Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Dec 19, 2013 7:21 am Hi all Seeking some input on step heights – we’re mid build and the levels have worked out a little different to what was on the plan, just working out if it’s a problem or if I just need to adjust my thinking and get on with it. The extension will be 230mm lower than the old part of the house (two 115mm steps). At the end of the extension is a deck at the same level. The deck is then 380mm above the yard (two 190mm steps). These appear to meet the BCA requirements (just) but concerned that they might be too shallow/too high. The plan was to have all four steps at approx. 150mm. The brick piers are in place so it’s a mission to change it now – but I guess easier now than once the framing is all complete. What do you think – is this actually a problem or should I just forget it and move on? Cheers! Re: Help with levels 2Dec 22, 2013 9:38 am My personal opinion is that your internal steps at 115 mm while they meet the BCA are not a comfortable height. I'd rather have one step at 150 - 180mm ( you'd obviously have to raise the lower floor) or two steps at the same heights ( lower the lower floor). See if you can setup some temporary steps at these heights somewhere and walk up and down them a few times especially at 115 mm. I find a riser height of 170mm to be the most comfortable. Anytime I draw plans for clients I try and have steps at a constant riser height anywhere in the house or outside - not always possible of course but they end up being consistent. How many brick piers are you talking about ? If only ten or so then it is pretty easy to knock off the top two bricks and replace them with a paver at 50mm thickness etc depending on what height you are trying to achieve. Stewie Re: Help with levels 3Dec 27, 2013 8:47 pm 2 rises @115 while maintaining the standard 240/250 going will not comply. There is also a little rule called the comfort ratio. It states that 2 times the rise plus 1 going must equal between 550-700. 2 rises @115 and on going @240 only equals 470. If you were to make the tread width at least 320 it would comply. This would put you inside the limits, and only just. If you wanted to keep the treads the same width the deck set would equal 700 which puts it right on the max. I would change it. I never like dong stair rises or handrail heights right on limits as there is no tolerance if everything doesn't fit exactly to the mm. If you get a bit of shrinkage, movement or slight out of alignment the certifier could knock it back. Re: Help with levels 4Jan 26, 2014 2:29 pm Thanks for the thoughts. Just wanted to report back that we lowered the extension (me with a brick saw, cutting a course of each pier) so that our steps are a much nicer 165mm each. The flooring is complete and the stairs look and feel great. Also, we've setup a blog with our reno stories - feel free to check it out. http://timandkatiesrenovationdiary.blogspot.com.au/ Hi, have purchased a house with 2 single garage doors. The Centre pillar one side sits proud to the other. Can I change 2 doors into one. Please see picture. 0 6349 Hi there, long-time lurker but first time posting. I've bought a house 2 and a bit years ago and last year we had some major water damage on a converted pergola area… 0 7931 Yes, unless you are in a low intensity rainfall area or the area is protected from rain. Do you have access to NCC Part 2 or can you download it? I can email you a copy… 10 12512 |