What we do
Rails you can lean on, steps that stay put
Inside stairs, cellar stairs and porch steps are where most falls happen. We check them first and fix what a handyman can.
Included in the visit
Tighten a loose handrail into the framing, not just the drywall
Add a second handrail where one side has none
Re-secure a wobbly newel post or baluster
Replace a worn stair nosing or tread edge
Add a light switch at the top or bottom, or a plug-in stair light
Know before you book
What we do and what we leave to others
| Job | Leave to a licensed trade | We do |
|---|---|---|
| Handrail | Leave to a licensed tradeRebuild a staircase, change its rise or run | We doTighten, add or re-anchor a rail up to about 12 feet |
| Treads | Leave to a licensed tradeReplace a whole run of steps or the stringers | We doReplace a nosing or a single loose tread |
| Porch steps | Leave to a licensed tradePour or repair concrete or masonry steps | We doRe-secure treads and rails on wood steps |
| Stair lift | Leave to a licensed tradeInstall or service a stair lift | We doCheck the handrail will clear one |
What changes the time
What makes a visit longer
A rail on a plaster wall takes longer than one on drywall, because we find the framing first.
Cellar stairs with low headroom or steep pitch can take two people the full visit.
We bring common rails and brackets. A longer or specially finished rail is ordered and installed on a second visit.
How it goes
From the call to the report
- 01
Step 1: First call
Sabina asks how the stairs are used and which side your parent reaches for.
- 02
Step 2: The walk
We climb the stairs with your parent and mark where they put their hand.
- 03
Step 3: The fix
We anchor or add the rail on the side they use, and test it with a firm pull.
- 04
Step 4: The report
You get a photo of each rail and a note of anything we could not do.
Rules
Permits and what we leave to others
Adding or replacing a handrail on an existing staircase usually needs no permit in Monroe County towns, but rules differ by town. If a job would change a staircase, we say so and refer it to a licensed contractor.
In a house built before 1978 we do not sand or scrape painted wood. If a rail needs refinishing, we refer that work.
Questions
Questions about this work
Can you add a rail on both sides?
Where the stair is wide enough, yes. If a second rail would narrow the stair too much, we tell you before we put one up.
Do you fix the carpet on stairs?
We can re-secure loose carpet or add treads to it. Replacing a carpet is a flooring job.
What about outdoor steps in winter?
We check rails and treads in spring and fall. We do not shovel or salt, but the winter visit includes where to keep ice melt so your parent can reach it without lifting a bag.
Start with the stairs your parent uses most
We call back by the end of the next business day.