000€) and to keep the ceiling height at 2.43 m (8 feet).