ᐅ Spiral Staircase vs. Half-Turn Staircase

Hello.
We are currently planning our floor layout. Almost everything is decided, but we disagree with the architect regarding the staircase solution to the attic.
It’s important to know that we have two separate staircases: a straight staircase going from the ground floor to the upper floor, and another staircase leading to the attic (which will only be used as my husband’s office) located at a different spot.

Our question is: Is there a cost difference between a half-turn staircase and a spiral staircase?
Of course, it’s hard to say for sure since it depends on the type of wood and the framework, but generally speaking, there must be some difference, right?

Our architect argues that a spiral staircase is not very comfortable to use, but that’s not important to us since it will only be used 2-3 times a week.
We are more interested in choosing the more economical option. And if that happens to be the spiral staircase, it would also save space.

Maybe someone can help us.

THANK YOU!

Hello,

Girasol schrieb:
We are currently planning our floor plan. Almost everything is decided, but we disagree with the architect about the staircase solution to the attic. It should be noted that we have two separate staircases; from the ground floor to the upper floor there is a straight staircase.

I would not plan or want something like that at all.

Girasol schrieb:
There is another staircase going up to the attic (where only my husband’s office is supposed to be) at a different location.

Why is that?

Girasol schrieb:
Our question now is: Is there a cost difference between a half-turn staircase and a spiral staircase? Of course, it’s hard to say because it depends on the type of wood and the framework, but generally there must be a difference, right?!

Logically, a straight or half-turn staircase is more expensive than a makeshift spiral staircase, regardless of whether it is made of wood or concrete.

Girasol schrieb:
Our architect argues that a spiral staircase is not comfortable to walk on, but for us that is not important as the staircase will only be used 2-3 times per week.

This indicates that your husband is self-employed or at least needs a home office. Accidents can happen faster than you can say “hello.” So what happens if your husband injures, for example, his foot or leg? Using crutches on a spiral staircase is not very practical – but the office needs to remain operational, right?

Girasol schrieb:
We are more concerned with choosing the cheaper option. And if that is the spiral staircase, it also saves space.

A cost-effective and sensible solution would be to take advantage of this opportunity and extend the straight staircase up to the attic as well; admittedly, this type of staircase requires a fair amount of space (is another staircase design an option?). This way you save money – retrofitting later will be much more expensive – and keep your options open to convert the office into a children’s room, guest room, or retreat later on.

Are you building with your architect independently or is he part of a contractor? I ask because, in my opinion, he seems to lack practical answers.

Kind regards

According to the development plan, we MUST build the roof facing the street, but we want the entrance on the side. There are several well-considered reasons for this. A solution with the entrance at the front or a different staircase running along the gable side would disrupt much of our floor plan.

But that is not really the topic here.
Otherwise, we are very satisfied with the solution.

For us, it would not be a fallback option at all. On the contrary. If a spiral staircase were cheaper, it would be the perfect solution for us.

My husband is not self-employed – it is just a private office or home cinema.

Our architect works with fixed contractors to whom he subcontracts.

We discarded the option of having the staircase run straight up to the top because then the attic development would be unnecessary, as the long, narrow area with standing height would be divided lengthwise, which would not be useful for us.
To make proper use of the upper room, only a spiral or a half-turn staircase independent of the other one remains.
Where the staircase will be placed, there would otherwise only be open space.

Thank you for your reply. So I can assume that a spiral staircase would be cheaper than a half-turn staircase, which is a good start. Whether we ultimately install the half-turn version will be decided later, but neither would be a fallback option.

Thank you and best regards

Hello,

Girasol schrieb:
According to the development plan, we MUST build the roof facing the street, but we want the entrance on the side.

So with the eaves facing the street, which is not unusual.

Girasol schrieb:
To properly use the upstairs space, only a spiral or a half-turned staircase independent from the other will work. Otherwise, there would just be open space where the staircase is supposed to go.

I can understand that. Just keep in mind that no matter what type of staircase you choose, your architect must ensure that the access in the attic provides sufficient headroom; otherwise, you won’t get a building permit / planning permission.

Kind regards

Yes, that is no problem, thank you.