Spiral staircase vs. half-turn staircase

Hello. We are currently planning our floor plan. Almost everything is settled, but we disagree with the architect about the staircase solution to the attic. It should be noted that we have 2 separate staircases; from the ground floor to the upper floor there is a straight staircase. There is another staircase going up to the attic (where only my husband's office is supposed to be) in a different location. Now our question: Is there a cost difference between a half-turn staircase and a spiral staircase? Obviously, it is hard to say because it also depends on the type of wood and scaffolding, but generally there must be a difference?! Our architect argues that a spiral staircase is not comfortable to walk on, but that is not important to us since the staircase will only be used 2-3 times a week. We are more concerned with choosing the cheaper option. And if that is the spiral staircase, it would also save space. Maybe someone can help us. THANK YOU!

Hello,

We are currently planning our floor plan. Almost everything is set, but we disagree with the architect about the staircase solution to the attic. It should be noted that we have 2 independent staircases; from the ground floor to the upper floor there is a straight staircase.

I wouldn’t plan or want something like that at all.

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

Why?

Now our question: Is there a cost difference between a half-turn stair and a spiral staircase? Of course, it’s hard to say because it also depends on the type of wood and the framework, but generally there should be a difference, right?!

Logically, a straight or half-turn staircase is more expensive than such a makeshift solution; regardless of whether it is a wooden or concrete staircase.

Our architect argues that a spiral staircase is not easy to walk on, but that is not important to us since the staircase is only used 2-3 times a week anyway.

That suggests your husband is self-employed, or at least needs a home office. Accidents often happen faster than you can say "Hello." So what happens if your husband, for example, breaks a foot or a leg? Using crutches on that staircase wouldn’t be very practical – but the office has to go on.

We are more concerned with choosing the cheaper option. And if that would be the spiral staircase, it would also save space.

Cheap and sensible would be to take advantage of the “window of opportunity” and extend the straight staircase up to the attic as well; admittedly, this staircase type does require quite a bit of space (is another type of staircase not an option?). In this way, you save costs – if you do it afterwards, it will be much more expensive – and keep the option to convert the office into a child’s/guest/retreat room someday.

Are you building with your architect or is he “part” of a provider? I ask because, in my opinion, he hardly has practical answers.

Kind regards

We MUST build the roof facing the street according to the development plan, but we want the entrance from the side. There are several reasons for this, which are well thought out. A solution with the entrance at the front or another staircase running along the gable side would destroy a lot for us in the floor plan.

But that is not the subject here
we are otherwise very satisfied with the solution.

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

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

Our architect has fixed companies to which he subcontracts trades.

We have discarded the option of letting the straight staircase run all the way up, because then we could save the attic conversion, as it would divide the long narrow area with standing height lengthwise, which unfortunately would be of no use to us.
To properly use the room upstairs, only a spiral or a half-turned staircase independent of the other remains.
Where the staircase is to be placed there would otherwise only be open space.

Thank you for your answer, so I can assume that a spiral staircase would be cheaper than a half-turned one, which is a start. Whether we finally install the half-turned option, we will decide then, but neither would be an emergency solution.

Thank you and best regards

Hello,

According to the development plan, we MUST build the roof facing the street, but we want the entrance from the side.

So gable end facing the street, that is nothing unusual.

To properly use the room upstairs, only a spiral or half-turned staircase independent of the other remains. Otherwise, where the staircase goes, there would only be open space.

I can understand that. Just remember, with any other staircase design your architect must ensure that the access in the attic provides headroom clearance; otherwise, there will be no building permit.

Kind regards

yes, that is no problem, thank you.