I don't know how much of a money saver it was. There was a lot of finish carpentry involved. They weren't just thrown togther by the framers. We have a traditional colonial. The basement stairs are below the main staircase, and the attic stairs are above the main staircase. The treads are clear white oak, to match the floors. The newels and ballusters are painted and the handrail is stained lyptus. There is a lot more than seen in the below pic. On the second level it wraps around the stairwell and there is also a 18' open balcony on the second level. Open staircases, like the one you posted, are very uncommon here. The ones I have seen were usually on bridal (or double bridal) staircases. Even then the underside is sheetrocked.

Great idea!! I don't know how people manage for months with no kitchen, but it sounds like you have found a great solution!

Your intent appears to be naive and/or cavalier. You are not creating "micro-units" which are very small apartment units that meet the space, ventilation and egress requirements of applicable building codes. What you are creating is an "illegal apartment conversion" which is the subdivision of rooms in apartments to create additional bedrooms and add occupants without meeting zoning and/or building code requirements, otherwise you would not be concerned about applying for a permit. In any state in the US, the concept of a "proper" wall is a specious fabrication; for a rented dwelling unit any partition must meet the requirements of the applicable zoning and building regulations when it is installed. I suspect you are not the owner of the apartment and might intend to add bedrooms without the knowledge of the owner. That would violate municipal ordinances and your lease. Design professionals are required by law to refuse to design or offer to design any building element that violates a building regulation and to report violations they encounter. Because life safety regulations are minimum standards intended to protect the lives and property of unsuspecting tenants, any intentional violation is subject to criminal prosecution. If you google "illegal converted apartments" you will discover the horrible preventable tragedies that overcrowding of apartments has caused. LINK 1 LINK 2 It is insulting that you would ask for advice on this forum. You will be lucky if no one flags your comments.

I think the grocery stores are being smart. Protect everyone & pay your employees! Safeway announced they are also installing sneeze shields at the checkouts to protect their workers. So far they are not limiting the number of people shopping at one time. Also a lot of their sales involved buying larger quantities....such as buy 6 and get a reduced price. There are notices up that there is a limit of one, such as toilet paper....and that voids the sale price. No rain checks. Also no returns on items. Safeway and Kroger are offering senior hours to shop, 60 & over. 7AM - 9AM. Tu & Thurs and mon-wed-fri @ the other. I got a killer deal on 80% lean hamburger today, $2.77lb/ 4.5 lbs. I keep getting free pasta coupons & money off with rewards shopping Safeway.