lmrich Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 We have two sets of stairs to the upstairs; we never use the back stairs that lead to the playroom. I want to have them torn out and have the space made into a mudroom as this is the entrance from the garage. We would also open up the tiny broom closet located there and it would make enough space to house two big wardrobes and shelving. We would also have a nice closet to house toys in the playroom where the stairs were. Some people have said that having two sets of stairs in a nice selling feature - what do you all think? We don't plan on moving soon, but you never know, and I think more storage space beats an extra set of steps to try to vacuum. Let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I dream of a mudroom. Seriously. I would remove a second set of stairs in a heartbeat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Take out the stairs. Make the space you live in work for YOU, not for some hypothetical future buyer. Plus, I think a mudroom and more closet space is a definite advantage not only for you in the here and now, but also for a future buyer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2boys Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 Take out the stairs. Make the space you live in work for YOU, not for some hypothetical future buyer. Plus, I think a mudroom and more closet space is a definite advantage not only for you in the here and now, but also for a future buyer. :iagree: Ditch the stairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted February 22, 2009 Share Posted February 22, 2009 I can see where a second set of stairs would be a selling feature. We looked for a house a couple years ago and loved the ones with two sets. It seemed so romantic for some reason! But, I think I would've preferred a mud room to a second set of stairs. Plus, you'll have more space on the second floor! I say yank 'em!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldilocks Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 We took out our stairs in our previous home. We hated to do it because they seemed so charming. But we live differently than we did 100 years ago ... We did not regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 How else do you get to the playroom? Do you have to go through another room to get to it? If you ever convert it to a bedroom (in-law or master suite), it might be good to have the stairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I'd love to have two sets of stairs. :-o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Can you make use under the stairs? I'd leave the stairs...especially if I could make use of the space underneath... Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 How old is the house? If it's an old house, you *never* know what you'll find when you start tearing things out. Think "money pit". If it's a newer home, I wouldn't tear them out either. Something won't be right when the house plans are changed, imo. How many more years will you have that room as the playroom? You may not use those stairs now, when your dc are young, but you may use them later. I think it would be safer to add on, if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dawn of ns Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 How old is the house? If it's an old house, you *never* know what you'll find when you start tearing things out. Think "money pit". If it's a newer home, I wouldn't tear them out either. Something won't be right when the house plans are changed, imo. Stairs aren't a big deal. You do have to make sure that the floor joists you put in to replace the stairs are done correctly. Someone took out stairs leading to the basement in this house and simply nailed 2x6's to the joists. I am fearful of putting any weight on that space because it's already gotten soft over the years. Thank goodness we're moving! I would tear them out. It may be a nice selling feature but there's no sense in living for some future buyer. Besides, mud rooms are selling features too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 Thanks for the advice. We have a contractor coming on Tuesday to get us an estimate; that will be the deciding factor. We had thought about adding on to the back of the house, but it was too expensive. Our house is 20 years old and the playroom (which we will make into a media room someday) is off the main hall from the upstairs next to the laundry room. thanks again and I will let you all know the cost of this. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I always think a second set of stairs are an extra safety feature. But I would probably take them out and make a mudroom/closet space. I think that is more of a selling feature than a second set of stairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 The service stairs in our house were removed to house the furnace, but my furnace guy tells me the newer ones can be put anywhere, so I patiently await the day when the furnace dies (it's in great shape, so no time soon) and I get to replace those steps. Our house is 140 or so years old, though, and has suffered great indignities at the hands of previous owners, which we are systematically trying to correct. So my views may be a little different. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 You can't go wrong with extra, usable features!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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