Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Stairway Installation
Stairway Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Stairway Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Stairway Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Stairway Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Stairway Installation labor cost? What are the important Stairway Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Stairway Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Stairway Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Stairway Installation expect to pay between $93.19 to $173.06 per linear foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Stairway Installation work? | Your Stairway Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Stairway Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Stairway Installation work? | The operation and performance of the stairway may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Stairway Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Stairway Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Stairway Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Stairway Installation work? | This work can be completed in 3 to 4 days. |
Stairway Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Stairway Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Stairway Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Stairway Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All molding will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the stairway
- A detailed stairway layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The stairway will be securely anchored to structural framing
- Installed stairway will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- Finished stairway will not shift, squeak or creak when walked upon
- Finished stairway will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- The stairway surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Stairway Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Stairway Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the stairway work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Determine if permit is required for Stairway Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written project plan including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; project plan should be included in contract agreement and reviewed before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of stairway, before any work begins
- Acclimate stairway to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Manage delivery of stairway; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store stairway in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Secure stair components to structural framing
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Stairway Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
