Bracing internal stairway for large refrigerator move

[detailsmatter]

Hi there,

I'm new here, so hoping someone can offer an opinion and advice.

Context
Old fridge died recently, so I've got a new one to replace it. I'm in a multi-level apartment, starting from the 6th floor to 8th (rooftop). The kitchen and fridge are on the 7th floor, accessed via an internal staircase.

The challenge
Measurement wise, the new fridge fits up the stairway. However, the bottom portion of the stairs are too tight with a 90 degree angle - meaning we're unable to align the fridge into position and get it started. See photos attached.

Idea
Considering a temporary removal of the bottom of the stairway. Need to reinforce the remaining stairway to handle the weight of fridge (130kg) + people lifting it. This seems to require a cut to one existing bracing beam. See photos attached.

Any thoughts on the bracing of the stairway to support this maneuver would be much appreciated.

[ayjay]

Cutting it out is easy: I'd cut both strings at the same point and just remove the whole bottom section rather than dismantle it. Prior to that, build a temporary studwork under what will be the lowest remaining tread after both strings are cut.

The big question is:- How do you reinstate it. I wouldn't want to do it.

Alternative suggestions - crane it through a window at the finished level - a different fridge - a new staircase - it doesn't look too difficult from the last pic, get the top in and up first, maybe more bodies would help.

[dewaltdisney]

It went up, so it must come down. Take the door(s) off, easy enough, to lighten and make it slimmer.

DWD

[detailsmatter]

Thanks @ayjay and @dewaltdisney.

Prior owner installed old fridge during construction. He used a crane. Council permissions for this take ~1 month here. It's my second option if the stairs is a total non-starter.

Doors were off the fridge during our attempt, including repackaging to avoid scratches. Feels like a comedy of errors here, but still convinced it's do-able.

Key opinions I was after was the stair carpentry work. As ayjay pointed out, it's probably easy to cut away, and a different story to reinstate.

The bottom section of stairs is a standalone frame, screwed together. See attached pic.
Not sure if that changes anything you would suggest?

Thanks!

[dewaltdisney]

I think I would be breaking it. Okay, the freon escape is a bit naughty but I did it by accident once defrosting a fridge. Chop off what you can and take an angle grinder through the middle taking the easiest path. They are mostly panels pop riveted, a blown plastic interior, a bit of polystyrene insulation. If you can be arsed the non ferrous metals can be separated and sold the rest can be recycled.

I certainly would not be messing with the stairs as it would be less work breaking the fridge.

DWD

[ayjay]

The bottom section of stairs is a standalone frame, screwed together. See attached pic.
Not sure if that changes anything you would suggest?

Thanks!

Looking closely at the last pic it doesn't look like a traditional build where it's glued and wedged, so if it does just unscrew apart it's a lot more doable. I really wouldn't want to cut the strings though if it can be avoided - there's not enough meat left anywhere (out of sight) to get a good sized cleat on for a repair.

I certainly would not be messing with the stairs as it would be less work breaking the fridge.

DWD

You're going the wrong way DW, the problem is getting the new fridge in, not the old one out.

[big-all]

assuming an upright
cut an oblong the size 0ff the fridge place on the winder measure up to the stairs above then deduct a full tread from the measurement and thats the maximum height you have

[dewaltdisney]

Sorry, I misunderstood

DWD