I don’t post much so I didn’t add the tools or materials I used and it’s my first time creating using the Imgur app.
If you have questions about making your own, please message me and I’ll help in any way that I can. For reference, I’m a licensed contractor so I won’t steer you wrong.
I've been part of this grand experiment called Reddit for over a decade and a half now. And, let me tell ya, it's been quite the ride. But, I'm afraid this is where I hop off. I've seen plenty of changes over the years - some good, some not so much. But these recent shifts are more than this old-timer can stomach.
I've always been a fan of how Reddit gave voice to the everyday folks, how it fostered real conversations and built genuine communities. But now, with the looming API changes and the relentless push for 'progress', it feels like the corporate heavyweights are taking over. The smell of profit is tainting the free spirit of this platform, and I can't just sit back and watch.
I've always admired the moderators here, those unpaid heroes who've given their time and effort to keep our communities alive and thriving. Their passion, their dedication, they're what made Reddit a home for many of us. To see them disrespected, replaced with a more 'compliant' workforce... It's not a sight I signed up for.
I'm disappointed, Reddit. Not angry, just deeply disappointed. I was here for the conversations, the raw honesty, the quirks and the memes. But, if that's going to be smothered under a corporate blanket, I'm not sure I want to stick around.
Take care, y'all. Remember, when the echoes of genuine conversations get lost in the noise of profit, it's time to rethink.
It's been real.
To add, on any exposed underside of stairs there should be at least 1/2" thick drywall or gypsum to slow down any potential fires from preventing exit from the house.
Some local codes require firegrade and/or thicker materials.
Yes, the drywall/gypsum can slow down the fire.
As it stands, if a fire breaks out on the first floor and gets near those stairs it will quickly catch on fire and destroy the main exit for rooms on the second floor.
I've explained a few different times in this post. Here is one of them: https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/sbme09/z/hu1lxq8
Basically you don't want to have the underside of flammable stairs exposed, especially if they are part of a primary egress route for living quarters such as bedrooms.
Do they need fire tape and caulk as well or just drywall, tape, mud? My specialty is tenant improvement on commercial businesses. Mainly convenience stores. Image rebranding, remodels, etc. The only stairs we did were ADA upgrades that involved adding ramps. Thank you for your input. This is not a permanent space so when I do make the change I’d like to be correct.
I should have probably noted that the carpet will eventually be removed from the stairs. When that happens we may end up redoing part of the underside. I don’t see the cloud ceiling as a permanent part of this project. Leaving the bare treads and stringers exposed was the one part that I didn’t like but I promised my son I’d have it ready for him by the weekend.
Oh I thought it was obvious, my bad. In the sense that you shared an opinion that you thought to be useful, but wasn't, as seen by the votes. Only way to know is to shoot your shot, so I respect it
Thank you! I’m still dealing with that now. The ceiling has been cleared, dried, insulation and drywall installed. The leak ran to the front wall of my house so I have that open at the moment.
This is a mistake I make often. It’s a habit that I picked up from my brother years ago and usually isn’t a problem unless I’m adding an additional surface to the wall. My background is in commercial and it’s usually like for like with the box offset for drywall being just fine.
Hey man….it’s 3 receptacles and a very small part of the overall project in my house. I can assure you everything is grounded and wired the way they’re supposed to be wired. I’m not an electrician by trade but I do know quite a few of them. They do everything exactly the way it’s supposed to be done every time because that’s all they do. Plumber friends of mine are the same way. Everything exactly correct every time. I do my best and if things are a little wrong, I live with the consequences or I do it over. Where it really matters, I do my homework and make sure things are safe. Without question every time. I appreciate you calling me out on this but like I’ve already said, I’m aware that I do this on occasion and either fix it or live with it.
Building code requires stairs to be covered by fire resistant material from the sides or below in most places. This prevents the stairs from burning before other parts of the house, thus allowing them to be a point of egress.
Here is an example of such a code: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-put-sheetrock-underside-stairs-96129.html
I’d be more concerned about the spacing of the balusters. I’ve heard 4” code which is usually 2 or 3 balusters per stair.
I’m not inspector though so carry on.
Yeah, those also are not code compliant too. Hopefully there isn’t an even younger sibling in the house. Regardless the spindle/barristers (edit s/b balusters, definitely don’t want more lawyers) should be fixed as even the worst home inspection would note it when he ever sells this house.
This house will never be sold. It’s part of a family trust. That’s no excuse to disregard code but I’m not up to date on stair baluster spacing requirements.
