Sometimes the most satisfying projects are the ones that other tradespeople have already written off as "impossible." That's exactly what happened last week when I got a call from a frustrated homeowner in Tulse Hill, London who was halfway through a loft conversion.
The Challenge: A Staircase SOS
The story began with a panicked phone call. The customer explained that the company originally hired to install their staircase had completely ghosted them - leaving their loft conversion project hanging in limbo. Not ideal when you've already got half your house torn apart!
When I arrived for the site visit, the situation became clear. The homeowner desperately wanted a double winder staircase to avoid demolishing an entire wall and losing a valuable room in their home. The previous stair fitter had apparently told them it simply couldn't be done - the space was too tight, the angles wouldn't work, regulations wouldn't allow it.
Challenge accepted.
Why Double Winders Matter in Loft Conversions
For those not familiar with staircase terminology, a double winder involves two 90-degree turns in the staircase, effectively creating a switchback that can navigate tight spaces while maintaining proper step dimensions. In loft conversions, they're worth their weight in gold because they can dramatically reduce the footprint needed for access to your new space.
The alternative? A straight staircase that would have ploughed straight through an existing wall, effectively turning two rooms into one larger space. In today's property market, losing an entire room is simply not an option for most homeowners.
Making the "Impossible" Possible
After taking comprehensive measurements and reviewing the building regulations, I worked out that we could indeed fit a double winder staircase in the available space. The headroom was admittedly tight on one side, but still within the regulatory requirements - sometimes those extra few millimetres make all the difference!
It required some creative reconfiguration of the design and precise calculations to make it work, but that's exactly the kind of problem-solving that makes this job interesting. The regulations for staircases are quite specific about minimum tread depth, maximum riser height, and minimum headroom clearance - but they also allow for some flexibility in winder configurations.
The Installation Process
The entire installation, including the staircase and balustrade, was completed in just one day. We started by removing the temporary access ladder and preparing the opening between floors. Once the main structural components were secured, we fitted the treads, risers, balustrade, and handrails.
The pine/MDF staircase was designed with function in mind—maximising space while meeting all regulations. With the site still a work in progress, the priority was creating a safe, well-built access point that fit seamlessly into the project. The site was still very much a work in progress, but the staircase provided safe and efficient access to the loft, ensuring the project could move forward as planned.
The Result: One Very Happy Customer
The look on the homeowners' faces when they realised they wouldn't have to sacrifice an entire room was priceless. They'd been told by multiple people that what they wanted wasn't possible, and had reluctantly accepted they'd need to adjust their plans.
Being able to deliver not just a functional staircase but the exact solution they originally hoped for - that's the kind of job satisfaction you can't put a price on.
Lessons for Your Own Loft Conversion
A well-planned staircase can make or break a loft conversion. Finding a stair fitter who thinks creatively and works within regulations can be the difference between losing space and making the most of it. If you're facing a tricky staircase situation or planning a loft conversion, get in touch—we’re here to find solutions.
