Project:

Refinishing basement open-riser stairs. Previously, stairs were carpeted - fully wrapped steps and stringers. Looking to refinish the stairs with painted stringers. Considering adding 1/4" picture framing to steps to inlay carpet.

Details:

Stringers are routed with steps inset. Inside stringer has gap between finished wall but is not shimmed to be secured to wall studs. At bottom, stringers haven't been notched to install a kicker, so stairs aren't secured to concrete floor.

Questions:

1) Should the inside stringer be shimmed and secured to wall studs before finishing skirt board and trim? Drywall is already

2) Should stringers be notched to add a kicker to secure to concrete floor?