5 Common Pitfalls of Stair Buying & How to Avoid Them

A reality of the construction process is that homes do not get built exactly as the architect has designed. A wall that is built just a few inches from where it was drawn, may no longer allow the stair to be built as drawn, or meet code.

To avoid this: Prior to construction get a stair quote from print. Upon acceptance of the quote ask your Stair Builder for a "stair well framing detail". This way your stair layout will have priority in the framing process and you can achieve the ideal layout.

Stair building starts with skill to design the stair and rail. Due to the many calculations and intersections that stair and rails have, Architects typically rely on the Stair Builder to design the fine details of the stair and rail. To expect that design skill from a good trim carpenter is not realistic.

To avoid this: Hire a stair professional early, for both the design and installation of your stair.

When shopping for a custom (stair) product it can difficult to compare. The differences start with the (custom) design itself, then the joinery, then the parts, and finally the skill of the installer.

To avoid this: Investigate the experience and skills of the Stair Professional before you hire.

On time delivery is a direct outcome of a current schedule. Schedules change. Someone who can deliver on time today may not be able to deliver on time in a month or two when you need your product. Keep in mind the size of the company. A one-person shop can get backed up quickly when a few orders come in.

To avoid this: Use a larger company with more resources to work with, and more flexibility.

Expertise can greatly shorten the time it takes to build a stair. Shop fabrication, technology and simple efficiency will increase end quality, while lessening the actual time on site.

To avoid this: Ask about processes and the length of time it will take to install your stair.