Hello all. First post. Been a lurker for a while. Just searched all over but can't find this same scenario.

My basement steps are straight, steep, and everyone is different size.

Best of all unless you're 5'5 or less, you'll wack your head on the ceiling (first level floor) on about the third to bottom step.

I believe I can move the steps (actually install new) backa few floor joists (there is plenty of room to do so) but wanted to know about things to consider when doing this.

The stairs are against an exterior brick wall. The load bearing beam runs parallel to them (I guess thats obvious by saying I want to go back a few joists) and is about a foot away, toward the center of the room.

My concern is the support under the new steps - as described, the joists coming from the other side of the basement will pass over the load bearing beam about a foot before getting to the staircase opening. Do I just need to "attach" so to say the joists like any opening, or should I put some sort of support running down to the floor (which would be under the step. Under the steps would be enclosed anyway so it makes no difference cosmetically.

 

My concerns would be that there is usually major support at stair well openings and cutting that without sufficient strengthening could be a problem. But consider leaving the stairs at the original location, adding a landing part way down, then turning the stairs. This allows you to change the rate of climb considerably. Or continue the steps at a reduced rate, depending on how much space you have.

 

no can do. the big problem is the headroom. So the existing rectangle cut into the first level floor needs to be extended. If I left it were it is and made a landing/turn, you would still have to duck as you turned toward the long end of the rectangle, into the basement room.