SCIENTIFIC VASTU | STAIRCASE | An Architect Explains

A Staircase is a series of steps connecting different levels in a Building. Stairs allow you to move from one level of the home to another level – easily and comfortably. Hence in a House with more than one level, the Staircase will be used everyday, a number of times. Hence the Staircase should be comfortably designed for the users. The Staircase is usually accessed from the Dining Room.

A staircase is a series of steps connecting different levels of a house

Listed here are some Vastu Guidelines for design of staircase. Since Vastu is a science, every guideline is based on logic and scientific reasoning. As an Architect, I have attempted to explain these guidelines rationally and scientifically, under the following headings, so that you can decide what you want to follow and what you don’t, instead of looking at Vastu Shastra as a superstition.

What is the best position of a staircase according to Vastu?
What is the best position of a staircase according to Vastu?
What is the ideal direction of the staircase flight according to Vastu?
What are the Vastu specifications for a staircase?
What are the ideal vastu colours for a staircase room?

 


ACCORDING TO VASTU, WHAT IS THE BEST LOCATION FOR A STAIRCASE?
The staircase should be in the South-West, South or West. However, it is not advisable to build a Staircase on the North-East side. The Reason – The North-East is to be left open according to Vastu, in order to allow the morning sun rays to enter the house. Hence if a staircase is kept in this corner, it will block the sunlight. But if there is no other choice, the staircase can be placed here as the internal circulation is also important. But in case the staircase is located in the wrong position according to Vastu Shastra, then there are remedies which you can read about in my post Remedies for North-East defects
Avoid an internal staircase in the centre of the house

Avoid internal staircase in the corners or the centre of the house: The Reason – If an internal staircase is in the corner, the room from which it is accessed cannot be used properly. Similarly, if the staircase is in the center, a lot of useful circulation space is wasted. 

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL REMEDIES FOR STAIRCASE IN THE NORTH EAST DEFECT?

A Staircase in the North-East side is not advisable and is considered a defect. The staircase should be in the South-West, South or West. The Reason – The North-East is to be left open according to Vastu, in order to allow the morning sun rays to enter the house. If a staircase is kept in this corner, it will block the useful sunlight.

REMEDY FOR STAIRCASE IN THE NORTH-EAST: If there is no other choice, the staircase can be placed here as the internal circulation is also important. Here are some useful remedies that you can follow:

  • If possible make sure the landing ends in the South West.
  • Plan an open staircase.
  • Choose light colours, materials and shape for the stairs, so that the NE corner is not blocked by a heavy structure.


 


ACCORDING TO VASTU, WHAT IS THE IDEAL DIRECTION OF THE STAIRCASE FLIGHT?

The first flight should be from East to West or North to South. The Reason – This will ensure that the lower steps will be in the East or North, while the higher steps will be in the West or South. Thus the useful, morning light from the East and the constant light from the North will not be blocked by the Steps.

Turn clockwise when turning into the next flight: The Reason – Since most people are right handed, they tend to hold the handrail on the right hand side. So when they turn onto the next flight, it makes sense to continue holding the right handrail, for which the next flight should be on the right side which means one has to turn clockwise.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR STAIRCASES IN VASTU SHASTRA?

There should be odd number of risers in a staircase: For example 15, 17, 19 are acceptable. The Reason – Since most people are right handed, they generally put their right foot first, while climbing a staircase. So when they end the climb, they prefer to end on the right foot. This is possible only when there are odd numberof steps. It is for this reason that the right foot is equated with gain, the left with loss.

Avoid a spiral staircase in a house

Avoid circular or spiral staircase: The Reason – A circular staircase takes up and wastes a lot of space, especially in the corners and in the rooms adjacent to it. A spiral staircase is very uncomfortable to climb and not very safe. Also the space below it is not very usable and there is the risk of bumping into it as there is no proper head room.

