8 staircase fixes and hallway projects that could add value to your home

When making home improvements, many dive into the project with a short-term budget in mind. Yet they don’t fully consider whether making the “improvement” will benefit the home’s overall value when it comes to selling in the future.  To help make renovation decisions easier, home improvers Lucie Levesley, Director at Jackson Woodturners stair part specialists and Kevin Gaskell, Director at SheffLets lettings agency discuss common staircase projects… how they might influence property values and your home’s saleability.

1. Fixing handrails, bannisters and painting balustrades

Fixing broken or wobbly handrails and restoring bannisters are relatively easy ways to improve the look and feel of your hallway. Kevin Gaskell, Director at SheffLets said,

“Presenting a property at its absolute best is paramount to achieving the highest sale or rental value. Things like damaged handrails or bannister rails are very obvious signs that a property has been neglected and could put off potential clients, even leading them to making a reduced offer.

“Whilst it might not add a significant amount to a buyer’s offer, the little details all add up, giving an overall feel to the property. Making this simple fix becomes another tick in the plus column for buyers.”

Kevin continues, 

“In almost all cases when we have sold or rented properties over the last 18 years, it’s the ones that are presented the best that achieve the best prices and quickest turnaround. Simple touches like ensuring balustrades are clean and fresh are relatively cheap ways to make sure that your presentation is on point. It is my experience that the better a house is presented, the quicker it sells and the greater the price achieved. Often over the asking price on especially well-presented homes.”

Lucie’s top tip for painting your staircase,

“Whilst many staircase projects require a good level of expertise, often requiring a joiner to complete the work. Projects such as securing handrails, fixing spindles and painting the balustrade can be done by anyone who has a basic level of DIY knowledge and the right tools, by following videos and online guides.”

2. Removing or updating original staircase features

Staircases and hallways are rarely updated as often as other rooms in the home, meaning many modern properties will have old stair parts that don’t always match the rest of the space. Updating a dated staircase can bring the whole property into harmony however, replacing period features isn’t always the right choice.  

Kevin comments,

“The hallway is often one of the first chances you have to make an impression on a buyer, so in a competitive property market it’s really important to use this space to your advantage to stand out from the crowd.

“Modern, clean staircases are the most popular and give a great first impression. If the current staircase in your property is particularly dated, replacing the balustrade can be a smart decision. Alongside bathrooms and kitchens, the staircase can be a big investment and when done well, really helps to sell a property and add value.”

Lucie’s top tip for modernising your staircase,

“The “ranch style” staircase (horizontal, panelled stair balustrades) was outlawed back in the 1980s, so it’s worth looking to get this style replaced and updated. This can be an important factor especially if the property is a “family home”, as children can climb this style of balustrade which can be dangerous.”

“Homes with period stair parts should look to keep these as they can be a good selling feature. You could even look to fix or replace any damaged or missing parts, with a bespoke woodturning service like Jackson Woodturner’s who can help with any replacements.” 

3. Adding under-stairs storage solutions

The ongoing cost of living crisis and competitive housing market are driving a need for creative storage solutions in the home. The race for space is on, with many looking to maximise this within their current properties, delaying the need to upsize. 

Commenting on the trend, Kevin said, 

“Modern properties are generally really lacking in storage solutions, with no cellars, and small loft spaces (if any). Maximising storage in innovative ways is a huge win in terms of the marketability of your property. Whether it’s a simple cupboard under the stairs or more complex drawers and shelving, making more out of unused hallway space is a great way to give your home a competitive edge.”

Lucie’s top tip for adding storage solutions, 

“The more complex the storage design, the more expensive it is likely to be as more resources are required. Creative designs often involve many pieces of wood that need measuring, cutting and fitting, alongside fiddley fixtures to allow access and movement. 

“If you’re only looking to add storage to improve your property’s saleability, if could be worth just clearing the space instead. That way buyers can see there is room for whatever they need. One buyer might have bikes whilst another someone has lots of shoes or children’s toys which need a home. If you would personally benefit from a more bespoke design though, don’t let this hold you back.”

4. Using space under the stairs for a purpose (e.g. WC, office space and wine cellars)

It’s not just storage which can be added under the staircase, homeowners are increasingly leveraging this area to create useable features such as a wash closet, office space and even wine cellars in some cases. 

Kevin said,

“The massive increase in remote and hybrid working has made office space hugely attractive to potential buyers. By utilising an otherwise unused space (whilst potentially not taking up a bedroom), an understairs office would definitely add value and wow factor to your property. With the average price of a three bed home around £70k more than a two bed home in Sheffield you can see just how important utilising an unused space could be.” 

“To achieve a premium sales price the discerning buyer is looking for something extra these days. A built-in wine cellar ticks a lot of boxes if you are looking to give your property that high-end feel but, is perhaps not worth the cost when considering the average buyer’s needs and priorities.”

