Read before renovating: Staircases

A well done staircase can be a timeless centerpiece for the home.

Staircases should be eye-catching and blend effortlessly into the home’s existing architecture.

Bland, worn, outdated staircases can be renovated with something more beautiful and bold in lieu of a well-traveled slinky track.

With several factors to consider in a stairway renovation, the first would be whether to hire a professional contractor or manage the project yourself. There will need to be a coordinated effort of professionals from carpenters, trim workers, and painters to floor refinishers, architects and designers.

The cost of a staircase remodel depends heavily upon the type of staircase in the home, with a curving stair being the most expensive. The simpler the stairs, the less the price. Trim details, building materials, and existing condition with regards to the amount of labor needed will increase the price.

To renovate a carpeted staircase, the installation of new treads, risers, balusters, and handrails will take about one week, according to the contractors at Shreveport’s Lawhon Meyers Builders, L.L.C. Staining and painting taking one more week. For a general job, the cost ranges from $1,800 - $2,500 depending upon building materials selected.

If the project is more than a regular do-it-yourself homeowner can handle, local contractor Todd Lawhon with Lawhon Meyers Builders, L.L.C. offered several points to consider, such as project time, cost effectiveness, safety of the stairway, and obtaining permits.

A spiral staircase is a cornerstone feature of older homes, one that periodically needs updating. The one pictured is in a home in South Highlands. The home once was featured in Architectural Digest. (Photo: Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

“Stair components require experience to fit correctly, and provide a safe, consistent, stable system,” said Lawhon. “The painting and floor finishing can be tedious, time consuming and overwhelming.”

Stair tread is the most common style of staircase remodel local homeowners opt for, according to Carl Bretz of Custom-Bilt Cabinet and Supply, Inc. The remodel includes taking out carpet and installing reclaimed wood that has been stained with painted risers.

Bretz noted iron balusters in either dark bronze or black with stained handrail or simple craftsman style balusters and newel posts have become popular locally as well.

For those whose staircase just needs refinishing, one of few or possibly the only National Wood Flooring Association Certified installer/refinisher within 200 miles of Shreveport-Bossier City is Jared Carter, whose small family owned business can complete a simple, straight staircase in two days for around $500.

Acording to the contractors at Lawhon Meyers Builders, a homeowner must consider building codes and required measurement ranges for baluster spacing, handrail height, tread depth, and riser height for the protection of small children or adult missteps.

Homeowners also should be sure to match stair wood species to the adjacent wood flooring in the home.

According to Lawhon, “If the finished product looks like it has always been a part of the home then the job has been done correctly. This should be the goal of any renovation.”

Once a stairway renovation is complete, the cornerstone fixture in the home may be spruced up further with rug runners, painted designs on the risers or ornate moulding.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/marketplace/real-estate/2015/12/28/read-renovating-staircases/77966020/

Offering all-in-one design, products and remodeling has made Knockout Renovation the favorite for shows like Rachael Ray and Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. 

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Company Background

Since being founded in 1992 by owner Keith Steier, Knockout Renovation has completed countless renovation projects throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, ranging from kitchens to the renovation of entire coops, condos and private homes. Our work has been featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, CBS-TV, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, and numerous other media outlets.

Regardless of scope, Knockout approaches each project with a foundation of strong design aesthetics and functionality, comprehensive product options, sound project management, and a commitment to craftsmanship.

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