Railings to Install Before You Sell Your House

With the housing market the way it is, there’s no better time to try and sell your home.

Buyers and sellers are looking to get the most value for their home. Therefore, making improvements now can greatly increase the value of your home when you go to sell.

In this article, we’ll be discussing what people are looking at when buying a house and different interior and exterior railings you can install around your home to make it jump to the top of all real estate sites.

Already know how you want to improve the value of your home? Contact our team or check out our stair railing kits to get started on your projects today!

 

Railings for Buyers, Realtors, and Insurance Agents

You may be asking, “Why should I install a handrail?”

When selling a house there are a few parties involved, namely buyers, realtors, and insurance agents who are all going to be looking at your current railings or for railings that need to be installed. 

For buyers, upgrading or installing a handrail will greatly increase the value of your home because that’s another project they won’t have to undertake. You may not think about or use your railings often, but someone buying your home may need railings and will want to check them.

Realtors will be looking for additional value and selling points when it comes to your railing. Getting to say “newly updated” or “recently renovated” gives more selling points for realtors talking to potential buyers.

Insurance agents will be checking that your railings are up to code and that any areas where you do not have railing are not surpassing the minimum requirements.

 

Residential Handrail Requirements

So, when do you need a handrail in your home? There are 3 main areas that we will focus on: stairs, ramps, and open edges.

For stairs, a handrail is required on at least one side when there are 4 or more steps. 

For ramps, if the slope is greater than 1 inch high over 12 inches long, then a handrail is required on at least one side as well.

Now for open edges (porches, decks, split level steps, etc.) a guardrail must be installed if the upper level is 30 inches or more above the lower level. The term “guardrail” is used here because it is a railing meant to prevent someone falling to the lower level.

For more in-depth numbers and situations, check out our Residential Handrail Requirements Guide or head over to the International Building Code (IBC) for exact references.

*Note* Check your local codes too as they may vary state to state.

 

Exterior Railings

Let’s talk about increasing your curb appeal with exterior railings that will boost the value to someone looking to buy your home.

There are a million things people look at when buying a home, but drawing their attention from pictures or walking by your home is the first step.

 

Front Steps and Porch Railing

Speaking of steps (see what I did there?). Your front steps and walkway are the focal point of your home. It can be love at first sight for potential buyers. The right railing for your front porch or steps increases the look, safety, and value of your home.

We have the perfect fit for your front steps with our Surface Mounted Handrail Kits and Hybrid Mounted Handrail Kits that can easily be installed by one person in just a couple hours.

If you are looking to see what those kits look like in action, or what other designs people have done for their front steps and porches. Check out these different railing ideas to improve your house’s curb appeal:

 

Back Deck and Patio 

While it may not be “curb appeal” because it’s typically behind your house. Your back deck is still a visual point that will draw more buyers in and provide greater value to your property. 

A deck is where people like to entertain guests and enjoy beautiful weather days. If your deck is in good condition with new railing, buyers will be able to dream about themselves hanging out on their new deck. That type of dreaming will add to your home being at the top of their list. 

And having the right railing will make insurance agents happy because they’ll be checking that your deck has railing along its edges and steps.

Check out these different deck railings to inspire your home improvements:

 

Interior Railings

For the interior of your home, there can be a few areas where you’ll want to upgrade or add railings to increase the value of your home.

Any railings you currently have could need some improvement, and buyers are going to be looking at those to see if they’ll have future projects after purchasing the house. Having newly updated or recently renovated railings will create strong selling points for realtors.

Installing new railing in areas like stairways, balconies, or split-levels can make the appeal of your home greater in the eyes of a buyer and realtor.

 

Stairways

You may already have railing throughout your home on all your staircases (I would hope you do or else your home would be a little scary).

Most homes will have wood railing throughout that is great and does the job, but when was the last time it was looked at? The wood can deteriorate over time and however it is mounted to the wall or floor can become unstable. 

Make sure your interior railings are in good working order and can still support someone needing to use them. You may not think about your staircase railing or use them as much, but someone buying your home may rely more on railings and will want to check them.

If your railings are beyond simple repairs and need to be replaced, we have Wall Mounted Handrail Kits that can easily be assembled in your stairway and will ensure your home and stairs are safe for buyers.

Want to be inspired some more? Look at these interior stair railing projects other customers have done: 

 

Balconies and Split-Levels

If you have one of them fancy houses with balconies, chances are you already have some sort of railing protecting that ledge (this time I really hope so).

Your balcony can be a big selling point for your home for realtors and buyers, and you’ll want to have the right railing that is both safe and accents the beauty of your home.

For split-level houses you may not think you need a railing, and that very well may be the case. However, we want to take in to account the previously mentioned height rules of stairs and open edges 30 inches or more above the lower level that insurance agents will be looking at.

If your split-level step(s) are shorter than that, you’re in the clear! If it is at that threshold, you’ll want to be looking at installing a guardrail to protect not only yourself while you’re still living there, but for future buyers of your home to make them safe and let’s say it together, INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME. 

Here are a few examples of railing and split-level railings people have used in their homes:

 

In Review

Selling your house is all about increasing the value of it. Making these little upgrades to different railings around your home can make it more desirable to potential buyers.

Please contact our team who would love to assist with your plans for your home!