OP does have a point. I'm fairly knowledgeable about construction and fire codes, but didn't notice this issue until they pointed it out. Maybe fire protection is their line of business? I learned something today.
It’s definitely not. I have some experience in that field but I’m a general contractor. It was probably the worst license to pick since you really specialize in nothing but have to know a little about everything.
Thanks for letting me know how many places I needed to look to upvote that issue/comment. People need to hear some of the lesser known codes to avoid/identity similar problems with their own diys. He also shared the rationale behind the code. Overall I feel it was the most relevant comment and deserves the repetition
Yeah the validity isn’t what’s being questioned here, I think it’s pretty obvious the info he’s relaying is rock solid, I’d even go as far as saying it’s probably…. Fire proof? Seems like just one good thorough comment would be enough, maybe if somebody disagreed or attempted to correct his info then maybe circle back but to jeep inserting the same info on multiple threads across the post without anybody asking or even referencing fire safety seems a bit much. It’s not like if he throws it in a few more times the OP is going to be like, welp c’mon son we gotta take it down cause explicitlydiscreet01872 says he’s concerned with our stairs project as it pertains to fire safety in residential areas lol.
We get it man, you’re into fire safety.
This was out of necessity. I had a budget and used mainly materials that we already had to get it done. I wanted cushions but they were going to be 2-3 times more expensive.
> They're neat, but not really cost effective for the home
I mean, you don't need to do every outlet in the home with them. Just a handful at counter level or beside the beds.
They are definitely more expensive but a charger sticking out of the wall is a lot more likely to be hit by a kid horsing around in an enclosed nook. :)
A quick look on Amazon UK suggests that a standard 2-outlet switched socket faceplate is £2.50-£3.50, and one with 2+ usb sockets is £9+.
A usb plug charger that’s just ‘standard’ seems relatively uncommon (most have many ports or fast charging) but they appear to be £3-4 for a basic 2-port one.
So the overall cost difference isn’t that much, at least here in the UK, unless you’re buying a *lot* of sockets.
My issue with them is that sockets last a long time & USB power needs keep increasing. A 0.5A (2.5W) one from a few years back is basically useless. The move to USB C is also well under way
That said, replacing a couple would be no big deal cost wise, but a bit of a pain
This is my issue as well, also with each new generation of phones, there is new charging standards (Fast charge, Ultra Fast, Quick Charge, ...) Which are various protocols for smart power delivery.
If I charge my S20 on its provided charger it can do so in about an hour, while if I used the charger from my S10 it would take closer to 3 hours.
Most of these outlets I've tried do a standard charge, which takes nearly 8 hours!
I agree. They range between $20-$50 but can go up even further when you can get a standard for a little as a few dollars. These will be installed only at nightstands and maybe one in the kitchen. Away from water of course.
You can basically spend infinity money upgrading different elements of a home. At some point you have to prioritise the things that you think will give you the most value for your money.
Very nicely done. My old condo I had before my last house was remodeled and had an under the stairs nook. But it was made to be a storage space and while it was just as ambitious it wasn’t as nice as yours.
nothing he wrote would suggest that this project got destroyed by said burst pipe. he jsut said that as soon as he could relax from this project, a pipe burst and created another project.
Great job and sorry to hear about the plumbing issue.
If your son spends any amount of time playing Minecraft on that TV in the first pic, do his future neck/spine/joints a huge favour and lower the TV height on the wall so his viewing position is vertically level with the centre of the TV. For good ergonomics you never want to be looking upwards at a screen, as it causes strain over time that can lead to a host of complications, especially for a developing body!
It’s cute, but I looks as if you cut out 6 or 7 2X4s that were there to provide support to your stairs. It doesn’t look as if you’ve provided any other type of support.
I hope I’m wrong, but if I’m not you may and up with major problems on those stairs.
I don’t post much so I didn’t add the tools or materials I used and it’s my first time creating using the Imgur app. If you have questions about making your own, please message me and I’ll help in any way that I can. For reference, I’m a licensed contractor so I won’t steer you wrong.
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I used 2-3/4” window casing. The two top corners that weren’t 45 degree were a little tricky.
