Attic with space-saving stairs > living space?

Hello,

we want to convert our attic on the 2nd floor. So far, it is only accessible by a folding ladder.

We want to install a space-saving staircase in an existing closet on the 1st floor; this would be the only staircase to the 2nd floor in the future.

How can it be ensured that the attic will later count as living space – despite the space-saving staircase?

Thank you very much in advance & best regards
herrschmidt

How can it be ensured that the attic later counts as living space - despite the space-saving staircase?

It must have all the characteristics of a habitable room according to the building regulations. Room height, lighting and ventilation, escape route. If it is not a habitable room, it can only be declared as an additional "bonus" room/hobby room and may not be added to the calculation of living space.

So thank you very much in advance for the very quick response! :)

As far as I know, an emergency exit must include an 80cm wide staircase. If I understand correctly, this would rule out the space-saving staircase I had in mind (tread width 50cm).

Look in the relevant state building code to see how "notwendige Treppe" is defined. In some federal states, even 1 meter width is required.

Living space exists once officially and once within the scope of actual use. Both are paid to you by a future buyer. Officially, it costs more and brings a higher return. Whether this is worthwhile compared to a residentially converted attic, I dare to doubt.

In fact, the Hessian building regulations do not specify an exact width, but rather that there must be sufficient space. It is best if I clarify this with the local building authority in advance. There are so-called 1 sqm stairs (Kenngott, eestairs) which, in my opinion, provide sufficient space. Let's see if the authority agrees. I would like the sqm in the attic to officially count in order to avoid later disputes.