Staircase Removal (Part 2 of 2)

Here is the next installment in the removal of the staircase from my home. In this post, you'll see how I remove a non-load bearing wall and prepare the area so that I can away part of the 2nd-floor area that leads up to the old staircase.  This will allow me to build a new straight-run set of stairs to a new exterior exit on the first floor.   The reason for all of this work is to make sure that the second floor unit has a secondary exit, for safety's sake and so that my rental property is in compliance with the fire code.  More on this later.  For now, check out the progress!

Here is the wall.  The staircase is behind this wall.

Here's a look at the original entrance to the old staircase.

Dusty, but a view up the old staircase nontheless.

Using my drill-driver, I first removed the ~one dozen screws holding this steel framed wall to the ceiling.

Next I removed the screws at the bottom.

I then demolished the 3/8" drywall and carried it out to the waste bin.

Progress!  The staircase is revealed.

I unscrewed all this metal.  I have a friend who scraps metal with his truck.  He came by a couple of days later to pick it up.

Another shot.

The side view.  Starting to make more sense now?

Look at the old wall paper!  This was originally a very nice, large one-family home (101 years ago).

Getting there.  Working in daylight now.

Note the last remnants of the tin ceiling.  This came out after after this wall was removed.

And, coming full-circle, look at this difference from this angle.

Note the old metal sill-plate on the floor.

The side shot.

Much better!

You could practically eat off of this floor! A thing of beauty ;)

C'est moi.

The money shot.  Hello everyone!