If you have a post 1950s house, there’s a strong chance your stairs situation is in great shape. If you have the honors of an older home, you may
I once had a mechanical arts instructor that introduced me to drafting and other lifetime skills. He often said that if he were marooned on an island, the one thing he would want with him was the architectural graphics standards! This wouldn’t be my pick, but it did leave an impression.
This kind of reference (which is often called ‘the architects bible’) does come in handy for stairs, railing, etc.…Our reference section gives some links, (plus some less involved alternatives.)
A fraction of an inch may not seem like a lot, but when it comes to stairs and railings it can be huge… especially if there is an inspector involved. (I could tell you a totally crazy stair story, but I’ll save it for another time) …. The point is If you’re doing major changes, you may want to check on local codes.
There are also times, especially on older homes, when there are simply limitations that prevent a very functional end result…. Generally, it’s to a basement, but sometimes stairs going to the bedrooms can limit newer furniture being brought in…. unfortunate, especially if you didn’t realize it until trying to move in!!… This will also support the designed role of ‘good’ inspectors.
In our 100-year-old home farmhouse I was stuck with a staircase that entered a far end upstairs bedroom. I thought I was stuck with it, until a mentor suggested I explore the possibility of reversing the L shaped staircase. That light bulb idea worked and totally transformed both the upstairs and the main floor plan for the better!
The take-away on this is that…. Sometimes there are options, but they may require thinking out of the box.
Often the simple addition of a ‘stair runner’ or eliminating some squeaks will make your stairs will feel a lot better. Sometimes simply adding a solid or safe handrail can be a great improvement.
We have passed on several homes where other things we’re done well, but a bum staircase nixed the deal.
Pull-down stairs are sometimes options that can generate some creative storage areas or at least access in an attic or garage.
The bottom line is, look at the available space, including heights width etc.; look at the functional needs, gather some creative minds and you might just come up with some creative solutions!
Remember We’re Pullin for Ya!
