Sure, anything can be done ... all it takes is time and money. You might also have to fix/replace the flooring in that area depending on how it was done and how careful the contractor is during the demo.

The issue might be finding a good GC to do a small job. The builders and subs in my area are still all working overtime and nothing gets done quickly.

There could be benefits to having the extra privacy upstairs. Why did you first pick the pony walls? And why the change of mind?

I like what you selected in the first place.

If you want that space left of the stairs to be useable - keep the half wall. I could see it being a cozy reading nook. It won't be that with a railing. If you have no need to "use" the space, then open it up.

Be prepared for the fact that this will be rather expensive, and far more costly than if you had opted to do it in the first place. I'm not being critical of you not deciding to do this initially (we've all done that type of thing); I just wanted to alert you to the reality that after-the-fact redos of stairway systems can be costly.

This is not that hard. If they put outlets in the pony wall, that adds an annoyance. I doubt you would need a GC - just find a staircase person. It isn't a terribly hard DIY either. Stair rails can be tricky but this looks easy. You will have to match the stain so try to get the exact brand and color that is used.

Something like this might be cheaper than the builder was charging depending on your local labor market. It is a 1 day job (if you do the stain) for a stair person. They should be happy to make $1k for a day I would think. Maybe catch one of the trim carpenters/stair people on site and ask for a card. Then you might even spend less (because the builders uses a cheap person).

I think wait until you have lived there for a while before deciding the open railing off the bedrooms is something you really want .IMO the arched openings are more of an issue .

I would think so with a change order, right? just costs you more.

" Our builder will not allow us to make changes since we’ve already signed the design agreement. "

@hbeing

millworkman $ always talks

David Cary:

I don't know how much stair building you've done, but if you can find a guy who can remove the drywall, reframe, drywall, paint, trim, install railings and balusters, stain and finish match in one day for a thousand dollars, I'll pay it.