The staircase going in

  This happened two months ago.  I remember the date only too well and not very fondly.  We had originally got a quote to have the staircase built as we needed one to fit exact dimensions and therefore could not buy one off the shelf.  The carpenter quoted £2,500 to build and fit the stair case.  We have managed to save money in most areas so we set to work trying to figure out how we could get this cost down.  Eventually we found a website that build staircase's to order.   The website enable you to design your own website to specific dimensions.  As you put you measurements in it came up plan drawing of what it would look like.  Once we had measured everything G phoned the company and they made a couple of alterations to ensure we had the required head height on the stairs.  The end price for the Internet stairs was £700 so we made a saving of £1800 but had to fit them ourselves. Here is the website just in case anyone else fancies a bit of staircase designing:  http://www.stairbox.com/stairs/    When the staircase arrived the straight section was complete but the winder section that is at the bottom was in pieces

The landing before the staircase was fitted



The arrival of the staircase coincided with G's birthday week and that is the reason that I don't have fond memories of fitting it.  G for some strange reason known only to himself decided that we would fit the stairs the day after we had gone out for his birthday drinks and I had the worse hangover in the world, even he admitted to being very jaded.  G never admits to a hangover.  We did have a great night and all the group of builders in the bar who have been so supportive of G's building endeavour tried to get him drunk by buying him drinks all night.  They were really impressed with how well he can hold his drink as in the bar he didn't show any signs of being drunk.  All I can said is that they didn't have to walk home with him!

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The staircase precariously balanced



The staircase with the bottom winder section fitted

If I were going to choose any job to do with a hangover  - fitting a staircase would be at the bottom of  my list.  It was tricky and at times dangerous.   We had to try and get the staircase in the correct position before we could bolt it to the wall and fit the winder section at the bottom that helps support it.  The photos show the staircase in various stages of being fitted.   G worked like a trouper.  I just about coped and had to have a few lie downs to get me through.

A rare occasion me cleaning the end product

The finished staircase

Mogay cuts the ribbon



It was a great moment when we first climbed up the stairs and no longer had to rely on the ladder.  We we delighted to have Mogsy as our guest of honour for the official stair opening.  She cut the ribbon and we toasted with a glass of sparkling wine.  This is the closest she has come to doing any work on site but her visits are always enjoyable.