Avoid rooms under a staircase: The Reason – Often, people  use the space below a staircase for small rooms like Toilets, Safe, Puja etc. But every time people climb the steps, a person using the room below gets an uneasy feeling of somebody stamping on their head. He doesn’t feel safe either, as if the whole thing will collapse on him.

WHAT ARE THE IDEAL COLOURS FOR A STAIRCASE ROOM?

The ideal colours of the staircase area are light colors. The Reason-  One can see the steps clearly, if the whole area is painted a light color as this reflects light.

This post was about the Vastu guidelines for the design of Staircase. The Staircase leads to the next floors namely the Basement and Upper floors and the Terrace where the Overhead Water tanks are located. Read the Vastu guidelines for the design of these spaces here:




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162 thoughts on “SCIENTIFIC VASTU | STAIRCASE | An Architect Explains

  • May 27, 2021 at 3:08 pm
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    East to South corner L shape stairs in my house building plans. Sir any problem this Side stair.

    Reply
  • April 17, 2021 at 2:15 am
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    Sir
    We soon starting construction of our South facing plot. we will stay on first floor and rent the ground floor. Kindly suggest we keep stair in South west direction that is first step in East to West. Staircase is U shaped than entry will be from balcony of South and L shaped stair case the entry in room will west or north which direction is good please suggest.

    Hi Dr Rakshita Puranik,
    North direction is best.
    Admin

    Reply
  • January 26, 2021 at 1:51 am
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    Can I build my child bedroom on top of the kitchen

    Reply
  • January 16, 2021 at 10:54 am
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    Thank you sir for replying to everybody and helping us all. My staircase is on the east and first steps rising from west to east. North east is a vacant room for study. Will there be any problem as per vastu because of the stair case position and direction?

    Reply
  • December 23, 2020 at 5:07 am
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    How to correct the anticlockwise stairs ,
    Other than living Flowers Pot at the starting
    Please suggest.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • September 15, 2020 at 12:34 am
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    My house is east facing. The entire frontage is for car parking say 30 ft width * 16 ft dept. Kitchen is in south east corner, i am planning to construct inside staircase after kitchen in south east corner. Stairs climbing up towards south and then north direction towards first floor. Is this okay as per Vastu?

    Reply
  • August 20, 2020 at 1:20 am
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    hi sir,my house in east facing, main door in east direction but the staircase is exact south portion enclosed the walls four side except entrance for stair in south direction for reach tenant in first floor is it okay?

    Reply
  • July 29, 2020 at 1:40 am
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    Hi..i m constructiing a house wiith stairs in south west portion…but stairs are going anticlockwise….what is the vastu remedy for this..

    Reply
  • December 6, 2019 at 8:20 pm
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    Sir,
    I am having a North west plot, where I am trying to have a west oriented house. I have porch in Northwest and stairs in North quadrant. Is the stair in North quadrant Good? MasterBedroom is in first floor. so do I need to place a anticlockwise stair?

    Reply
  • November 12, 2019 at 11:34 pm
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    I am planning a house in west direction, I am having MB in SW, Kitchen In SE, Study Room in NE, common toilet in West side of NorthEast quadrant, Carporch in NW,
    I placed stair just in East of north west quandrat, is it safe as per vastu.

    Reply
  • June 14, 2019 at 11:30 pm
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    Hi sir we are constructing house facing towards west from ground entry stair is west to east and when enters into home from inside we are planning to stair from north flight to south landing to first floor is it okay according to vastu please explain

    Reply
  • June 1, 2019 at 11:10 pm
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    Hello,
    I have built a house facing south. Now i want staircase in south-east side facing west to east. Is it good as per vastu ?

    Reply
  • May 3, 2019 at 11:31 am
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    hi , i m constructing my new house , n my staircase block is in north so is it right or should i change?

    Reply
  • April 29, 2019 at 10:44 pm
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    Hi Sir,
    My home is North facing .For taking 1 more floor, we are planning to construct staircase on east wall of living room and starts from middle of east wall climbing towards south direction.can you suggest if this position is ok for staircase?

