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Help a Reader Build a Sleeping Loft

By Matt Goyer December 13, 2008

A reader writes in wondering about

…a good architect to do some light remodeling in the Capitol Hill area. I’ve got a lofty unit and I’m looking to turn that loft-ish space into a nice sleeping area.

Of course, I haven’t seen the space but I wonder if he really needs an architect? Maybe a good contractor would suffice?

I own and manage Urban Living, a boutique Seattle and Bellevue real estate brokerage. I love lofts, floating homes, new construction, and mid-century moderns, but I will help you buy or sell just about anything!

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18 responses to “Help a Reader Build a Sleeping Loft”

ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 8:16 pm

I’ve seen several of these. If it’s a condo, make sure he gets HOA approval from the drawings first. Some need an architect and permits while others just need a handyman/contractor.

If it’s a condo, I’d ask the HOA if anyone else has submitted plans for approval of a loft. That would be a huge head start for him.
ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 1:16 pm

I’ve seen several of these. If it’s a condo, make sure he gets HOA approval from the drawings first. Some need an architect and permits while others just need a handyman/contractor.

If it’s a condo, I’d ask the HOA if anyone else has submitted plans for approval of a loft. That would be a huge head start for him.
ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 8:19 pm

P.S. the angle of the access, which usually looks like a ladder, is often the biggest consideration. Too straight up limits the popularity on resale, too angled is too intrusive on the lower floor space, spiral staircase works for space limitations, but they aren’t that popular these days
ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 1:19 pm

P.S. the angle of the access, which usually looks like a ladder, is often the biggest consideration. Too straight up limits the popularity on resale, too angled is too intrusive on the lower floor space, spiral staircase works for space limitations, but they aren’t that popular these days
evilpenguin says:

December 13, 2008 at 8:54 pm

Thanks for posting my question.

I’m actually not sure if I need an architect either. The loft itself is some pretty simple wood framing, which is something a competent contractor could knock out in his sleep, but I’d also like a really cool/compact staircase for getting up there and that seems a job for an architect.

Perhaps I should be splitting it into two separate jobs.
EP says:

December 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Thanks for posting my question.

I’m actually not sure if I need an architect either. The loft itself is some pretty simple wood framing, which is something a competent contractor could knock out in his sleep, but I’d also like a really cool/compact staircase for getting up there and that seems a job for an architect.

Perhaps I should be splitting it into two separate jobs.
ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 11:41 pm

http://www.rhs-products.co.uk/staircases_berlin.html

Most can be pretty ugly, but I’ve seen some like the one above as “The Berlin” model used well.

Electronically retractable ones are efficient and cool…but ugly. At least you only see them when going up or down.
ARDELL says:

December 13, 2008 at 4:41 pm

http://www.rhs-products.co.uk/staircases_berlin.html

Most can be pretty ugly, but I’ve seen some like the one above as “The Berlin” model used well.

Electronically retractable ones are efficient and cool…but ugly. At least you only see them when going up or down.
phi on qa says:

December 14, 2008 at 12:20 am

I’ve seen some cool staircases where they build storage into the area below, from bookcases to media storage. The benefit is you can use a normal step rise/run and not waste space. No pics I’m afraid, but google – staircase storage.

They seem to allow very steep steps in Europe, don’t know if the same is true here. Here’s a USA version –
http://www.arkestairs.com (thanks google ads)
phi on qa says:

December 13, 2008 at 5:20 pm

I’ve seen some cool staircases where they build storage into the area below, from bookcases to media storage. The benefit is you can use a normal step rise/run and not waste space. No pics I’m afraid, but google – staircase storage.

They seem to allow very steep steps in Europe, don’t know if the same is true here. Here’s a USA version –
http://www.arkestairs.com (thanks google ads)
Nick says:

December 14, 2008 at 2:20 am

I have a very creative and skilled carpenter who can knock it out in one weekend. He is helping me build this:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h60/coolguynick1/4.jpg

email me for his contact info.

-N
Nick says:

December 13, 2008 at 7:20 pm

I have a very creative and skilled carpenter who can knock it out in one weekend. He is helping me build this:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h60/coolguynick1/4.jpg

email me for his contact info.

-N
Justin says:

December 14, 2008 at 2:39 am

Coincidentally I am looking to do the same thing in Trace North. My biggest stumbling block is the ladder. It is looking more and more like I’ll need to have it custom made.
Justin says:

December 13, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Coincidentally I am looking to do the same thing in Trace North. My biggest stumbling block is the ladder. It is looking more and more like I’ll need to have it custom made.
bryson says:

December 14, 2008 at 9:25 pm

If I had space for a ladder in my place I would get this one:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70103801
bryson says:

December 14, 2008 at 2:25 pm

If I had space for a ladder in my place I would get this one:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70103801
mike, an architect says:

December 16, 2008 at 5:44 pm

We recently built a library loft with pull-down “attic-style” ladder in our office space between Lucky Devil and People’s Republic of Koffee. Our wood framing was a bit crude (we’re not carpenters) but there are some great industrial systems of aluminum structural members that I could point you toward.
Drop me an e-mail: [email protected]
mike, an architect says:

December 16, 2008 at 10:44 am

We recently built a library loft with pull-down “attic-style” ladder in our office space between Lucky Devil and People’s Republic of Koffee. Our wood framing was a bit crude (we’re not carpenters) but there are some great industrial systems of aluminum structural members that I could point you toward.
Drop me an e-mail: [email protected]

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