Thinking of moving a staircase? We explore the pros, cons and costs

"A staircase isn't just a way of getting from one floor to another. It's often one of the first things you'll see when you walk through the door, and in many homes, it's an architectural feature. Changing its position can completely alter how a house feels, but as with all major alterations, before you grab the sledgehammer or call in a carpenter, it's worth understanding what's really involved."

"For some, it's about space. Older houses, particularly period terraces, weren't designed with modern open plan living in mind, and staircases in awkward positions take up valuable floor space. By changing your type of staircase, or by shifting a staircase to a new position - perhaps against a wall - it's sometimes possible to reclaim valuable square footage, or create a more open plan layout."

"Moving a staircase might also be a fundamental part of a redesign. Building an extension may change the footprint of the ground floor, or adding a loft conversion might introduce a new staircase that doesn't line up neatly with the one below. Moving or reconfiguring the existing staircase when renovating a house can help create a better sense of connection between floors, and avoid awkward landings or pinch points."

Moving a staircase can dramatically transform a home's layout and visual impact while being highly disruptive and potentially expensive. Common motivations include reclaiming floor space in older houses, improving open-plan flow, and accommodating extensions or loft conversions. Repositioning can create a sweeping entrance, resolve misaligned stair runs, and avoid awkward landings or pinch points. Structural alterations often add significant cost and complexity and may require input from structural engineers and builders. Work in an occupied home can be messy and inconvenient. Careful planning, design choices, and professional execution are essential to balance benefits against disruption and expense.

Read at Homebuilding