Hi everyone, I'll keep it simple - I'm in a place with very high (25-30 foot) ceilings and therefore want to build a partial first floor to maximise use of space. Kind of an all-the-way-round mezzanine, open in the centre.However, I don't own the porperty and expect to be there 2-3 years, so wanted the cheapest solution possible, and not necessarily permanent.It's been suggested to me that a scaffolding frame might be the answer, on which I can put platforms, build stud walls etc. just as I would any normal floor, rather than going to the trouble and expense of building load-bearing wooden stud walls on the ground floor and building on top.Anyone got any experience of this / knows the pros and cons? Particularly wondering about price comparisons (for both bvuying and long-term hiring) and the potential for what I could build on my first floor (what the scaffolding can take...)Thanks! I'm in London (UK). Remember - temporary, cheap, and load-bearing
check with owner of property i doubt if his insurance would allow such a contraption inside his building i think you should reconsider this plan sounds like you want to create a very hazardous situation
I agree with both 1 and 2, and certainly the property owner should be consulted. Much like Vacation cabin designs with a loft area, surrounding a first floor open to view from above, either choice would be labor intensive for a rental, BUT,,, the Landlord, might subscribe to the idea, if it was constructed as a decent, permanent addition. Properly constructed using Wooden supports, IE: 6 x 6, and floor joists, with stairs/ladder, the balance of the second level would be better supported, but more permanent. The Wood construction would also allow more OPEN first level floor/ movement space. Scaffolding will not, given it's support structure. Certainly a valid idea, and if you have the skills, worth pursuing, if you also have permission to do so. If you approach this properly, consulting the owner, you might not only get an OK, but perhaps negotiate some financial aid in the job. Steven Wolf just my two sense
I have known people build decks in rented rooms - both with scaffolding frames and with load bearing timber. The latter in a fairly tatty rental was fixed to the walls with heavy duty anchors and joisted across, simple and cheap - all that was necessary was to fill the holes afterwards. The scaffolding idea is as easy - and depending where you source your materials relatively cheap. (get it second hand from a scaffolder - or look at a key clamp system for a more refined finish). You need to be careful where you are bringing the loads down - particularly if you are on a suspended timber floor. This was a platfrom for a bed with a study niche underneath and wardrobe space. What you are contemplating sounds rather more ambitious, however. Building stud walls and so on may bring you into contravention with the Building Regulations, and will almost certainly breach the terms of your lease. Either of these could land you in hot water. You need to be aware you may compromise your own safety in the event of a fire, as well as that of the other tenants in the building, so think carefully about this.
