How to build a loft

[BIM_Engineer]

Lofts as an after thought can be expensive and difficult to install

So I've included  a simple lightweight steel (Cold Formed Section) staircase that the average DIYer should find relatively simple & cost effective to knock up with a basic tool set

If you played with a mecanno set as a child  then this is for you

https://dovedaler.com/2012/08/16/workbench-news/

A few points to consider 

• Purlin spans are for illustration purposes only
• All floor loft spans  to be checked by engineer
• Stairs suitable for 1.50 KPa Live loads
• Planning and Building applications are applicable check with your council
• etc,etc

[BibbyKat]

having a loft in my home would be wonderful. However, who does one go to to get quotes?
Who constructs these .. builders or carpenters.
I look forward to comments and advice.

[BIM_Engineer]

@BibbyKat here's a quick (M.U.C) estimate for the above based on Materials (Steel,Timber,Concrete),Units (Kg, m2,EI,etc) & Costs (Approx $7/Kg) There is approx 150kg of light gauge steel X $7kg = $1100 in materials + small extras.
DIY labour =0 cost
I've seen quotes in excess of $5000 (Ouch!) for supply material and fix similar stairs
My point is you need to have a far idea of these basic ingredients before you start to Plan, Design, Engineer & Build.
Bunnings has an excellent database of material costs...DIY what you can & $AVE!

[BibbyKat]

Thank you BIM_Engineeer for your great advice. Who do I approach to give me an honest quote and a good job?  Unfortunately, I find, that single women/widows are taken advantage of.

Builder .. carpenter ??? This is a job I won't be able to tackle. Able to help yes .. but I need a lotta help!! lol.

Live in the Coffs Harbour area.
Bunnings is my favourite shop .. spent 1-1/2 hours there today.

[BIM_Engineer]

@BibbyKat If you put up some photos and a rough sketch I might be able to help you get started
with preliminary details, engineering , data and general info...then you need to get the existing house surveyed , sketch drawn up properly, Quoted (I recommend 3 quotes usually) and into planning.Would love to be able to do more unfortunately Perth is a long way from Coffs harbour

[BibbyKat]

Thank you for your kind advice/help offer &. Your plans have awakened me .. am a visual person and can see how it works now, Thank you.
Feel somewhat excited now. Think 2017 will be a year of a BIG project. Not is too big a rush .. will seek out advice and investigate for the rest of the year.
I did think I would need an Engineer and/or Architect .. Council involved (ugh) and yes, would definitely get 3 quotes.
The steps will have to be positioned in the garage.
Yup .. Coffs is on the other side of the country .. best weather and area in Australia !! lol

[BIM_Engineer]

@BibbyKat You are welcome
I'll give a loft over a garage some thought and put up some visual 3D engineering and data

[Andy_Mann]

@BIM_Engineer, I have what I hope could be a win win proposition.

I'm assuming you have a contact network of engineers throughout Australia, maybe, on your site. I'm thinking that it'd be great if engineers across Australia could provide a shortlist of recommended builders/contractors.

From my experience, finding the right tradie/builder is the hard part, but I feel that structural engineers would be in the best position to know (from experience) who's trustworthy.

I think that it could be good for everybody, & even though it won't be cheaper for the renovater, it's money well spent for peace of mind.

Also, I really appreciate that you'er now responding to individual needs/situations.

Well done.

[BIM_Engineer]

@Andy_Mann I am also a contractor as well and it would be considered unethical
I am of the opinion, that is, "if client' s had the right tools (Ie.Designs, models, data.Apps) then, they would be capable of making their own informed decisions.. beit DIY projects or trade/contractor selection.." if you get my gist

[Andy_Mann]

@BIM_Engineer, no I don't get the gist, & I don't get how an informed person, passing on reputable builders/contractors would be considered unethical.

To be clear, I hold structural engineers in high regard, & never postulated them/you getting kicks back from passing on known, reliable builders/contractors to vulnerable renovators. It's all about good faith & goodwill, not abuse, or I'm too trusting/naive?