    Reply
  • March 20, 2019 at 10:29 pm
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    I builded 3 storey building east facing. Inner staircase started from 8feet away from northeast corner. Is it vasthu ok need to change anything. Guide me.

    Reply
  • March 20, 2019 at 6:07 pm
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    Hello Sir, thanks for your article.

    I have purchased one house which have south said main road. My house doors are in east direction and main gate is south east . My stair cases are in south east corner starting from south to north as first flight and then north to south . That means when we start stair cases we are facing north and also I have wash room attached to stair cases in all levels next to stage area and entrance from stage to toilets , it is 3 floors building . What are the options I have to correct the stair cases or is there any remedy ?

    Reply
  • March 20, 2019 at 6:06 pm
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    Hello Sir, thanks for your article.

    I have purchased one house which have south said main road. My house doors are in east direction and main gate is south east . My stair cases are in south east corner starting from south to north as first flight and then north to south . That means when we start stair cases we are facing north and also I have wash room attached to stair cases in all levels next to stage area and entrance from stage to toilets , it is 3 floors building . What are the options I have to correct the stair cases or is there any remedy ?

    Reply
  • February 11, 2019 at 8:40 am
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    My main entrance is below the starcase. Is it true as per vastu.

    Reply
  • February 11, 2019 at 8:23 am
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    Hello Sir,
    I like to build the starcase . My entrance gate will be below the starcase. Is it good or not as per vastu

    Reply
  • November 24, 2018 at 12:32 pm
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    Hi, I am having Appartment which is North Facing and having master bedroom in south west, and I want to make spiral staircase in that corner of room which is south east corner of that room, staircase will start from north towards south and then towards west. Please advise.

    Reply
  • October 27, 2018 at 5:48 am
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    A square plot has main road in North and street road in East. Is it be called North facing or East facing or NE facing?

    Reply
  • September 28, 2018 at 4:29 pm
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    Hi my house is east facing and we have stairs on eastern wall leaving approx 10 feet from Northern wall. Total steps is 19. Is it right. Steps starting towards east to south to North to East.
    Is this ok or required any changes.

    Reply
  • September 27, 2018 at 12:18 pm
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    Hello Sir, we plan to purchase a duplex flat main door facing north and staircase are straight shape in hall start from west to east can u plz help us staircase position acceptable as per vastu.

    Reply
  • September 21, 2018 at 12:06 am
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    Sir,my house staircase is in the northern wall of the house.is that to worry?

    Reply
  • August 16, 2018 at 10:22 pm
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    Hi we are living in usa my house is constructed facing towards northwest direction but the staircase is just opposite Direction of the main door & in the center of the house. Is there any remedy for the stair placement..thanks
    Hi,
    Please do not apply vastu guidelines in USA. They are relevant only in India.
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 27, 2018 at 2:50 am
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    Hi,
    I want to put a stair case inside the 1st floor of my house in the sit out area which is fully roofed.
    The step direction starts from west to east and east to west to reach the second floor. Is the direction of steps is OK as per Vastu? Please give your comments.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  • July 15, 2018 at 3:40 am
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    my staircase is in north west direction facing South but there is no turn or landing we constructed straightly with 13 steps. is turn is needed in between?

    north

    Reply
  • June 14, 2018 at 9:14 am
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    Sir we are contracting east facing house having stairs on SE corner outside & toilet is under stairs,stairs starting from West please suggest some remedy

    Reply
  • May 26, 2018 at 9:16 am
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    Sir my house is facing north and stair case is in North East direction.but from north east corner towards south is landing area and then from south side steps going towards west…is there any problems ? Or else can I extend the north east corner towards east direction for a prayer room or sit out etc

    Reply
  • April 26, 2018 at 10:56 pm
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    Hi,
    Your thoughts and suggestions are logically and Scientifically good. Which will helping pepole to utilise space more effectively.
    Regards,
    Yogesh

    Reply
  • April 6, 2018 at 12:26 am
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    Sir our plot is west facing 45 by 60. Towards road facing 45 feet. We want to build a 3 storey building and which is the best corner to build a staircase from outside and also to place a elevator . We want to place the main door in northeast direction.we want the best position for staircase location following perfect vaastu rules .plz kindly guide me

    Reply
  • March 14, 2018 at 9:40 am
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    Dear Sir/ Madam,

    I looked at an apartment which is north facing, it has three apartments on one floor one is east facing one north facing and the other is west facing. the available one is north facing and has steps at the north east corner for all the floors (Five floors) People say that it is in auspicious. I have read on internet also same. Request your inputs too.

