Help with old front steps!!

11 years ago

You guys are always my last resource when you should be my first one!

You've helped me with other projects so today I would like to present you with the hardest one so far: our front steps.

They are old concrete ones, plus there is no platform on the first step by the door, which makes it dangerous with small kids.

We have had a few estimates done, and the numbers are so expensive and something we can't really afford right now (around $18K average). (which is money I don't think I will ever get back when we sell the house in like 4 years)

My main issue is that if I have to spend so much money I would like it to look better and more practical, but all the people who have looked at it always suggest the same boring thing: get a platform at top, stairs coming down and leave everything the same. They all get lost at the question: how do I access the right side of the house (I would have to leave an opening on the railing but jump over the steps, because I would lose that platform there).

I don't like the lack of thinking or originality these guys have. Maybe it's true and there is no other way to do it, but I am not ready to give up looking.

What do you guys think? Anyway I can get a platform in there and harmonize everything else, including a way to walk up to the right of the house?

I'm also starting to consider, if there is no other look/solution, to reface the steps ourselves, without breaking them down, with veneers and top slabs of stone.

What would you do if this was your house??

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

PRO
Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction
11 years ago
Your concerns are valid but you have to remember the codes and it might not appear apparent but when you go to list it or have an appraisal/

home inspection, those items will be 'flagged' and the value you are talking about will enter into the negotiations. That being stated, one solution that might bridge the technical versus aesthetic conundrum is to use a switchback design instead; you could get a platform both at the top and at ground level to accommodate access to the side yard (you would also get the proper rise/run dimensions to make it meet code and make it more marketable to a potential buyer). (the picture isn't exactly what I'm recommending, but the idea is conveyed)
Elisa thanked Cook Remodeling & Custom Construction
Elisa
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I like your idea, but I'm not sure if we would have room to do it (the house next door is very close to us).

Funny how you mention codes, yet when we bought the house we didn't get a discount because of these old, out of code, steps. :(

I understand the code situation, but I can't help it, I'm a dreamer (dreaming I will meet the contractor with genial ideas, instead of lazy ones who look for the easy way out).

Thanks again, it helps to see it from a completely different view. Oh quick question: where would the beginning steps be? On the right side of the garage's driveway?
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apple_pie_order
11 years ago
You might talk to an architect about the front steps, the garage access, and the side yard access. There may be several options that would rework the area in front of the house that would make it safer (and up to modern code), more useful, more attractive and possibly increase property values.

If you are handy, you could try measuring everything, then making a model in foamcore where you can move various pieces around. Same thing on computer, of course, if you prefer that.

Do you use the garage for a car now?

Are there similar houses with steps and slopes in your neighborhood? Sometimes other houses have already solved similar problems.
Elisa thanked apple_pie_order
Elisa
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Apple Pie :)

well, obviously we can remodel the whole front, but it would cost a fortune, really.

We don't really use the garage for a car, but I would hate to lose it (even though both the houses next to us, which are somewhat considered our twins, have done away with theirs, and now I am starting to understand why).

Honestly, all the houses look the same around here, at least the ones that look like ours, and maybe I'm desperately trying to break free from the "everybody is the same" look.

Thank you for replying.