Staircase makeover: How much will it cost me?

There are staircase options for every budget – let’s look at how much you might pay for a good staircase makeover:

Will you be renovating your current staircase in the near future? If so, you may be wondering about the total cost for the remodeling and what exactly is included in the renovation. Below, we detail everything you need to know in terms of a staircase makeover and approximately what it will cost you. 

First and foremost, it should be noted that the total cost of your staircase makeover will depend greatly on the design you have selected and what needs to be included in your new staircase. For example, a spiral staircase that has not been customized, is generally cheaper than a linear staircase (one that goes straight up and down). 

Average cost of a staircase makeover.

To put a number on the estimated cost of a new staircase, it can cost you anything between $1000 to $10,000. As you can see, the range is very large and it is always a good idea to consult with a professional staircase installer or manufacturer for a more accurate price. 

Normally, you would not be able to customize many elements in a more inexpensively priced staircase. If you have a standard staircase and would like to change several elements of the design, you can expect to pay much more and your total price would lie in the upper end of the above-mentioned range. 

Modifying your current staircase.

When remodeling their staircases, many folks decide to modify a few components of their current staircase to breathe fresh life into it. This usually involves replacing the treads and the risers for an approximate cost of $1,800 to $2,500. Of course, the materials used for these accessories will influence how much you pay at the end of the day. To replace your balusters, you would generally pay anything from $1,200 to $1,600.

Replacing a few elements.

If replacing only a few elements is simply not possible and you require a complete renovation of your current staircase, there will be a lot of expenses involved. This is because you will be replacing your old balusters, newel posts, handrails, risers and treads which, when added together, can easily come to amount of $4,000 to $8,000. To add a carpet runner to the staircase, you will pay around $500 to $2,000, depending on the carpet type you ultimately decide to go with. This price range is based on replacing a standard-sized staircase and you will obviously pay much more if your staircase has a special design or shape, or is particularly large. 

Replacing current accessories, as can be noted by the above, is a costly exercise but the good news is that you have the option of refinishing or updating your current accessories instead. This can save you a lot of money but note that these replacements can sometimes cost the same, or even more than a replacement. Therefore, it is prudent to compare costs before going ahead. 

If you decide to use a staircase company for your renovation or replacement, always inquire about their labor charges. A staircase renovation requires highly specialized skills which can increase the hourly rate by a large margin. 

Evaluate your cost estimate for the staircase renovation.

When evaluating your cost estimate, make sure that it includes several elements. These should include any expenses for staircase equipment, delivery to your home and the price to prepare your home for the installation or renovation. It is also important that the quote includes the means to protect the area around your staircase while the work is in progress. 

Your contractor needs to include any costs to set their labor up and to mobilize the team. Have a look to see that the hourly labor rates are also mentioned.

In general, your quotation will not include the modification (or replacement) of the existing staircase frame. The costs will also not include ensuring that everything is done according to your building code or any sales tax on the materials used for the job. You will also need to obtain any relevant permits from your building department yourself.  

As can be noted from the above, there are many complex steps involved in making over 

your staircase. However, after careful planning and evaluation, everything should fall 

into place easily.