Knocking through mid floor landing wall to build additional stairs to a planned extension.

[fandyman]

Hi,

Excuse me if this request for advice is beyond silly as my knowledge of structural works is low at the moment.

I am at the planning stage of building a two storey side extension. Before engaging SE I wanted to double check if anyone has experience on knocking down part of the walls (assume load-bearing?) around staircase to make space for new stairs to the 1st floor of the planned extension.

The idea is to knock through as much as possible height wise so that the general feel of the staircase is maintained and build about 7 steps to a landing that would lead through what is currently an existing en suite bathroom of a master bedroom to the planned extensions 1st floor area where new bedroom and bathroom will be. This will mean the bathroom will be replaced by a landing as attached.

Would it be possible to use set acrow props to support the stairs and then another set of acrow props from the middle landing up to support the wall if load bearing or I am talking complete nonsense and it is not possible. If however it is possible how high I could knock the opening through to make it look more like extended staircase and place the lintel above?

I wonder if it is at all possible from the structural and economical point of view. Let me know what are your thoughts.

 

[^woody^]

Put the lintel in first before removing the wall. Start cutting the slot and you should find the wall self supports. Use saws if possible to cut the joints and minimise banging with a hammer.

Otherwise yes your plan is OK regarding supports.

Perhaps level with that existing widow for the level? Too high will make the opening look narrower than it is, and may look odd.