New single-family house - gable roof, concrete staircase to the attic?

Hello everyone,

we are planning the construction of a new single-family house (KFW70). The builder has suggested building the tiled concrete staircase up to the attic at an additional cost.
At the top in the attic, a boxing with a corresponding door would be made, and the open areas (around the boxing) would be insulated according to Kfw70 specifications. Additionally, screed would be laid.

As a layman, I would be very happy if someone would respond to my questions:

a) What do you think of this proposal? Is this how it’s usually done? Would you do it? (Additional cost about 5-6 thousand)

b) We want to convert the attic at some point. Unfortunately, money is a bit tight right now, so we have to weigh our options.
Later on, with the pull-down staircase, it will probably be much more complicated, right? How much effort would be expected afterwards
(of course then with a wooden staircase – concrete probably won’t be an option anymore?!)

c) Heating pipes would be laid up to the attic (ground floor & upper floor = underfloor heating). If the screed is in the attic, would that mean the underfloor heating is no longer possible?

I would appreciate any advice / opinion,
Lacos

Hello Laco, I am still too much of a beginner in construction matters to be able to help much with experience and advice, but we are thinking about a similar situation. In any case, we have been convinced by the argument to lead the stairs directly into the attic (you can find that in the thread with the floor plan ideas for a 140m2 single-family house in this subforum).

The architect suggested continuing the normal stairs as a wooden staircase into the attic, so concrete at the bottom and wood at the top. Whether and how that works or looks good, I cannot really imagine yet, but for cost reasons I am currently considering switching entirely to a wooden staircase.

So far, there has been no talk of screed and underfloor heating upstairs, but rather wooden flooring and radiators. However, I do not know what is better in terms of price-performance ratio or energy efficiency, but I would be very interested in that!

Best regards,

Kazazi

Hello,

a) What do you think of this proposal? Is that how it’s done? Would you do it? (Additional cost about 5-6 thousand) b) We want to eventually convert the attic. Unfortunately, money is a bit tight, so we have to weigh it now. Afterwards, with the retractable staircase, it will probably be much more complicated, right? How much effort would you have to expect afterwards (of course then with a wooden staircase – concrete probably won't be possible?!)?

Since you want to convert the attic yourselves later anyway, this question shouldn’t even arise. A staircase installed directly on site in the attic costs – compared to a later conversion – far less money, mess, and nerves. To save costs, the standardized wooden staircase from the provider can help reduce expenses – however, it starts from the ground floor. Personally, I find the material mix, especially regarding staircases – not even “just” to the basement – quite interesting to look at.

If you want a concrete staircase, the question arises about the ceiling above the last insulated floor. If it is a collar beam ceiling, connecting a concrete staircase is quite complex and expensive; therefore, it is recommended to have the floor slab executed in concrete as well. If you stay with the standard wooden staircase, the execution of the floor slab doesn’t matter; everything is also cheaper.

c) Heating pipes would be laid up to the attic (ground floor & top floor = underfloor heating). If the screed is in the attic, is the underfloor heating then a no-go?

If you buy the attic “only” prepared for conversion, the staircase will be continued, the surrounding walls executed in drywall, an interior door installed, all pipes cut off above the floor, the necessary lighting adjusted, and the insulation placed on the rough floor. Screed or underfloor heating are, in my opinion, not included; but you can certainly order these at an extra cost.

The provider must have told you something about the scope of services?

Rhenish regards

Subsequently installing the screed brings a lot of water and dirt into the house. I would have the screed and the underfloor heating done at the same time.