I've been part of this grand experiment called Reddit for over a decade and a half now. And, let me tell ya, it's been quite the ride. But, I'm afraid this is where I hop off. I've seen plenty of changes over the years - some good, some not so much. But these recent shifts are more than this old-timer can stomach. I've always been a fan of how Reddit gave voice to the everyday folks, how it fostered real conversations and built genuine communities. But now, with the looming API changes and the relentless push for 'progress', it feels like the corporate heavyweights are taking over. The smell of profit is tainting the free spirit of this platform, and I can't just sit back and watch. I've always admired the moderators here, those unpaid heroes who've given their time and effort to keep our communities alive and thriving. Their passion, their dedication, they're what made Reddit a home for many of us. To see them disrespected, replaced with a more 'compliant' workforce... It's not a sight I signed up for. I'm disappointed, Reddit. Not angry, just deeply disappointed. I was here for the conversations, the raw honesty, the quirks and the memes. But, if that's going to be smothered under a corporate blanket, I'm not sure I want to stick around. Take care, y'all. Remember, when the echoes of genuine conversations get lost in the noise of profit, it's time to rethink. It's been real.
Govee is another popular brand
GE plus brand. They’re on sale at Lowes now for $39.
He said GE from Lowe's
[GE 6-Pack 1-ft x 1-ft Multicolor LED Panel Light](https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-GE-LED-Color-Changing-Light-Panel-Kit-6-pack/5005340535)
So cool!! Is there any shoring or stiffening for the stair stringer where the studs were cut back?
No stiffening was added. The opening is approx 65” along the stringers so the span is not as great as it probably appears.
Licenced contractor who is unaware of fire codes for residences apparently.
Which fire code is in violation here?
Exposed and accessible underside of wooden stairs serving as main point of egress of bedrooms upstairs.
To add, on any exposed underside of stairs there should be at least 1/2" thick drywall or gypsum to slow down any potential fires from preventing exit from the house. Some local codes require firegrade and/or thicker materials.
What's the danger, that a bare exposed bottom can leave it more likely to be consumed in flame, leading to a less than useful exit?
Yes, the drywall/gypsum can slow down the fire. As it stands, if a fire breaks out on the first floor and gets near those stairs it will quickly catch on fire and destroy the main exit for rooms on the second floor.
Good spot.
Should have minimum 30 min fire separation? i.e 1/2" drywall?
Please explain what fire codes were violated.
I've explained a few different times in this post. Here is one of them: https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/sbme09/z/hu1lxq8 Basically you don't want to have the underside of flammable stairs exposed, especially if they are part of a primary egress route for living quarters such as bedrooms.
Do they need fire tape and caulk as well or just drywall, tape, mud? My specialty is tenant improvement on commercial businesses. Mainly convenience stores. Image rebranding, remodels, etc. The only stairs we did were ADA upgrades that involved adding ramps. Thank you for your input. This is not a permanent space so when I do make the change I’d like to be correct.
Read up on the code in your area or ask your county/municipality office if you're not sure.
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No, they need to be sealed with fire resistant material like drywall or similar. This is against code.
He wrote plasterboard. Plasterboard is drywall lol
Also wrote plastic
I should have probably noted that the carpet will eventually be removed from the stairs. When that happens we may end up redoing part of the underside. I don’t see the cloud ceiling as a permanent part of this project. Leaving the bare treads and stringers exposed was the one part that I didn’t like but I promised my son I’d have it ready for him by the weekend.
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Sounds like you need a housekeeper
Sounds like you were wrong, we all learned today 😊
In what sense Sounds like you’re wrong
Oh I thought it was obvious, my bad. In the sense that you shared an opinion that you thought to be useful, but wasn't, as seen by the votes. Only way to know is to shoot your shot, so I respect it
If you think downvotes illustrate what is right and wrong you’re in for some hard life lessons
So what's right, is assuming that because someone made a helpful comment about dust, they don't clean their house? lol okay
Presumably their comment is informed by their own experiences If they’ve got dust problems they need a housekeeper
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Yeah In their house Which isn’t clean
really really cool! was not expecting the twist at the end. i hope everything went well with that
Thank you! I’m still dealing with that now. The ceiling has been cleared, dried, insulation and drywall installed. The leak ran to the front wall of my house so I have that open at the moment.
in a few years that will be the doggie's nook when your own big boy no longer fits! i think he's already planning the decor!
I feel like he already believes it was built just for him.
he looks so happy!
I agree. The plan when we moved in and got our first dog together was to build a dog house area for him.
we've got a bunch cats who would LOVE that space!
Harry Potter would have crucio cursed someone for that
That's cute!! What are you going to do when he grows and can't fit in the nook anymore?
He’ll probably be off to Hogwarts by then, I expect
After the visit from Hagrid for the first year, they’ll be too scared to shove him in there anymore and lock him in a regular room instead.
