One of our largest categories of customers at WoodStairs.com is remodelers.  We’ve been asked countless times over the years how important is it to remodel stairs to sell your home.  While I admit we are definitely not the most unbiased of sources for this information ourselves we have had thousands of customers who’ve shared their experiences.  The overwhelming majority of customers who we’ve heard from regarding their decision to remodel stairs in an effort to either help sell their home or to increase its value maintain that a balustrade remodel does both.  We tend to agree.  Our business is in large part based on remodeling customers.  With so many customers seeing the value in replacing their outdated balustrade, it is no surprise to us that home buyers feel the same way.  Of course, remodeling your stairs is only advantageous if your existing version is in some way outdated, unstable or just plain ugly.  Basically, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Otherwise, stairs and railings are often ba major architectural feature of your home.  Your finest piece of permanent furniture.  Especially entry stairs and railings that in large part, establish the first impression of a home’s interior upon entering and leaving behind the “curb appeal” of the exterior.  They also serve to reinforce the overall tone of your home as you leave through the front door.  If they are outdated, insecure or dilapidated, a potential home buyer’s impression may be the opposite of what you’d hope even with an otherwise beautiful home.  Many people doing walkthroughs are mentally noting the renovations they themselves will have to make in order to turn your home into theirs.  Many are hoping the home is ready to move in; others will personalize minor details such as paint, window treatments, etc.  Stairs and railings can seem a daunting project for someone unaware of the options.  This could be a big deterrent to a potential homebuyer who may be concerned with having to settle for a less than ideal staircase in their new home or the thoughts of having to add additional money on top of the sales price.

The good thing is that you can often completely change the look and feel of a stairway and balustrade by simply changing out antiquated balusters or newel posts.  Often a total replacement is unnecessary and these little changes can make all of the difference in eliminating a Home Buyer’s trepidation.  Most of our customers who’ve related their experiences in remodeling stairs and railings to sell their home are convinced of the positive results.  This is based on their ability to recoup expenses in the sales price, potential buyer’s comments on the renovated stairs and balustrades during walk-throughs.

So, the answer is yes.  Stairs and balustrades can be a very important and relatively inexpensive tool to help increase the value of your home and/or to more quickly get your home sold.  In this market, in most areas, there are many homes for sale.  Distinguishing your home from your neighbors may be the difference between a quick sale and another few months of house payments while it sits on the market.  Typically, this shortening of mortgage payments alone will justify a railing remodel.  Finally, the best example of the importance of beautiful stairs and railings in a home for sale is demonstrated in every real estate book, website and flyer.  Beautiful stairs and railings always feature a prominent place in images used to sell a home.  If the stairs are run-down, these always seem to be conspicuously missing.