Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence.

Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence.

The renovation of the screen porch included the installation of low-maintenance decking, code-compliant railings, new screens, and enhanced lighting features, resulting in a safe, revitalized space that is inviting for people to use throughout the summer.

The shape and size of the access structure on the roof was dictated by both the historic rules listed above and structural/code issues. The shape of structure was also dictated by the stairs below. The new stairs had to be angled over the stairs from the first to the second floor such that the lower set of stairs provided head clearance. That set the L-shape and angles of the roof access structure. We used a 3D modeling program called Revit to review four critical height locations. This assured us the design provided the necessary stair clearance without making structure on roof visible from the street. The clients wanted a contemporary look for the stairs, and selected stainless steel cable rail. This material also allows natural light to pass through. We also rebuilt the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, so all the stairs have a consistent look. HDBros

One of our commercial designs was selected for this beautiful clubhouse and fitness center. The design features square wooden newels and wooden stringers finished with grey semi-gloss paint to match the vertical metal rods and handrail. This particular staircase was designed for a complete metal balustrade system and carpeted treads, so that the stairs could meet code requirements for a commercial setting. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

One of our commercial designs was selected for this beautiful clubhouse and fitness center. The design features square wooden newels and wooden stringers finished with grey semi-gloss paint to match the vertical metal rods and handrail. This particular staircase was designed for a complete metal balustrade system and carpeted treads, so that the stairs could meet code requirements for a commercial setting. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Aesthetic Value: This stunning stair design complete with a "floating landing" was designed for a high end production builder as an optional upgrade. Eleven of this stair design have been installed in the community with more underway. Stair Safety: These stairs were designed and built to comply with all local building codes. Quality: From the metal fabrication to the finish carpentry the quality of this turnkey stair design is above and beyond, especially when considering the production environment they are being installed in. Technical Challenge: The balance between high-end design aesthetic and value engineering on these optional production stairs is the challenge. They have to be beautiful so buyers select the option but also cost effective and efficient to install.

One of our commercial designs was selected for this beautiful clubhouse and fitness center. The design features square wooden newels and wooden stringers finished with grey semi-gloss paint to match the vertical metal rods and handrail. This particular staircase was designed for a complete metal balustrade system and carpeted treads, so that the stairs could meet code requirements for a commercial setting. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Space constraints and the homeowners' desire for a sleek, sturdy staircase drove the design of this highly custom solution. Instead of a traditional landing at the corner, the first two steps are winders that navigate the turn while meeting code requirements and conserving space. The open-riser design maintains visual lightness, while horizontal metal balusters, thick oak treads, white painted double stringers, and a modern oak handrail complete the clean, contemporary aesthetic. The result is a staircase that proves spatial challenges can inspire elegant solutions. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Small trendy beige one-story stone flat roof photo with a green roof

Aesthetic Value: This stunning stair design complete with a "floating landing" was designed for a high end production builder as an optional upgrade. Eleven of this stair design have been installed in the community with more underway. Stair Safety: These stairs were designed and built to comply with all local building codes. Quality: From the metal fabrication to the finish carpentry the quality of this turnkey stair design is above and beyond, especially when considering the production environment they are being installed in. Technical Challenge: The balance between high-end design aesthetic and value engineering on these optional production stairs is the challenge. They have to be beautiful so buyers select the option but also cost effective and efficient to install.

This tiny house is a remodel project on a house with two bedrooms, plus a sleeping loft, as photographed. It was originally built in the 1970's, converted to serve as an Air BnB in a resort community. It is in-the-works to remodel again, this time coming up to current building codes including a conventional switchback stair and full bath on each floor. Upon completion it will become a plan for sale on the website Down Home Plans.

©Erin Parker, Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography, LLC
Inspiration for a tropical wooden medium tone wood floor staircase remodel in Miami with gray walls

Aesthetic Value: This stunning stair design complete with a "floating landing" was designed for a high end production builder as an optional upgrade. Eleven of this stair design have been installed in the community with more underway. Stair Safety: These stairs were designed and built to comply with all local building codes. Quality: From the metal fabrication to the finish carpentry the quality of this turnkey stair design is above and beyond, especially when considering the production environment they are being installed in. Technical Challenge: The balance between high-end design aesthetic and value engineering on these optional production stairs is the challenge. They have to be beautiful so buyers select the option but also cost effective and efficient to install.

One of our commercial designs was selected for this beautiful clubhouse and fitness center. The design features square wooden newels and wooden stringers finished with grey semi-gloss paint to match the vertical metal rods and handrail. This particular staircase was designed for a complete metal balustrade system and carpeted treads, so that the stairs could meet code requirements for a commercial setting. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Staircase - coastal staircase idea in New York

This 3 level elegant and ultra-modern well-designed staircase features dark wooden treads, no risers, a horizontal railing system, and plenty of space beneath the stairs. The gaps/spaces (code compliant) between the wooden treads let the maximum amount of light shine from the top floor windows, and the ½” stainless steel horizontal rods amplify the look of the space under the landings. CSC 1976-2020 © Century Stair Company ® All rights reserved.

This new Sunroom provides an attractive transition from the home’s interior to the sun-filled addition. The same rich, natural materials and finishes used in the home extend to the Sunroom to expand the home, The natural hardwoods and Marvin Integrity windows warms provide an elegant look for the space year-round.

The look and feel and size of the railing components matches the historic appearance, and the lattice is one of the low maintenance features that was able to be installed. Proper graspable handrails are installed at the stairway in order to meet modern building code, one of those little features where current needs trump historic appearance. A&J Photography, Inc.