When it comes to planning a larger remodel that will change the overall look of a home, the one area that many people forget to pay attention to is the stairs, which is a shame because a staircase remodel can add a lot to the overall aesthetic appeal of any home.

Remodeling a staircase does not have to mean ripping it up entirely, which is an expensive and rather messy business. Instead consider making one or two fairly small changes that in the end will have quite a big impact.

Stair rails are there primarily for you to hang onto as you climb the stairs to prevent falls but they also make up a large part of a staircase’s aesthetic appeal. A good remodeling contractor can help you pick out a new stair rail, which is fairly easy for a professional to install, that will complement and enhance the overall look and feel of your home. These days you can chose from wooden stair rails that range from the subtle and simple to wrought iron masterpieces that will make a real impact.

Stairs themselves are of course a high traffic area and become worn rather quickly. Wooden stair risers can benefit from a good professional sanding and refinishing job and by adding a new set of professionally installed stair pads you can improve both the look and the overall safety of your staircase (how many of us have slipped because an improperly installed stair pad moved beneath our feet?)

If you have fully carpeted stairs in an older home, and that carpeting has seen better days, have you ever had a peek at what lies beneath? Some homeowners are amazed to find that beneath the dingy carpet that was in place there is actually a perfectly serviceable wooden, sometimes even marble staircase that can be fully restored with a little professional help.