Railings to Add Value to Your Business

I’m sure you’ve heard all about the railings that are required when it comes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the International Building Code (IBC).

But what about railings that aren’t necessarily “required”? I’m talking about a railing that doesn’t have to be installed according to the law. But a railing that, when installed, adds value to the business.

“But why would I install something I don’t even need?” Well, I’m glad you asked anonymous reader. 

Whether you are just opening your business, selling it, or just looking to update it. We’re going to discuss what it means to add value to your business and how a few simple railings around your business can turn your business from a normal code compliant one, to a 5-star Yelp reviewed one overnight!

 

Value of Handrails

Now when I say “value of handrails” I’m not talking about how much a handrail costs. The value of handrails is two, maybe three-fold depending on how you look at it.

Let’s talk about how your handrails add a monetary value to your business.

If or when you plan on selling your business, there are plenty of areas that add value like the square footage, parking lots, and an up-to-date interior.

One area to focus on here are your handrails. Are they missing a screw or two? Rusting? Or just not even installed at all. Having the proper handrail yes, is a legal requirement, but having a newly installed one adds value to a buyer. This is because that potential buyer no longer has a project they have to work on.

Piggybacking off that, when we look at it from an insurance value, having proper handrails throughout the business will make insurance agents happy. Any additional handrails throughout the business that may not be “required”, will make an insurance agent even more happy. This is because it shows that you aren’t just doing the bare minimum and are taking the steps to ensure safety.

Now, let’s look at it from a brand value perspective. A business is only as good as its brand. How your business looks and presents itself is critical to its success.

What I’m about to say may sound crazy, but handrails go a long way with that appeal.

As I mentioned before, if your handrails are falling off the wall, rusting, or are non-existent. That can, and will, decrease your brands image. Having new and maintained railings shows that you care about the business.

You’ll start getting reviews like:

“5-stars, this business clearly cares about their customers and employees.

Ps. The food is delicious!”

Now that we’ve discussed the value handrails can bring to your business, let’s talk about areas where you can install or upgrade your handrails.

 

Front Entry Railings

The term “curb appeal” isn’t just a sales tactic, but it is a legitimate thing that buyers and customers will care about when looking at your business.

For most entrances, you probably have stairs or wheelchair ramps that already have railings because, well you need to, it’s the law.

But what if you only have a single step or your slope up to your business is so small that you don’t legally need a railing? Well, you already know the answer, that’s why we’re here.

In these situations, a railing will always provide a greater sense of safety and security for those who need it.

Even a single step can be a challenge for someone with limited mobility that may need a little support, and the same goes for any type of slope outside your business. A railing can provide aid and safety for those in wheelchairs or with other mobility difficulties.

 

Patio and Deck Railing

If you’ve got a restaurant, bar, or another type of business that has a patio or deck where customers can sit out and relax while they enjoy the weather. You probably don’t think too much about the railing that’s needed out there because, well if there’s no height concern, then you don’t need any railing. 

This again is where railing can be a big help. A simple perimeter railing can provide a sense of safety for customers if they are near a road or parking lot with cars driving by.

Having a railing around the patio can help “corral” customers to ensure they stay safe and on your property and don’t wander or encroach onto another property. Keeping your customers safe and secure is always important.

 

Queue Lines

What if you have lines of people waiting to get into your business?

Firstly, congratulations, that means your business is doing well! Secondly, humans tend to follow the crowd and while this can mean they will form an orderly line, there are still many instances of people just forming a mass crowd around where they need to go.

Having railing that defines an entrance and exit to a line will create more order inside your business and will help eliminate any potential tripping hazards or problems that could happen with large groups of people.

 

In Review

Whether a railing is “necessary” or “unnecessary”, all of them provide additional value to your business and improve the safety and security of your customers.

If you’re looking to add more value to your business with a new or update handrail, contact one of our experts who would love to assist you with your plans and help get your new handrail ordered today!