Hallway Renovations in Chicagoland

What staircase and foyer work with ADS covers

Railings and balusters, treads and risers, the stair structure underneath, foyer and hallway flooring, trim, lighting and wall finishes. A lot of these projects start the same way, with carpeted steps, a plain railing and a foyer floor that shows its age.

Structure first

A stair that squeaks or flexes has a structural issue, not a cosmetic one. Before we price new treads or a railing, we check what holds the stair up, and we open it if we need to.

If the framing is sound, new treads and a new railing may be all you need, and that is the smaller job. If it is not, we fix it before any finish goes on.

Railings cut in-house

The railing is designed and cut by our own carpenters to fit your stair, not ordered as a kit. Code sets the height and baluster spacing. The design is yours, from wood handrails with iron balusters to a custom geometric panel.

How the job runs

Estimate. Brian, the owner, measures the stair and the floor around it and checks the structure. The itemized written estimate lists the railing as its own line.

Protection. Floors are covered from the entry, and the work is sequenced so the stairs are safe to use every evening. If a rebuild means closing them for a stretch, you get the exact days in advance.

Tear-out and structure. Old carpet, treads and railings come out, stringers are refastened or rebuilt, and wiring for stair or foyer lighting goes in.

Finish. Treads, risers, railing, flooring, trim and paint, then a walkthrough and your 2-year written workmanship warranty.

Timeline, cost and permits

Most staircase and foyer projects take 1 to 2 weeks and cost $6,000 to $18,000.

Moving a staircase, changing its run or removing a balcony is structural work. It needs an engineer and a permit, which we pull, and it takes longer and costs more than a tread and railing update. The written schedule and estimate show that before we start.

Within the typical range, the price moves with capping existing treads versus replacing them, wood versus iron versus glass in the railing, lighting, and how much of the foyer and upstairs hall gets new flooring.

What to have ready

Clear the stairs and foyer, take down photos along the stairwell, and plan where pets will stay during work hours.

Staircases we have built

Modern geometry staircase, Glen Ellyn. The old stair structure and balcony were removed, and the staircase was redesigned around a custom geometric handrail, with a large chandelier and LED lighting above the stair.

Staircase and foyer, Glen Ellyn. Old railings replaced with wood handrails and wrought-iron balusters on a curved stair, a runner added, marble-look porcelain in the foyer, and the wallpaper stripped.

Want your staircase or foyer priced? Send the estimate form at the top of this page, and we call or text back within 2 business hours to set up a free visit. Get my free estimate