Unfortunately, if you're thinking of fitting the stairs you have to a small house, you could be wasting your time and money. There is a myth that space saver stairs are in some way safer, or that they are treated in the same way as a staircase for planning permission. This is not true. You will need planning permission if you want to use space saver stairs, and they will have to be constructed in accordance with the current Building Regulations. This includes aspects of the handrail, stair parts, wooden steps, ceiling height and tread stairs that form your loft stair to your loft conversion.