With the economy slowing and the green movement growing, more homeowners are choosing to remodel their existing homes rather than to build or buy new.
Older homes are greener simply because they already exist, so no new resources are required for construction. Even if your current home needs upgrades for energy efficiency, function, or style – there’s significantly less environmental impact involved in a remodel. According to the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 8,000 pounds of waste is generated from the construction of a 2,000 square foot home.
More builders are taking advantage of this market opportunity as well. Some companies that once specialized in new home construction now say the majority of their business is coming from remodels and upgrades.
Not only is it greener; it’s more cost-effective. For example, finishing a basement may cost anywhere from $25 to $30 per square foot, compared to the $80 to $200 per square foot cost of a new home construction. It’s easy to see why homeowners would choose to upgrade rather than start from scratch.
If you’re looking to add instant style and character to your home, a new staircase with iron balusters or hard wood balusters is an attractive option. “Homeowners are staying put and want to update the homes they’re in,” says Chas Wiebe of Builders Stair Supply, St. Louis, MO. “Our business has really taken off in the remodel and replacement of outdated stairs. Replacing your staircase is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make.”
Add Drama to Your Green Remodel with Circular Staircases, Iron Spiral Staircases
New design technology brings a fresh update to tried and true home features. Here are some new twists on green remodeling.
- Curved Staircase – Bringing classic tradition and elegance to life, these grand staircases evoke timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. Builders Stair Supply offers some of the most impressive design options available today. Structurally superior, spiral staircases are assembled in a semi-modular fashion with hidden fasteners and specialty adhesives.
- Wainscoting – A simple way to transform an entire room, today’s wainscoting is more environment friendly than ever. New England Classic’s wainscoting options are listed in the Environmental Building News Product Catalog.
- Comfort Rail System – Builders Stair Supply’s patented stair rail is one of the safest rails on the market today. Truly comfortable to hold, an ergonomic handrail is safe rail.
What You Should Know Before Building Custom Staircases
Staircases are complicated. The staircase design requirements are unique for each staircase, and 95% of architectural plans simply don’t work. Many homeowners get overwhelmed, and they fail to plan properly and end up hoping for the best.
By consulting with professionals, you can ensure your stairs will be both beautiful and functional. Code compliance is crucial to proper stair design. Because many accidents happen on the stairs, Builders Stair Supply advises you never to build a staircase that doesn’t meet code requirements. Here are other common mistakes homeowners make when building staircases:
- Having new hardwood floors laid before designing the stairs. The stairs should be completed first for proper installation and to correct possible elevation changes.
- Buying parts from the “Box” stores or online, like spiral staircase kits, then turning to a professional to help install them.
- Not allowing enough lead-time for parts or installation.
- Hiring a general carpenter instead of an actual stair case builder.
- Ignoring code or a professional stair builder’s advice.
Chas says you’ll save time, money, and hassle by consulting with a professional stair builder up front.
Builders Stair Supply has been an active member of the Stairway Manufacturers Association (SMA) since the early 1990s. They’ve taken a proactive role on code issues, quality standards, stair safety, and education. They were also awarded the first ever Distinguished Service Award by the SMA.
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