While, once upon a time, staircases were something of an afterthought among today’s homeowners and homebuyers, nowadays, there’s a growing realization that these often-underutilized areas can do far more for a home than simply help its inhabitants move from one floor to another.
In fact, today’s staircases are serving a multitude of purposes, from helping builders maximize space in increasingly dense urban environments to helping homeowners update and upgrade their houses for themselves, or future buyers. In other words, today’s staircases offer a whole lot more than simple functionality – they give you an opportunity to adapt a key element of your home to your aesthetic preferences or safety specifications, and they allow you to inject some of your signature style into what is often a focal point of your home. So, as someone looking to build a new, or remodel an existing, staircase in your home, what are some key considerations?
Style & Placement
Typically, you want to sacrifice as little square footage as possible when designing your staircase, so deciding where to place it requires careful consideration. If space is especially valuable, you may want to consider space-saving staircase designs, such as spiral staircases, depending on where the steps ultimately lead. Most modern homebuilders also prefer to place the stairs’ top landing somewhere central within the home to avoid issues relating to circulation.
Safety Considerations
You’ll also want to consider the safety of your friends and family members when designing or remodeling a staircase. In addition to having to comply with residential stair building code requirements, you’ll need to consider whether you have young children or older adults living in your home who might benefit from treads or similar features that can prevent slipping. Your handrail, too, deserves special attention, but it doesn’t have to serve solely as a safety feature – nowadays, handrails run the gamut from sturdy, simple designs to elegant, ornate works of art.
Wow Factor
Why not give your stairs some flair? Whether you’re working with a standard staircase, a spiral or curved one, or something else entirely, you have plenty of opportunity to make it uniquely yours. From choosing your desired material to selecting a style that matches or complements your home’s existing interior design, you have near-endless options available to you that can help you make your staircase one your home’s most visually stunning features.
Taking time with your staircase design can pay off in big ways, whether you’re looking to unload a home or enjoy it yourself. With countless opportunities for customization at your fingertips, there’s no reason your stairs can’t be the primary focal point of your abode.