Remodeling A Staircase To Add Value And Sell Your Home

Ok so your thinking of remodeling a staircase, here are some things to consider first

If you are looking to add value or aid the sale of your home, remodeling a staircase can add an instant wow factor and face lift a home. There are many options from simple restoration techniques to complete open plan re-designs. Although it seems like an extreme measure to some it can be done even on a lowest of budgets. It’s important to make the re-model in keeping with the rest of the rooms unless you’re a re-developing the whole home again from scratch.

If the re-model is to help sell the property you also have to take into consideration what is suitable for potential buyers. Unless you are just upgrading and have no immediate intention to sell then, it’s important to make colors neutral and remove anything to personal that might put off buyers. If you have a family home then certain options could be seen as dangerous to children. Safety will always be the number 1 priority for most parents.

If it’s a smaller home for single professionals then often unique modern features become a memorable and effective selling point. Let’s face it when you decide to have a family having such a fashionable modern homes become less important and practicality, durability, floor space, bathrooms, gardens become a more crucial deciding factor.

Remodeling a Staircase Step 1

First thing before remodeling a staircase is to choose a style that fits the home and area taking into consideration whether it will be a good option for potential buyers. Here are some style options: Clean, Warm, Modern, Industrial, Beachy, Rustic, Mediterranean, Victorian etc.

Remodeling a Staircase Step 2

Should you re-vamp what’s already there or replace completely. Getting a few quotes from local builders might clear up which options are most feasible for you.

Remodeling a Staircase Step 3

Deciding a budget is important so contact a local realtor to find out what would add more value to your home and get the best bang for the buck. Remember although some home improvements do add market value it’s important to gain an understanding of what homes in the area are selling for and in what condition. It hard to sell any home that’s way above the market value of the area.

Got Questions?

Here are some options If you decide to remodel a staircase on a smaller budget

Carpets

Removing or replacing a carpeted staircase is a quick and easy method to refresh a home. It doesn’t add as much value as other options but does help you sell your home from an aesthetic / comfort point of view. For a family carpets are a great option as they are soft and less likely to slip when children run up or down them. If you want to learn how to remove a carpet yourself check out this useful blog and video on how to do it.

Painting

You can also paint stairs completely or mask off areas for contrast. Often a combination of wooden steps surrounded by white is neutral and popular for buyers. Again this is more a selling point rather than to add significant market value to a home.

Handrails

Replacing a handrail for something more modern in metal or wood can give a very significant facelift but depending on your choice can be expensive if custom made. There are plenty of modern options that are cost effective that will add value and become a good selling point.

Rail Posts

Replacing rail post with more modern designs in metal or wood will again give the room a lift and add value to your home. Sometimes getting rid of most or all of the posts can make it more modern and open plan. If want a more modern feel taking out the posts out and replacing with sheets of tempered Glass or wire suspension are great fashionable options. If it’s a family home again take into consideration children’s safety.

Vinyl Designs

You can find images, textures or artwork on each panel to create a distinctive 3D or artistic look. I would recommend this if you are not planning to sell anytime soon. It can be too personal and to some this technique can be seen as tacky. Here is an example of what that can look like from the Home Depot website.

Tiled Staircases

Tiled staircases are a quick and fairly cost-effective solution. The downsides are that it’s not very normal and therefore not neutral to a buyer. They are also cold and hard making it not an ideal option for children or colder climates.

For replacing / remodeling a staircase entirely here are some options

Replacing a staircase can certainly increase the overall value of a home but there are many options that come with pro’s and con’s depending on the space in question. Here is a great example on how to actually build a staircase from nothing in this blog.

Straight Staircases

Straight stairs are very much an industry standard and the easiest and one of the cheapest to build. It is also well suited to minimal style room due to its simplicity without the need for a landing. The only down factor is that with a linear design it tends to take up more space.

L Shape Staircases

L shape stairs are two flights of straight stairs at a 90 degree angle with small landing connecting them. This style tends to have more complications when building which makes it more expensive. You also have to hide the supporting structure required for the landing area into the walls. However when left exposed It can also be a unique selling point and design feature for a modern space. Here is a great cost effective example of a L shaped staircase kit.

U Shape Staircases

U Shape stairs are to flight that run parallel to each other with a landing. Due to this parallel design it will conserve space. Only drawback is the same as L shape stair with extra cost and hidden or exposed metal support structure. Here is a great cost effective example of a U shaped staircase kit.

Winder Staircases

Winder Stairs are very similar to L shaped stairs except instead of a flat landing area, it has pie shaped winding steps making it a complete flight still with no break. The downside is that they are harder to walk up and therefore not a great option for smaller children and toddlers. It is also more expensive due the extra wall sport needed and trickier handrail options.

Floating Staircases

Floating Staircases are definitely a wow factor style but will be more expensive to install. The clean modern look will stand out to buyers but do not have back panels (thus floating) and could be dangerous for small children slipping through.

Spiral Staircases

Spiral staircases are compact and add more floor space, they are also an interesting feature for buyers. Draws back are that usually they are only wide enough for one person to go up and down. For large families I can see this being a nightmare with the added foot traffic. Because of the metal pole that runs in the middle of the stairs, installation is actually easier and cost effective due to no added support structure being required. Check this vast selection of spiral staircase kits available

Curved Staircases

Curved staircases are usually just a single flight bowing into an arc like angle. These stairs are very stylish but are by far the most expensive due to the complicated design options and support structures required.

Ladders

Ladder stairs are the cheapest option but will not give you much wow factor or value increase as they cannot be a primary / main staircase. They are more for easy compact access to mezzanines, lofts and attics or areas with limited space. One downside is that are harder to climb up for older generations although I’m sure for families it will become the local climbing frame.

Mezzanine + Staircase

Whether it’s industrial wood or glass there are many options available and can add a modern look as well as adding more floor space. It is also a very fashionable feature and when done right can be attractive to both single professionals and families. Again when it comes to staircases and railing, consider the safety aspect of your choices.

Depending on whether you are doing a custom build or using a pre-fabricated design it can be both affordable and an expensive option to increase the value of your home. You will also need a tall 2 story in height space to even consider this option. However if used in a studio apartment or loft it can also be used as a bedroom platform to save space without the need for so much height that you need to stand up.