skip to main content

Home Repair Remodeling Design Dilemma

Stairway Handrail and Baluster Replacement

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

My wife and I are looking into getting our stairway remodeled a bit. The scope of work we have quoted includes the replacement of the posts, handrails, and shoe boards. The balusters will be replaced with iron balusters and shoe caps. The handrails at the top of the stairs are included, as well as the flat trim piece at the top of the stairs. As much as I like to DIY, I think that this is a bit outside of my skillset.

The first quote we received comes to $2,260 for all labor and material. Is this a reasonable estimate? We are in Ohio. Also, what kind of ROI would this update bring?

I have attached two photos of what I currently have along with a photo of what this project will look like when completed. Our colors will be different but the materials will look like this.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

millworkman
3 years ago
"The first quote we received comes to $2,260 for all labor and material."

Sounds reasonable if you have done your own vetting on the contractor. You may want to get another price to verify. As far as ROI, probably next to nothing. What you have works fine and is not awful just not what you want. Its possible it may help you sell the home quicker but thats about it in my opinion.
deegw
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I like your inspiration. The price sounds reasonable to me but I would get another quote to compare.

If the stairs bother you and the change is affordable I wouldn't worry about the ROI. ROI would depend on the condition of similar homes in your area and the cost of the new railing as a percentage of the total value of the home.

Keep in mind that you will enjoy the change until you sell and the updated railings will probably help your house sell faster.
Related Discussions
Replace staircase halfwall with railing and balusters
Q
Comments (4)
X2 what Joe said, it can be done and It will be expensive... by saying expensive what is expensive in your eyes...just the railing (if it's oak) material cost is costly, now you have to cut/remove the wall, prep for railing, install the railing, most likely you will have to replace carpeting on the stairs,etc. As the cost goes depending who does the work and the railing style you choose. Out of the sky number set your budget around 6-8k... Your best bet is to get a few stair guys in there and get a few estimates and compare apples to apples.
...See More
stairs with hand rail or no hand rail
Q
Comments (34)
The post I mentioned would not be at the bottom tread so the design of a continuous handrail would have to bypass the post to get to a newel at the bottom tread and there would need to be a guard at the new opening whether it be solid, balusters, etc. At first glance it seems a potentially messy solution. Perhaps the handrail could be at the other side and the guard could terminate at the post. The bottom tread should have had returns at each side. Its looks like a abasement stair in the entryway.
...See More
Add a newell post? Switch to wood hand rails?
Q
Comments (8)
OK, you all have convinced me to eliminate the oak look of the risers. While I'm too conservative to paint them, I'm thrilled with the many options for stick on riser decals that can be readily removed, including one with the pattern I've been nuts about for ages! It's called Astra, here. BUT -- back to the newel post/handrail for the upper section of this stairway.....previous comments were that we don't have the open wall for the spindles and we have no place for a newel post. I need to understand if the change I want to make isn't feasible, when it seems to me like it should be...please helps!
...See More
Help with replacing rail and balusters in living room
Q
Comments (2)
Ok, thanks. My style is rustic with elements of southwestern and country (I guess : ) ) And possibly French provincial rustic in the kitchen but too messy for a pic. Haha. Here are a few more pics. My house is the opposite of open concept. The rooms are very separate. The pics are the living room (where the railing is) and I included a bedroom, which is located if you turn right after the railing and go straight. I have hated that railing since the day I moved in 12 years ago. Thank you for any suggestions! Ellie
...See More
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Next to nothing for ROI but your enjoyment is worth it IMO. But if planning on selling very soon I would not spend the money. If you are not doing the wood treads IMO really not worth it , the reason the inspo pic is nice is the fact it is done with wood treads and if that quote is with wood treads I would for sure get at least one more quote becuase changing the treads is expensive . Maybe shoe boards are treads where you live.
Aaron H
Original Author
3 years ago
Sounds like this would definitely be an improvement for my own pleasure rather than something that will up the value of my home. Thanks for all of the input!
Golfgal
3 years ago
We too did something like that. Here’s what we came up with. I love the new look.

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: Modern Handrail Details

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

What to know about material, shape and customizable options when designing a handrail

STAIRWAYS 10 High Designs for the Handrail

By Jason Ball Interior Design

Celebrate Your Stairs with Curves, Geometrics and Inspiration From Nature

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements for a Heavenly Stairway

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Learn what heights, widths and configurations make stairs the most functional and comfortable to use

STAIRWAYS Trending Now: The Most Popular New Stairways on Houzz

By Becky Harris

Placement, railings, newel posts and other accessories play important roles in readers’ favorite new stairway designs

Add To Your Home's Curb Appeal with Whimsical Porch Balusters

By Between Naps on the Porch

STAIRWAYS 7 Ways to Make Your Stairs Stand Out

By South Hill Interiors

Try a one-of-a-kind handrail, an antique newel post or a gorgeous runner to add interest to your stairs

DESIGN DICTIONARY Spindle

This tapered and often carved rod supports a handrail or a furniture piece's frame

STAIRWAYS 12 Fresh Alternatives to the Carpeted Staircase

By Between Naps on the Porch

CURB APPEAL A New Stepped Entry Glows With Style

By Becky Harris

Rotting stairs and leaky windows lead to an inviting new facade that welcomes with light

KNOW YOUR HOUSE Stair Design and Construction for a Safe Climb

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Learn how math and craft come together for stairs that do their job beautifully

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

Any idea which shingle this is?

7

Straightening Curved Ceiling Edge

9

Urgent Need Costa Brava Terrassa Engineered Hardwood Batch of 20'-21'

0

keystone windmill dotted back tile change middle color on your own?

6

Any ideas on patching an asphalt shingle roof?

4