Balustrades are a form of fencing and is an essential feature in several areas of your home. It is commonly used on stairs, patios, balconies, and decks. Being vital to your home’s structure, choosing the right balustrade or staircase railing can have several effects on your property. To help you choose the right one, here are some common mistakes that you should avoid:
1. Focusing Too Much on Aesthetics
It’s common to choose balustrades based on which ones will best complement your home. You might want the balustrade that contrasts perfectly with your wooden floors, or you might want a railing that goes perfect with a new painting you recently purchased.
Although there is nothing wrong with choosing a balustrade that is pretty, that shouldn’t be all there is to it. When you focus too much on aesthetics, you lose focus on other vital aspects, such as safety. Before you purchase a balustrade, straighten out your priorities first and make sure that the balustrade follows safety standards.
2. Not Doing Enough Research
Many homeowners think that you don’t need to know much about balustrades, and that choosing one is not going to be a problem. That is, until they’re barraged with terminologies and the overwhelming amount of options.
Research will go a long way, as you’ll be surprised at the many things there you need to know about balustrades. Additionally, research will help you make the right decision when choosing a balustrade for your home.
A part of your research will be to find a reputable company that offers balustrade installation services. You want to work with a reputable contractor and you can confirm this through research by checking out their website, online properties, and customer reviews and testimonials.
3. Fixating on Price
There is nothing wrong with wanting to save money. However, your frugality may be costing you. Your balustrade must be of high quality to ensure its safety and durability. You want a balustrade that can provide you and your family protection that will last a long, long time.
Many homeowners are quick to turn down balustrades that cost more than they are willing to spend without understanding why it costs more. Keep in mind that when it comes to balustrades, you can’t go for something that is just “okay.” Your balustrade must be of superior quality, otherwise it won’t meet the safety standards required for your home.
4. Getting Too Many Quotes
Getting several quotes from reputable contractors is good, but getting a lot of them can be problematic. When you have too many quotes, it is easy to get confused and overwhelmed, which will make the whole decision-making process a lot harder.
It is recommended to get only two to three quotes from trusted contractors, compare them, and then choose the one that best suits your needs.
5. DIY-ing Your Balustrade
A lot of people think that the installation of a balustrade is easy. Thanks to YouTube and other DIY articles, the internet makes it seem like a person with the most basic handyman skills can install a balustrade on their own.
The thing is, balustrade installation is more than just something you can DIY, as it requires experience, expertise, and familiarity with building codes. Things can get complicated and you could even end up with a costly mistake and trouble with your local council.
Conclusion
These are the most common mistakes that people commit when it comes to balustrades. Choosing a staircase railing is a process and you need to do it right. After all, you’re the one who’ll be looking at the balustrade day in and day out, so it’s important that you choose the right one.
If you are looking for high-quality staircase railing made from top materials, or even a DIY stainless steel balustrade, our team at Aussie Balustrading & Stairs is here to help you out. Contact us today to learn more!
