Changing a staircase can dramatically improve the layout of a property.
In many cases, installing or relocating a staircase is entirely internal and creates no Party Wall issue.
However, some staircase alterations involve structural work that can affect shared walls or floors.
A staircase itself is not normally the issue
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is concerned with particular types of work.
Replacing a staircase within your own property does not automatically require notice.
The important question is what structural alterations are needed to accommodate it.
Enlarging a floor opening
A new staircase may require an existing floor opening to be enlarged or a completely new opening to be formed.
In a house, this may simply involve your own floor structure.
In flats, however, floors can form party structures between different properties.
More substantial alterations should therefore be considered carefully.
Cutting into a party wall
The new staircase may require beams, trimmers or other structural members to be supported by a party wall.
Where structural members are inserted into the party wall, Party Wall procedures may apply.
Removing adjacent walls
Staircase projects often form part of wider layout changes.
If a load-bearing wall is being removed or a structural opening formed next to the stairs, those works may be more relevant to the Party Wall Act than the staircase itself.
Flats also have lease considerations
Leaseholders should remember that structural alterations can require landlord consent even where the Party Wall Act does not apply.
The lease, planning position, Building Regulations and Party Wall requirements should all be considered separately.
Ask before demolition begins
Once you have structural drawings, the Party Wall position can usually be assessed relatively quickly.
Simple Survey can help
If you are relocating a staircase or making structural alterations around an existing stairwell, Simple Survey can review your drawings and advise whether Party Wall procedures are required.
Send us your plans before works start for clear and practical advice.