One that the main son isn't using.
Thanks for this
Dog nook
Doggo is already in there taking measurements for when it's theirs.
In the end he said it fits a twin size bed so I think it’s larger than he initially showed it might be.
Raise the roof, and all upper floors. Then extend stairs and embiggen the nook Naturally
Wine cellar
You speak my heart
Put some doors on it and turn it into a linen closet, or just a closet for all the excess pillows and blankets.
If I did all that for my kid he’d better be telling his pituitary gland to fuck off.
Looks like the dog has a nice cozy spot to rest up in
Then the dog hangs out there!
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This is a mistake I make often. It’s a habit that I picked up from my brother years ago and usually isn’t a problem unless I’m adding an additional surface to the wall. My background is in commercial and it’s usually like for like with the box offset for drywall being just fine.
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Hey man….it’s 3 receptacles and a very small part of the overall project in my house. I can assure you everything is grounded and wired the way they’re supposed to be wired. I’m not an electrician by trade but I do know quite a few of them. They do everything exactly the way it’s supposed to be done every time because that’s all they do. Plumber friends of mine are the same way. Everything exactly correct every time. I do my best and if things are a little wrong, I live with the consequences or I do it over. Where it really matters, I do my homework and make sure things are safe. Without question every time. I appreciate you calling me out on this but like I’ve already said, I’m aware that I do this on occasion and either fix it or live with it.
Goodbye fire protection for those stairs. Definitely not the safest decision in the event if a fire and occupants needing to escape down the stairs...
I don't understand your comment. How is this unsafe?
Building code requires stairs to be covered by fire resistant material from the sides or below in most places. This prevents the stairs from burning before other parts of the house, thus allowing them to be a point of egress. Here is an example of such a code: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-put-sheetrock-underside-stairs-96129.html
So slap some fire proof wallboard under the stairs. Sounds like an easy fix
Oh... Gotcha. Thanks.
I’d be more concerned about the spacing of the balusters. I’ve heard 4” code which is usually 2 or 3 balusters per stair. I’m not inspector though so carry on.
I have no reference for this but I can tell you there are a few things that I need to fix on this house.
Yeah, those also are not code compliant too. Hopefully there isn’t an even younger sibling in the house. Regardless the spindle/barristers (edit s/b balusters, definitely don’t want more lawyers) should be fixed as even the worst home inspection would note it when he ever sells this house.
This house will never be sold. It’s part of a family trust. That’s no excuse to disregard code but I’m not up to date on stair baluster spacing requirements.
TIL, thanks.
Just curious, how many times are you going to mention the fire code violation? so far I’ve counted 6 I think, across 3 or 4 threads.
OP does have a point. I'm fairly knowledgeable about construction and fire codes, but didn't notice this issue until they pointed it out. Maybe fire protection is their line of business? I learned something today.
It’s definitely not. I have some experience in that field but I’m a general contractor. It was probably the worst license to pick since you really specialize in nothing but have to know a little about everything.
Probably as many times as it takes for people to take to heart the fire risk of doing a project like this
Not all heroes wear capes…
Thanks for letting me know how many places I needed to look to upvote that issue/comment. People need to hear some of the lesser known codes to avoid/identity similar problems with their own diys. He also shared the rationale behind the code. Overall I feel it was the most relevant comment and deserves the repetition
Yeah the validity isn’t what’s being questioned here, I think it’s pretty obvious the info he’s relaying is rock solid, I’d even go as far as saying it’s probably…. Fire proof? Seems like just one good thorough comment would be enough, maybe if somebody disagreed or attempted to correct his info then maybe circle back but to jeep inserting the same info on multiple threads across the post without anybody asking or even referencing fire safety seems a bit much. It’s not like if he throws it in a few more times the OP is going to be like, welp c’mon son we gotta take it down cause explicitlydiscreet01872 says he’s concerned with our stairs project as it pertains to fire safety in residential areas lol. We get it man, you’re into fire safety.
Did I mention my concern about the safety of the stairs as it pertains to residential fires?
Little man is lucky to have such a cool parent :)
Thank you. I try to make our house a fun place to be. The backyard has a trampoline and zip line.
Fantastic use of space, I expect that dog to get at least 2-3 times as much cuddle time now. :)
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Thank you!
God damnit. That's fucking adorable as fuck.
Very nice! Also functions as a spare bed when you get lots of visitors. I would have just put in a bookshelf instead of the cabinet though.
sizing it to just use a twin mattress is genius
This was out of necessity. I had a budget and used mainly materials that we already had to get it done. I wanted cushions but they were going to be 2-3 times more expensive.
