I'm looking to create some under-stairs storage by installing a door on the outside of my house. I have a tall staircase that is hollow inside and covered with stone on the outside. Other homes in the area have similar setups, and I want to mimic their designs. This project will involve cutting into the stone to install the door and may require some landscaping work, like removing bushes and adding a step. I'm wondering who the right professionals are for this job - should I be reaching out to an architect, an engineer, or a contractor? Given that it involves a staircase, I want to make sure everything remains structurally sound while I tackle this project.
3 Answers
The good news is that you likely won't need to alter the stairs structurally for this project. The part where you're looking to install the door shouldn't be structural—it's just backing for the stone. A good contractor can take care of peeling away the stone veneer, adjusting the framing for the door, and then putting everything back together neatly. Just be cautious about where the supports are; you'll want to avoid those when deciding where the door should go. Move it a bit to the right if there are support posts under the landings.
For landscaping, you should be fine hiring any landscaper. When it comes to cutting into the stone and installing the door, a mason is your best bet unless it's a simple veneer piece. They can also handle creating a matching step. A mason can do the whole job, but if you're budget-conscious, consider hiring a handyman or general contractor for the framing and door installation—it might save you some cash while still getting the work done right.
You might want to consider hiring a carpenter for this job. If you're feeling adventurous and have some DIY skills, this really isn’t a complicated project—you could probably do it yourself with some research! Just make sure to check any local homeowners association rules regarding the type of door you can install, particularly if visibility is a concern.