Repairs: joinery, doors and kitchens

Problem 8: Newel post/rails cut away

Another common defect encountered in refurbishment projects is where an older property was 'improved' during the 1960s – the newel posts and handrails were sawn away to create an open aspect staircase.

This does not comply with either the British Standard or Building Regulations in terms of trip hazard, fall hazard or handrail support.

Some 75% of falls in domestic properties occur on staircases, and on any section of a staircase where there is no handrail. This predominantly affects children and the elderly.

Solution 1

Robust hand-railing (rather than a cosmetic but ineffective baluster) is an important requirement and should always be reinstated.

COST SEQUENCE - Repairs to hand railing/newel posts and balustrade to staircase

  1. Assumes no more than say 16 risers in a flight to be repaired.
  2. Trim and prepare surface to any broken or cut away newel posts to provide a flat position to locate new timber.
  3. Bore a hole through centre of original/in situ newel post, sufficient to receive, e.g. M20 stud bolt. Cut slot in side of newel post to receive nut.
  4. Insert nut and thread in stud bolt. Cut newel post to adequate height to receive handrail/balustrade, and cut slot at side to receive nut with sufficient room for spanner to turn. Thread new newel post minimum section size say 100mm by 100mm over stud bolt and tighten.
  5. Ensure that newel post is rigidly fixed with no play.
  6. Cut in mortice to receive handrail tenon.
  7. Set moulded beads to receive balustrade base sections. Measure and space centres for balustrade fixing and cut infill blocking pieces to sit between mouldings to suit centres.
  8. Secret nail or tack nail alternately blocking pieces and baluster to locate on stair string and locate within chase within the handrail.
  9. Secure all fixing points.
  10. Sand down and bring forward ready to receive decorations.

Repairs to handrailing/newel posts and balustrade to staircase - COST £125

Small works pricing

Since the original price estimating in 2008 the economic turmoil of the last few years has caused some disparities in pricing - if you are reviewing these figures in the London area they may look laughable - if you are located in Hull they might still look a bit expensive. Please treat them with caution and of course always consider obtaining more than one quote against which to test prices. Reference to the BCIS or a small works pricing book such as Spons or Laxton's will help assess costs and the hourly labour rates upon which they are based.