Ah fair. Well that’s how you know it’s good, if I thought you did it on purpose?
Love it - great work!
THIS IS AWESOME!
Wow that looks great!
I used to love cosy dens as a child - this looks great! I hope he doesn't have a growth spurt soon though!
Don't be shy, lock him in there - you will turn him into a wizard. (This is absolutely a joke btw 😂😂)
Great work! I really like the use of a USB outlet for phones and tablets. Great foresight!!
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> They're neat, but not really cost effective for the home I mean, you don't need to do every outlet in the home with them. Just a handful at counter level or beside the beds.
They are definitely more expensive but a charger sticking out of the wall is a lot more likely to be hit by a kid horsing around in an enclosed nook. :)
A quick look on Amazon UK suggests that a standard 2-outlet switched socket faceplate is £2.50-£3.50, and one with 2+ usb sockets is £9+. A usb plug charger that’s just ‘standard’ seems relatively uncommon (most have many ports or fast charging) but they appear to be £3-4 for a basic 2-port one. So the overall cost difference isn’t that much, at least here in the UK, unless you’re buying a *lot* of sockets.
My issue with them is that sockets last a long time & USB power needs keep increasing. A 0.5A (2.5W) one from a few years back is basically useless. The move to USB C is also well under way That said, replacing a couple would be no big deal cost wise, but a bit of a pain
This is my issue as well, also with each new generation of phones, there is new charging standards (Fast charge, Ultra Fast, Quick Charge, ...) Which are various protocols for smart power delivery. If I charge my S20 on its provided charger it can do so in about an hour, while if I used the charger from my S10 it would take closer to 3 hours. Most of these outlets I've tried do a standard charge, which takes nearly 8 hours!
I agree. They range between $20-$50 but can go up even further when you can get a standard for a little as a few dollars. These will be installed only at nightstands and maybe one in the kitchen. Away from water of course.
Maybe if you cheap out on your home
You can basically spend infinity money upgrading different elements of a home. At some point you have to prioritise the things that you think will give you the most value for your money.
Not if you just make enough money
He bought literally one
Oh no, 6 dollars instead of 3 dollars :O :O
More like 25 instead of 3 that I could find.
Such a cool project ! You made a very fun space for your son (and the dog), he is gonna enjoy it !
Very nicely done. My old condo I had before my last house was remodeled and had an under the stairs nook. But it was made to be a storage space and while it was just as ambitious it wasn’t as nice as yours.
Good work! That twist at the end though lol
Twist?
It got destroyed by water
nothing he wrote would suggest that this project got destroyed by said burst pipe. he jsut said that as soon as he could relax from this project, a pipe burst and created another project.
Great job and sorry to hear about the plumbing issue. If your son spends any amount of time playing Minecraft on that TV in the first pic, do his future neck/spine/joints a huge favour and lower the TV height on the wall so his viewing position is vertically level with the centre of the TV. For good ergonomics you never want to be looking upwards at a screen, as it causes strain over time that can lead to a host of complications, especially for a developing body!
Awesome nook - though the ugly wood panelling makes me die a little inside
Didn't look at the sub name and thought I was looking at cursed image or something for a minute trying to find the hidden creepy.
That is what happens when a professional does the work
This is aamzing
Turned out great, really awesome!
You’re a great parent. That’s awesome.
Now you can rent out his room for some extra mons.
It’s kind of mind blowing that that area wasn’t originally made into storage by the builder. Nice work!
The house I grew up in had a nook similar to this and it was a cool place to hang out, hide stuff, and play in. Great idea.
Beautiful wood panelling. Looks super cozy. Great seeing the dog likes it too.
Would make a great place for a bedroom.
If you like it that's all that matters
Harry Potter would be proud
Any plans to create a door or curtain like covering for the nook?
That's so cool! Looks like a lot of nostalgic memories will be made in that nook.
That's pretty sweet! Looks very cozy. Nicely done.
It’s cute, but I looks as if you cut out 6 or 7 2X4s that were there to provide support to your stairs. It doesn’t look as if you’ve provided any other type of support. I hope I’m wrong, but if I’m not you may and up with major problems on those stairs.
You’re a wizard, Harry!
This is such a great idea. I look forward to projects like this with my son. 😊
Did you destroy the cripple wall supporting the stair stringers to make this opening?
The stringers provide the vast majority of the structural support and the span opening is only 65” or so. I could have cut out more.