Why are offers for railings, staircases, and countertops usually so wide?

When building a home, homeowners often face sudden and unexpected decisions. This then, in most cases, results in change orders.

In this article, I wanted to point out two unexpected costs that are often overlooked and can come as a surprise.

Railings and stairs

Railings and stairs can be of a wide variety of types and materials. They also have a wide range of prices. A single staircase with railings can cost from $5,000 to six figures. Usually, homeowners get their inspiration from Pinterest. There, you can find many beautiful staircases and railings. But they all come with a cost. The more modern and minimalistic the design, the more expensive it will be.

Minimalistic and modern-design staircases are expensive, mainly because of strength requirements. They need to be able to support weight without the extra support of traditional railings and ornate features.

Another factor is the type of material you choose. Again, the difference between softwood and hardwood can be 30-50% higher.

Tip: Whenever you go to your contractors with a price request, make sure you have specified what material you want. Contractors will always offer the cheapest material, and homeowners often skip this detail.

Countertops

Many homeowners use Pinterest as a source of inspiration. We all see beautiful marble kitchens and dream of having the same luxurious countertops in our own homes. But once the first quotes come in, the price range can be insane for countertops. And I am not only talking about marble countertops. These price ranges are also for solid wood countertops, stainless steel, quartz, etc.

My advice is to look for alternative materials because all the expensive materials will have alternatives that offer the same functionality and design. For example, you can buy quartz or quartzite countertops. Quartz is manmade, while quartzite is natural. Can you guess which is cheaper, harder, and more durable? The winner is Quartz!

Tip: Whenever you find your dream countertop, look for alternative materials. Most likely, you will find alternative materials with the same look and functionality.

Advice for homeowners

Building your first home can be challenging, but with careful planning, it can also be a rewarding experience. My home-building checklist is full of knowledge, tips, and suggestions. Everything is very detailed and organized, making it easier to navigate through the process and ensure that nothing is overlooked. A home-building checklist reduces stressful moments and unexpected decisions. Those moments when you realize that you forgot something will be much less. Also, it will significantly reduce change orders. Most homebuilders will charge homeowners for changes at a minimum of $300.