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Hi,
so I’m completely new to DIYing and any sort especially woodwork but I’m keen to start learning. I’ve been reading articles about under stair storage and like the idea of drawers under stairs.
I like the idea of picture 1 and our current under stairs situation is picture 2. I’m not sure what the purpose of the hole in the door is either as it is empty inside.
any tips on how to even start or is this best left to the professionals?
Hello @newbie251
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about under stair storage.
I suggest having a quick look at these discussions - How to build in cupboards under staircase by @minnieS and Shoe shelves built into staircase by @den1ska along with How to build storage cupboards under stairs by @dannyrus. These should give you ideas on how you can build your storage under the staircase. For a first-time project it will be very challenging as there is a great deal to learn on the go. Generally, I would suggest a much easier project when starting out, such as a D.I.Y. timber plant stand by @joineryjo. Get yourself familiar with the tools and getting use to cutting wood.
If you can wait, I would suggest putting this project on hold and getting a few projects under your belt before you tackle this one. There is no reason you can't be the one to build this, you just need to gain some experience when it comes to building cabinetry.
Oh and in regards to the hole in the door, I suspect that the former owner had a pet and that was its residence.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Good Morning @newbie251
Draws under the stairs would be pretty handy to have 
And yeah I would be think that the hole is for a pets "get away" from everyone type deal
Being a newbie You could start out with small parts of the project and see how you feel with what you get done.
Step 1
Draw up your plan for what you want. Then flesh it out with parts you can purchase. Maybe use existing flatpacks you can purchase and then install them side by side so you dont have to come up with a whole design and build?
Step 2
Make a Plinth up to have these flatpacks sit on. It will help keep them all in the same plane plus you will find how you feel you are at timber work
Step 3
Remove the existing stuff. This correspond with step 4, I would probarly have a go at making the plinth first (making sure its square and joining the corners) and then make the decision to go all the way if you are happy with your work.
Step 4
Now its time to measure from the plinth up to the steps and however long you want it to go. This is where your sketch will help you out by slotting in the flatpack draw sets you have chosen.
Step 5
Installing the drawer rails. I actually found I was most nervous at this point But slow and steady and follow instructions and it went well.
Step 6
The facing front of teh draws install and the handles. Another nerve wracking part but again, patience and slow steping through.
Step 7
Making an overall "face" of the draws to follow the staggered steps if thats what you want or you could leave the air gap above the drawers, maybe do a couple of sketches either way and see what look you like?
Dave