Lucie’s top tip for adding an understair bathroom,

“Adding a water closet under the stairs is one of the most common ways this space is utilised and is especially sought after for the modern family. Adding a toilet and sink to the space, alongside the necessary building, electrics and plumbing could cost upwards of £7,250 but, according to Checkatrade, may increase the value of your property by roughly 5%.”1

“If you haven’t converted this space into a room already, you can still showcase its potential. Make sure that the area under the stairs is kept clean and tidy. It may be worth dressing the space to give potential buyers an idea as to what can be achieved i.e. a kids’ playroom or an office.” 

5. Replacing a loft room or basement ladders with a purpose built staircase 

All too often the loft can be a large wasted space. A loft ladder is impractical and fairly unsafe for anyone wanting to fully utilise the space on offer. 

Discussing this home improvement Kevin said,

“A purpose built staircase providing easier access to your loft or basement would create ease of use and free up much-needed space in the existing living space. These spaces are often used as dumping grounds in the home but, better access will encourage homeowners to clear out their junk, leaving behind a more useable space. Checkatrade estimates that loft conversions cost on average ££27,500 to £75,000+ but, add on average 20% to a property’s value2. Whilst cellar or basement conversions are around £1,600 per m2 to complete3.”

Lucie’s top tip for loft and basement staircases is,

“If you are looking to add a staircase to an existing loft room, then I would always consult a joinery manufacturer who can help you get the best staircase for the space available. A joiner will also be able to guide specifications such as steepness, tread length and handrail requirements to ensure any changes are up to code.”

6. Replacing worn and stained carpets or restoring floorboards

Flooring trends tend not to change as fast as other interior trends. Hardwood floors never go out of style and stained, worn-out carpets will more often than not be a turn-off. 

Kevin commented, 

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression. A staircase is often the very first thing a prospective buyer sees and a worn or stained stair carpet creates a negative first impression. This can be detrimental for home buyers who are looking for a turn-key property which is ready to move into. However, if your carpets aren’t overtly worn, it would be worth seeing what buyers think before investing in upgrades.”

Kevin also recommends considering,

“There is an increasing move away from carpets towards hard floors accented with rugs too. If you are lucky enough to have original floorboards, refurbishing these can give your property a real edge over the competition not to mention increasing pet and child-friendliness of your property which can appeal to more potential buyers.”

Lucie’s top tip for upgrading stair flooring,

“Stair runners have seen a huge rise in popularity over the last few years. When installing a stair runner, the treads and risers that the carpet will sit on need to be in a reasonable condition. Most people tend to paint the treads and risers. 

“If the existing treads and risers are not suited for a runner, then they can be covered with an oak stair cladding system that can be simply fitted over existing treads and risers, giving your staircase a whole new look.”

7. Adding bespoke, high-end design features 

Whilst you might think that adding custom, high-end design features will add value to your property, this isn’t always the case. Yes, good quality products can add value but, often these features are personal to the owners and won’t have wide-reaching appeal.

Kevin adds,

“Adding bespoke features such as floating steps, high-end design staircase design and floor lighting won’t necessarily add value directly, it’s more just from being a wow factor which can make your property more competitive. 

“If such features are something you desire personally then go for it but, be aware that not everyone will have the same taste as you and something like a floating staircase might not be practical for future buyers who have young children, disabilities or are less mobile due to old age.”

Lucie’s top tips when adding bespoke features,

“Our glass products have become very popular over recent years and we are getting more and more requests for larger panels and bespoke pieces. I think its popularity comes from its versatility, suiting a wide range of interior styles and also the way it allows light to travel through the home. You don’t always need bespoke glass to create this effect though, precut sizes paired with oak frames or metal finishings can give a unique look and will be much more simple to fit.” 

8. Improving staircases that aren’t up to code

There are official guidelines when it comes to the dimensions and features of residential staircases, from the height and angle of handrails to spindle gap spacing and stair tread dimensions. This is to reduce the risk of falls and accidents as falls on stairs account for around 25 per cent of all home falls (fatal and non-fatal)4. 

In relation to rentals, Kevin adds, 

“Whilst improving staircases in residential properties is a smart move to help reduce the risk of falls, in rental properties, it is absolutely crucial! With tenant claims against landlords on the increase, it’s imperative that you don’t leave yourself open to litigation. All of the staircases in your property should be safe and up to the required standard.”

Lucie’s top tips for getting staircases up to code,

“The easiest way to make sure your staircase is safe and compliant, is to use an experienced joiner to make any improvements. They will be aware of any requirements such as the recommended step height, treads, handrail specifications and spindle gaps. I’d still, however, educate yourself so that you are comfortable that your chosen tradesperson if implementing the guidance correctly, the government provide health and safety guidance which can be found online.”

Kevin Gaskell, Director at SheffLets in collaboration with Jackson Woodturners concludes,

“Increasingly savvy buyers and renters are looking for that something extra in today’s property market. First impressions are absolutely crucial and a well-designed and presented hallway with some innovative office or storage space is a fantastic way to make a great first impression of your property.”

For further advice and inspiration, visit the Jackson Woodtuners website.