    Please note that the main entrance of the apartment is South however all the flats have the other three directions.

    Reply
  • March 5, 2018 at 10:21 am
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    Hi Sir, when i cross over many sites for vastu i found yours is very useful. we are building a house at north facing. it is full of car parking in the ground floor. Main Entrance is start from 1st floor. Outer staircase is started from left side (the middle of the east ) . There it will be started from west to east
    then turn to north. Is this right or wrong.? we got so many confusion. please give some clarification. so that we can proceed further.

    Reply
  • March 4, 2018 at 8:47 pm
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    Hi our house is constructed facing towards north and staircase is situated in North West location but the headroom is also located in North West direction so many of the people are telling that headroom should not be placed in North West direction so what is the remedy to be followed and is it so ?
    Hi Sasirekha,
    There wil obviously be a headroom above the staircase. According to me it is okay.
    Admin

    Reply
  • November 13, 2017 at 10:07 am
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    Sir,
    we are building a house North Facing with 30 degrees East.
    The stairs is almost in the center of house but starts from E/ SE portion of kitchen to the SW/NW part of Master room. Stairs has the dinning on one side which is the NE and living in the other side SE/SW.
    Is there any remedy for this stair placement.
    Thanks
    Hi,
    Why do you need a remedy? As long as the stairs is not coming in the way of any room, it is fine.
    Admin

    Reply
  • November 8, 2017 at 8:16 pm
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    I am planning to construct a east facing plot wherein 3 floors will be constructed , we understand staircase block should be in south east and main door should be in north. Is this good understanding ? As we are not finding any design where we can have staircase from south east and main door from north. Any solution to above problem.
    Hi,
    The door and staircase positions are decided by the layout of your house. An architect can help you.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 29, 2017 at 1:05 am
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    My West facing house has main gate in south west of west. Stairs are in the east. A toilet is in the north. Other is under the stairs what remedies can be done.
    Hi,
    Nothing to remedy. JUst make sure that the toilet under the stairs is not cramped because of lack of headroom.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 20, 2017 at 1:50 am
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    Hello,
    We are planning to start renovation shortly. Ours is a East facing site and our Staircase is on the North East side, with about 5ft space from the Eastern compound Wall. The Staircase is fully open and not enclosed. Just wanted your opinion to know if this is acceptable, as per vastu.
    Thanks in advance.
    Hi,
    It is okay since it is away from the NE corner and is open.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 13, 2017 at 8:38 am
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    Dear sir
    I’m attached a link of my house map
    https://www.opendrive.com/file/ODVfMjk5ODMyM19pWlJNVQ
    Engineers draw stair in Northeast which is further from 5.6 from North east corner,according to plot is good but as per vaastu is bad. kindly suggest me,I can build stair in east side.as per map 3rd portion of hall-East side, if map link work.
    Thank u
    Hi,
    I cannot access your link. Since the stairs proposed by the engineer is away from the NE corner, you can go with it.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 11, 2017 at 10:45 am
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    i am constructing a house with stair case in the southwest corner (north to south – landing – turn Right -south to north). The question is how many steps to have..
    For the first ramp i.e. from north to south.. I am planning 11 steps where the when placing the 11 footstep i land on the landing.. then turn right.. take the following options (a) take 10 steps and land on the first floor slab at the 10 step or (b) take 11 steps and land on the first floor slab on the 11 step.. pls let me know which option is correct
    Hi,
    Both options are okay.
    Admin

    Reply
  • September 11, 2017 at 1:56 am
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    Hi Sir,
    we are planning to start duplex house construction in site having 780 sqft which facing to South and main door on east side. we need clarification on internal stair case.as per my architect stairs starting from east to west(one step) and then take right follwed by 10 steps(towards north) and then right follwed by 9 steps(towards south).
    could you please confirm whether last step should be towards to east/west or any facing is fine.
    Hi,
    Any direction for the last step is fine.
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 27, 2017 at 9:16 pm
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    sir , we have an east facing house , plan is rectangular. We want to extended the entire south side which would result in a having a car porch and larger living room on the SE and South side respectively . The SW side will have a new office room with staircase which is extended from the master bedroom..
    As the new SW corner will be no longer master bedroom but an office room with stairs, is it ok as per vastu? Please let me know? Thank you.
    Hi,
    Since the master bedroom is still in the Sw quadrant it is ok. An office in the SW is good as per Vastu.
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 25, 2017 at 7:42 am
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    Thanks for scientific explanation cery well written post
    Can the bathroom entry door below the staircase ? Please not me the bathroom itself is not below staircase its next to it but only the entry door of bathroom can it be below stairs ?
    Hi,
    Thank you. Yes you can have the door below the stairs, but only make sure there is enough headroom.
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 20, 2017 at 11:35 pm
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    Respected Madam,
    My house is south facing and main gate in south east and stairs in SW , first flight of stair is from south to north and then north to south.
    my first floor entry door which is open in living room in SW.
    however boundary wall main gate of building is in SE after 2 feet of SE corner.
    is all above is OK for problematic.
    Hi,
    Everything you have described is perfect. No problems!
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 15, 2017 at 4:33 am
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    Hello Sir,
    I’m building a house in Sydney which is North Facing and all the floor plans have staircase in NE direction or in the entry facing the front door.
    As per vastu these are not the best positions but here in Sydney builders don’t move the staircase.
    Regards,
    MJ
    Hi,
    Please forget about vastu in Sydney since the orientation wind directions, etc are al, different from that in India.
    Admin

    Reply
  • July 7, 2017 at 8:26 am
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    Sir,
    I want to build 1st floor with Stair in the South side and it is clock wise. Since I have not enough space, the stair flights are from North to South,South to West and then from West to North( Three fold). Windows will be on the landings. In the ground floor, the stair is in the NE corner which will be demolished and will be shifted to South portion. From your Article, I understand that first flight should either towards East or North. But due to lack of space ,I cannot arrange that. Do you think that it will be a major issue as per Vastu Shastra? Please advise.
    Hi,
    No there will be no problem. It is good that you are demolishing the stair in the NE corner.
    Admin

    Reply
  • June 18, 2017 at 3:51 pm
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    Hello Sir/madam,I am planning to buy a house.I have selected a Double storied house with East face Main Gate entrance and North face main door.The staircase to first floor is at North West corner(not touching North or West Compound wall)starting from East face but problem is…steps falling inside the main Gate.I mean steps are exactly opposite to Main Gate.Is their any problem with Staircase placement. Kindly advice.
    Hi,
    No there is no problem
    Admin

    Reply
  • June 2, 2017 at 8:15 am
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    Dear Sir
    I have a residential house in ground floor. Now I want to construct one official space just upper to residence. Kindly advise regarding staircase for upper floor which will be construct out side of the house. One main road is lying in west side
    Hi,
    Since you want to use the upper floor for an office, it is best to have the staircase close to the main road in the west, preferably on the SW corner.
    Admin

    Reply
  • May 31, 2017 at 2:02 am
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    Sir
    M planning for a simplex house facing south,so main entrance in South side,according to vastu, Southeast corner is best for kitchen & Southwest is best for master bedroom,so there is another bedroom aside to master bedroom as I read. bt again according to vastu Southwest is best for staircase,so how can I plan the staircase..
    Hi,
    forget the ideal vastu positions. Place the staircase in such a place that when you reach the upper floors, it is somewhere towards the centre half of the house.
    Admin

    Reply
  • May 13, 2017 at 2:25 am
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    Sir I am going to build a new house in a plot of 36×60 having gali in north and east my stairs will be east to south to north then east is it ok?

