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Remodeling Design Dilemma living room

Raise Sunken Great Room?

6 years ago

We recently purchased a traditional home built in 2002. I immediately noticed the sunken great room and my first thought was to have it raised. However, I noticed that sunken rooms seem more modern by adding steps. I am replacing the carpet with hardwood floors. Should I raise the floor or add steps?

Featured Answer

Lisa G

6 years ago

There are code requirements and math involved for the number of steps and height of each step which depends on the rise & run. You can't just magically decide to add another step.

I would always vote to raise the area to make it level with the rest of the house, but you have to consider the fireplace box, outlet height, as well as the window height (I believe there are code requirements for both outlets and windows, not sure about requirements on fireplace hearth).

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Comments (11)

acm
6 years ago
This question doesn't entirely make sense -- what does it mean to add steps? You already have a step down, and I don't think you want more...

It might be possible to raise the floor, but that will depend on the height of all window and door sills in the room, as well as the height of any overhanging ceilings. Have a contractor talk it through with you to see if it's really worth it.
niyab
Original Author
6 years ago

Thank you. I've attached the picture to give you an idea of what I mean, more steps as opposed to just the step down.
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Thank you for your response, the ceiling height in the basement would be to level out with rest of basement. No, I would not want to go lower. The sunken living room floor on inside has joist hangers already, this is on the main house middle beam. I do NOT have my floor open yet but here are pictures I found online that would be very similar to mine. the hangers on inside with wall dividing rooms right on the load bearing beam. The other picture would be the way on outside of wall with joist sitting on sill plate. My thought was that the living room floor that I need raised has no bearing on the rest of the structural walls. With in this living room I would be able to remove finish floor, sub floor to see all of floor joist.
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I too hope someone can weigh in on this decision even though the thread is older. We were given a bid to level the sunken living room so we can have continuous wood, rather than the sunken living room with carpet sandwiched between wood floors. I worry also about the sound difference even with insulation. Has anyone experienced this? If I don't spend over $2,000 to choose this option, is it a terrible idea to have step downs into the living room with the surface being all wood- no visual transition? Thanks to all that can help.
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littlebug zone 5 Missouri
6 years ago
I don’t know what you mean either. More steps? Like ADDITIONAL steps down into the room at other locations within the room?

If it were me, I wouldn’t think twice: NO steps. Bring the room up to level.
williann
6 years ago
If you can bring it level, then that's what I would do.

Love all your natural light!
niyab
Original Author
6 years ago
@ little bug - yes I was asking about adding an additional step so that it doesn't look dated or raise the floor. Thanks.
niyab
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks williann.
PRO
Anglophilia
6 years ago
If you can do nothing, at least add a railing for those steps. At my age, railings are a BIG plus and a true safety feature.
tatts
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
If you add another step, you'll have to lower the floor! There's only room for one step in the drop you have (unless you make it a silly, pointless set of 2- or 3-inch steps).

I'd raise it, if possible.
Milly Rey
6 years ago
I don't think you're allowed to have steps less than 4" high.
niyab
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone for your feedback!

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