Posted by Denise Martin on October 22, 2010, 11:36 pm
How easily would it be to add a spiral stair case for the loft instead of using a ladder? Would this be something that would have to be done on the plans or could a builder contractor do the change? We really like the Series A 908 other than the ladder to the loft!
Spiral stairs can a be a problem with the Canadian National Building Code, but so do ship's ladders. You need to ensure that the loft space is designated as non-livable area, for example storage to get it to comply. It does depend on the municipality though as each inspector has some jurisdiction to make some rulings. I suggest that you make a call to the local inspector or RM office and see what they say. Some places will say no problem and other will shut it down imediately.
Actually getting the stair into the plan can sometimes be a problem as the spiral stair takes up quite a bit of space. Usually about 5' diameter. In this plan, that would take quite a bit of room out of the greatroom area.
Another option would be the A-1084 plan. It is about the same area, but with the proper stair, the loft is usable as a bedroom. The cost to build this over the A-908 would be about the same amount. If you wanted to have a basement, this plan has space for a basement stair under the loft stair.
It is also possible to make the loft a bit larger if you wanted more room up there, similar to the loft of the A-945.
