Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Stairway Handrail Installation
Stairway Handrail Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Stairway Handrail Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Stairway Handrail Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Stairway Handrail Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Stairway Handrail Installation labor cost? What are the important Stairway Handrail Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Stairway Handrail Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Stairway Handrail Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Stairway Handrail Installation expect to pay between $10.65 to $23.96 per linear foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Stairway Handrail Installation work? | Your Stairway Handrail Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Stairway Handrail Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Stairway Handrail Installation work? | The operation and performance of the handrail may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Stairway Handrail Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
Is Stairway Handrail Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Stairway Handrail Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Stairway Handrail Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Stairway Handrail Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Stairway Handrail Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Stairway Handrail Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Stairway Handrail 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 Handrail Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed handrail layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The handrail will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- Handrail will be installed so that the handrail base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of molding; there will be no splice along any connection
- The handrail will be securely anchored to structural framing
- The handrail finish will match the finish color and sheen of adjacent hardware
- The handrail surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Stairway Handrail Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Stairway Handrail Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the handrail 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.
- Verify that planned Stairway Handrail Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of handrail, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order handrail; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of handrail; 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 handrail in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Acclimate handrail to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Back prime handrail surfaces that will not be accessible after installation with a compatible priming paint
- Install handrail using handrail installation hardware, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- 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 Handrail Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes