ᐅ Attic space with a height of 2 meters – conversion/finishing options?
Created on: 25 Nov 2016 17:33
N
nacaschi
Hello,
we live in a terraced house in the western part of Cologne with a pitched roof. The attic is accessible via a pull-down ladder that can be extended from the hallway on the first floor (1st floor), which is quite centrally located. My plan is to create an opening in the ceiling of one of the smaller rooms and then install a spiral staircase to reach the attic. I would replace the existing opening of the now "old" pull-down ladder with a laminated safety glass panel. After consulting with an architect, I was informed that I cannot make such an opening because the attic has a height of 2 meters (6.6 feet) but must be at least 2.30 meters (7.5 feet) high. Additionally, the attic is not allowed to be converted into a living space.
My question is: Am I allowed to create this ceiling opening to install a spiral staircase to access the attic while still using the attic solely for storage? We are getting older and will likely find it difficult to continue using the pull-down ladder in the future.
I have deliberately not scheduled an appointment with the building authority (building permit / planning permission office) yet, so as not to "wake sleeping dogs." I would be very grateful for any friendly and knowledgeable advice...
we live in a terraced house in the western part of Cologne with a pitched roof. The attic is accessible via a pull-down ladder that can be extended from the hallway on the first floor (1st floor), which is quite centrally located. My plan is to create an opening in the ceiling of one of the smaller rooms and then install a spiral staircase to reach the attic. I would replace the existing opening of the now "old" pull-down ladder with a laminated safety glass panel. After consulting with an architect, I was informed that I cannot make such an opening because the attic has a height of 2 meters (6.6 feet) but must be at least 2.30 meters (7.5 feet) high. Additionally, the attic is not allowed to be converted into a living space.
My question is: Am I allowed to create this ceiling opening to install a spiral staircase to access the attic while still using the attic solely for storage? We are getting older and will likely find it difficult to continue using the pull-down ladder in the future.
I have deliberately not scheduled an appointment with the building authority (building permit / planning permission office) yet, so as not to "wake sleeping dogs." I would be very grateful for any friendly and knowledgeable advice...
B
Bauexperte25 Nov 2016 23:17Good evening Werner,
I reacted to the following statement combined with your introduction, where you said that an architect understandably refused your original request for good reasons:
I have consciously not yet applied for a building permit / planning permission to avoid waking sleeping dogs, but I would be very grateful for any friendly, competent advice............
That sounds suspicious to me, and I expressed that briefly and clearly.
If it was *only* about the attic, you could leave everything as it is; you won’t use it that often. Unlike a retractable attic ladder, a spiral staircase is also open at the top—you’re not seriously telling me that you want permanent open access to the attic?
Best regards, Bauexperte
nacaschi schrieb:Whether you might *possibly* not want to use a retractable attic ladder or a spiral staircase in the coming years makes no difference. Neither option is really easy to use, even with healthy bones.
Sorry Bauexperte, I don’t understand your comment—who am I supposed to be deceiving???.....
I reacted to the following statement combined with your introduction, where you said that an architect understandably refused your original request for good reasons:
I have consciously not yet applied for a building permit / planning permission to avoid waking sleeping dogs, but I would be very grateful for any friendly, competent advice............
That sounds suspicious to me, and I expressed that briefly and clearly.
If it was *only* about the attic, you could leave everything as it is; you won’t use it that often. Unlike a retractable attic ladder, a spiral staircase is also open at the top—you’re not seriously telling me that you want permanent open access to the attic?
nacaschi schrieb:I don’t know where I have been unfriendly. You may not like my interpretation of your question; that’s possible. However, a forum is not a place to have your own way. Your reaction now shows me that I am probably not completely off track.
.... that’s why I asked for friendly and competent comments .... Thank you
Best regards, Bauexperte
Similar topics