Space below stairs (appointed, sales, houses)

[TestUser1]

Hi,

I was visiting the house that is getting constructed newly and I observed that the space below the stairs is getting closed and giving us a little space for storage. In the same model I see that they have given that space as storage in the same community. When I called the field manager, he said, his manager may not allow for the correction. Just framing was done and I thought they can cut them there instead of closing it. We really liked the storage and disappointed with this. People may think that is just a storage space, but in that space, we can place the folding chairs that we can pull out whenever we are having some party. What are my options now?

Thanks,

[jennifw]

I always love it when the maximize every bit of storage instead of just closing it in. I would get the sales manager on the phone right now and get it corrected. I think it is a fair assumption that your house would have this if other homes have it.
Stay on top of it so it isn't too late to make the change.

[TestUser1]

Thanks for the reply. I sent an email to both the sales manager and field manager with the photos of how it is getting constructed and how it the space was provided in other houses in the same model. I will verify one time with them.

Thanks,

[EDS_]

Depending upon how the stairs were constructed remediating them to allow for storage underneath might be quite expensive.

[TestUser1]

Originally Posted by EDS_

Depending upon how the stairs were constructed remediating them to allow for storage underneath might be quite expensive.

So for cost cutting, they closed that so that they don't have to do the work below those stairs or is it expensive for them to correct that now? I assume they use the same process in constructing the stairs if that is the same model they are building.

[rok8man]

I would advise to get on this issue and be aggressive as you can to get your storage in. We had the same issue. We have a curved staircase and there was plenty of room for storage through our master closet. We asked the builder after it was framed if they frame a small door and they had no issues with it. They didnt charge us any extra money either. They wanted to charge money to run power to the room. We said we didnt want power. They even finished the inside with baseboards and carpeting. So instead of lugging things up to the attic we have a nice closet space that is handy.

Good luck.

[Rakin]

Almost every builder finishes out the space beneath the stairs.

I call it a Mother In Law Suite.

You are getting shorted and it makes great storage space / tornedo shelter.

[jennifw]

Originally Posted by TestUser1

Thanks for the reply. I sent an email to both the sales manager and field manager with the photos of how it is getting constructed and how it the space was provided in other houses in the same model. I will verify one time with them.

Thanks,

I would not rely on email. Call them or go there.

Good luck.

[TestUser1]

Originally Posted by jennifw

I would not rely on email. Call them or go there.

Good luck.

I called the field manager twice yesterday and day before yesterday and left the voice message. Yesterday I went to the sales office and met the sales manager and expressed the concern. He said, usually they provide that space and gave me the field manager's email address. I emailed the photos to him, including the sales manager. Today I called the field manager again and spoke to him. At that time he mentioned that his manager may not agree for the correction, but he will check the email and photos that I sent to him. Today I will call him again and go to the office to meet them.


Thanks,

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by TestUser1

So for cost cutting, they closed that so that they don't have to do the work below those stairs or is it expensive for them to correct that now? I assume they use the same process in constructing the stairs if that is the same model they are building.

It might be expensive to correct now. I'm not saying they built the stairs cheaply either, they may have used vertical supports running from the slab to the bottom of some of the stairs. It's even possible, although unlikely, that they used the old box on a box technique. This is an expensive way to build stairs usually reserved for stairs that will see lots of use.

Have they sheet-rocked around the stairs? Can you see the underside of the stairs? If so try to get a pic or two and post them.