The house I am trying to build has a garage on the left, with a building built on a foundation on the right. I built an area above the garage, and an area above the foundation-side (second floor). Now I am trying to connect the area above the garage, and the second floor of the foundation side. However, I get an error "can't place step".

Does anyone know how I can fix this problem?

Link to screenshot: http://i41.tinypic.com/24eazw2.png

This would happen when you try to put stairs *downwards* from a level that's technically *lower* than the level you're starting from. I can't tell from your screenshot which level your "downstairs" level is though .. do you have a pic that's taken somewhat more from the side?

It can also happen when the stairs tool thinks it needs to warp a floor, and can't. Try turning cfe back on and see if that makes a difference.



Moving to Build mode, as well, since this isn't a game help issue.

Here is a sideview: http://i42.tinypic.com/iyevk4.png
I'm thinking the problem is that there is an invisible tile jutting outwards (the tile signifies that I can place flooring there) from where I am trying to place the stairs.

When I try to place stairs from the same top level to the same bottom level in another spot though, it works: http://i41.tinypic.com/2vd0i77.png
Notice the "can't place step" problem on the right, and the steps I have placed on the left side (see also that there is no "invisible tile").

Another problem I've just encountered: while trying to build from the area above the garage to the foundation level (first floor), I can't place two stairs going in different directions next to each other: http://i42.tinypic.com/fejmo8.png
However, I can place it on the next tile over: http://i39.tinypic.com/15wf7eb.png
I'm pretty sure I've built stairs going in different directions side-by-side before. Is this possible?

Have you tried it after turning cfe back on? "constrainfloorelevation false"?

I'm pretty sure that cfe was already on, but I'll try that again.

EDIT: Still not working. The error arrow points to the "invisible tile" though, is that the problem?: http://i43.tinypic.com/xkrtc2.png

EDIT: Forget about it, the lot keeps crashing my game now for some reason; thanks for your help anyway.

Yea.. I'm having this exact same problem.. On a shrunk middle level house.. I can't place stairs the only way I can fit them.. A solution would be nice.

Can you put a little bit of foundation under the place you want your stairs? (One tile only). Does it make a difference?

Sometimes, I find that turning moveobjects on helps as well.

the moveObjects on helps a ton when placing connecting stairs... another thing i have found is that destroying the wall right behind the stairs helps as well...

I have had a problem with stairs for a while. Can't place stairs close to any wall. I have to put up the wall to make the floor I need, and then take down the walls, put up the stairs and then put up the walls again. Excusting, but I'm to lazy to figure out my downloads.

The only problem is ... you don't seem to have any walls close to it.

I've been having the same problem too and I'll try what Volvenom's been doing. It's pretty annoying >.<. Now a question for the ones that have the same trouble: do you have "mansion&garden" stuff pack? Just asking, I'm not sure if it's because of it, but it might.

I've found that deleting any walls/fences around the stairs helps, especially near the base of the stairs.
But placing a wall between staircases when you wish to create a 'switchback' staircase, with stairs going in opposite directions right next to each other - ie: put a wall right next to the stairs on the upper level before connecting the lower stairs. You can delete it with the hammer tool afterwards.

This also works in Sims 3 which I found has similar problems.