Spending extra time at home lately, and looking for ways to enhance your surroundings? Join the club. Now is a great time to give your home a little TLC, and some of the upgrades and investments you make in it offer great returns when it comes time to sell it.
Even if you don’t have plans to put your home on the market, refreshing your stairs give you a chance to breathe new life into your abode without blowing your entire budget. What sorts of staircase upgrades might you consider making to boost your home’s aesthetics and value?
New Handrails
Staircase handrails vary broadly in terms of materials and appearance. Maybe you’re looking for a traditional wood design, but you need something sturdier and more supportive than what you currently have. Conversely, maybe you’re looking to make your staircase handrail more of a focal point, and you wish to add a decorative iron handrail. Whatever your personal preferences, swapping out your handrail allows you to upgrade your interior at an affordable price point.
New Treads
Your staircase treads, which are the flat parts that you step on, are subject to considerable wear and tear over time. They may also accrue scratches and stains after years of heavy use. Rather than replace your entire staircase, consider simply swapping out the treads for new ones to give your staircase a much-needed facelift.
New Lighting
Many staircases lack proper lighting, which is unfortunate given that insufficient lighting could increase your chances of falling. Adding an elegant or eye-catching light fixture to your stairwell helps you accomplish two objectives. First, it brightens up the space, reducing fall risks. Second, it draws the eye, enhancing the overall style and aesthetics of your home.
Eliminate carpet
Watch any home show airing on TV right now, and chances are, you’ll hear from homebuyers who don’t want to see carpet anywhere inside. Carpet collects dust, dirt, allergens and stains, and carpeting on stairs is particularly dirty given how much traffic staircases see. By taking carpet off of your stairs, you can showcase the material underneath – and you’ll also find them much easier to clean in the aftermath.
Staircases have historically been one of the most neglected elements of a house. Rather than see them as an afterthought, start viewing them as a priority and another avenue through which you can express your signature style.