    Hi,
    The mst important factor in orientation of a staircase is the planning of your home.There should be short and quick access to the first floor. So avoid long stairs.
    Admin

    Reply
  • May 8, 2017 at 12:57 pm
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    Hi,
    I am planning to construct my house. The stairs have a total 17 steps however can you advise how many steps should be on the first landing? Is it advisable to have a window on the wall of the landing?
    Kindly please advise.
    Thank you
    Hi,
    You can have a window at the landing.
    Admin

    Reply
  • April 25, 2017 at 6:08 pm
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    Sir,I’m constructing a 3 storied building,with steps 21 in ground floor,20 in 1st floor and 20 in 2nd floor considering odd number rules for the entire building.Now,I’m told that each floor should have odd number steps.Since ground floor and 1st floor have already been constructed,what are the options left for me to rectify it?Please guide me
    Hi,
    There is nothing to be done. Just to have odd number of steps, you will have to alter the height of the risers in the next flights. This can affect the smooth movement along the staircase and people can even stumble.
    Admin

    Reply
  • April 25, 2017 at 6:56 am
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    Sir my house is West facing. The stairway firstly rise to South than it goes to West and finally goes towards North. Is it right or wrong please suggest me.
    Hi,
    It is okay as easy access to the first floor is of primary importance.
    Admin

    Reply
  • February 20, 2017 at 3:51 am
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    Sir My site is 30*40 north side , ground floor front 18*30 car parking and remaining is 2 BHK house.for first floor we have taken the staircase from North & east side but it starts 6 feet from North&east corner.In first floor North east corner is balocony to enter the 1 st floor house.
    can u pls check the staircase is on Northeast side but we have avoided 6 feet .is it k or not..it will be serious problem or any correction is there.
    Hi,
    It is okay because it is away from the NE corner.
    Admin

    Reply
  • February 20, 2017 at 1:34 am
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    Is it OK to build the bathroom under staircase
    Hi,
    You can do that if you are short of space. But you must realise that there will be corners that are stunted in height and make the space feel cramped
    Admin

    Reply
  • February 12, 2017 at 8:45 am
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    Dear Madam.
    I have one query. While calculating risers in stair case do we consider landing also as one step.
    Hi Veeresh,
    Yes the landing is also counted since it is also a step, just that it is bigger.
    Admin

    Reply
  • February 12, 2017 at 8:42 am
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    This blog is very much useful to those who are now newly constructing the houses.
    Hi,
    Thank you for your appreciative comment. Glad it was useful to you
    Admin

    Reply
  • January 30, 2017 at 6:01 pm
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    my stairs under construction will be more comfortable if it goes up in an anticlockwise direction … is it vasthu compactible
    Hi,
    It is okay as the comfort in use is most important.
    Admin

    Reply
  • January 1, 2017 at 9:18 pm
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    Hi Sir,
    I am planing to buy flat which is east facing door,however in front of main door staircase is there and next is lift is there south side. Is it good for us?
    Hi,
    In most apartments there will be such a situation as you have described. It cannot be helped. bUt you can keep your maind door closed except when in use.
    Admin

    Reply
  • December 31, 2016 at 6:19 am
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    Hi
    We are constructing a house duplex model its a east facing house one stair case is south to go to first floor.
    In first floor SE we have staircase for terrace which is outside, now in elevation we wanted to build a roof (Pyramid / Slopping hut like model) on top of that open SE staircase, but it will be three feet height above the SW side of house is it okay as people say SW should always be elevated then any part of the house.
    Regards
    Sreedhar
    Hi,
    If you believe in this (SW should be higher than other parts of the house), then avoid having the pyramidal roof.
    Admin

    Reply

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