skip to main content

Floor Opening for Basement Stairs Done Wrong

11 years ago

The opening for my basement stairs was framed incorrectly. For one, there is a cut in the double joist. Even worse, the 2nd floor stairs, which are right above, are not supported by the header. Long story short, I need to fix it.

I cannot sister new joists to the outside that span from the beam to the sill as there are utilities on one side and only about 4 inches to the next joist on the other.

I would appreciate any suggestions on how best to fix this mess.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

syd81
Original Author
11 years ago
Here is a diagram of what I am dealing with...
0
bus_driver
11 years ago
I think your concern is justified. When was this house built? Any recourse on the builder?
If it was mine, I probably could design and build the required strength into the situation. But it would would be wise to have a structural (Registered) engineer take look at it.
0
Related Discussions
Door or open down to basement from first floor?
Q
Comments (8)
Pics would have been helpful! Top of stairs leads to foyer which is next to great room. Bottom of stairs would open to what will be a bar area. A TV viewing area will be next to the bar area. More of a open space if you will. I can't keep the door where it is now as we want to put double doors looking into the bedroom so we can get all the daylight from the egress window. I don't want that door shown opening up directly in front a wall and next to a another door. We can ether blow out the doorway and that wall all the way back to the support beam or we'd make a new open in that wall next to where the black fridge is. But it feels odd to come down the stairs and have to turn to a doorway.
...See More
done right...done wrong!!!
Q
Comments (16)
I too am slightly confused about the issue. The clear picture has 2 doors and a dark track. Your picture is a single door with 2 colors for the hardware - Is that the issue? If you closed the doors in your first picture you would see something similar to your picture...Or is it the trim piece that the track is mounted to??? Hopefully we can give you some help!
...See More
Has anyone done a full staircase in a ranch from basement to bonus roo
Q
Comments (8)
That is what I did on that project. Came up with the concept for the home, designed the stair, then refined the concept around the stair. Kind of like juggling Jell-o.
...See More
How to select basement flooring to complement existing h/w stairs
Q
Comments (5)
I might be unusual but I probably wouldn’t try to match them. Id do a contrast instead. Maybe go super light or a very different tone on the basement floor. something that harmonizes but is definitely different. Good luck whatever you decide!
...See More
syd81
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the reply bus_driver, but the house was built in the early 60's by a builder long gone. It's all on me.
0
zagut
11 years ago
Please don't say it was framed "wrong".

It was framed 50 years ago and has held up for that long.

It looks like the load is carried by double joists on both sides.

Do they need to be stronger for some reason?

They've lasted 50 years so what's the problem?

Add a joist or LVL to the outside of the ones that have been crippled but unless you're going to add more load to them. What's the point?
0
syd81
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the reply Zagut!

You are right... I was wrong to say it was framed wrong and I am curious to know if this is how it used to be done too.

The stairs above used to lead to an attic, but I've dormered the roof and added a 2nd floor. So the stairs have been getting a lot more use, and I suspect the problem has been getting worse. So for 50 years it was fine, until I messed with it. :)

Also sounds like the pic might be confusing too.. hope this clears it up. There is no load path on the inside joist because of the cut in it.

I don't know that I need a double joist, all I know is that it is code.

Ignore the speaker wires. This is what I was working on when I realized I needed to address the framing problem asap.
0
bus_driver
11 years ago
The load is carried by widely spaced single joists. Look again. I'll bet there is some sagging that should be corrected.
0
syd81
Original Author
11 years ago
The joists in the basement are 2x12's - 12" on center, so there is little sagging. The tail joists in the pic are only about four feet long and are approx 18" on center. There is sagging, but it is due to the failure of the fasteners, which in turn, I believe, is due to the poor load-path.
0
zagut
11 years ago
Yep. One joist carries it all.

Double or triple it up and get some kind of fastener for those poorly fitted headers. (Plates or Bolts)

The other side should be doubled too.

Looks like the fellow needed glasses or a new tape measure.

Hey it's lasted 50 years but if you're changing the load it needs to be addressed.

This post was edited by Zagut on Sun, Feb 24, 13 at 12:39
0

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Why Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom

By By Any Design Ltd.

You love its beauty and instant high-quality appeal, but bathroom marble has its drawbacks. Here's what to know before you buy

HOUSEKEEPING Three More Magic Words to Help the Housekeeping Get Done

By Alison Hodgson

As a follow-up to "How about now?" these three words can help you check more chores off your list

LIFE You Said It: ‘Every Room Should Have the Right Wrong Thing’ and More

By Becky Harris

This week on Houzz we were inspired to break out of catalog styling ruts and let our design freak flags fly

COLOR 8 Color Palettes You Can't Get Wrong

By Lisa Frederick

Can't decide on a color scheme? Choose one of these foolproof palettes for a room that feels both timeless and fresh

LIFE Simple Pleasures: Game Night Done Right

By Laura Gaskill

What's that sound? Popcorn popping, friends laughing and maybe, just maybe, a little trash talking

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Islands: Pendant Lights Done Right

How many, how big, and how high? Tips for choosing kitchen pendant lights

DECORATING GUIDES Bean There, Done That: Coffee Table Alternatives

By Grace Chamia

Get creative with these ideas for salvaged and DIY pieces that will get people talking

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Things to Consider When Creating an Open Floor Plan

By Natalie Myers

A pro offers advice for designing a space that will be comfortable and functional

EXTERIORS 8 Homes With Exterior Paint Colors Done Right

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Get ideas for an exterior palette from these homes that run the gamut from Mediterranean to modern

MEDIA ROOMS Get It Done: Organize the Media Cabinet

By Becky Harris

Ditch the worn-out VHS tapes, save valuable storage space and find hidden gems with this quick weekend spruce-up

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

Termite damage- Should we still buy this house?

4

Help regarding a leaking roof

10

Urgent Need Costa Brava Terrassa Engineered Hardwood Batch of 20'-21'

0

keystone windmill dotted back tile change middle color on your own?

6

What's the easiest cost effective way to fix these kitchen cabinets?

15