Q: Is Almaden Stair and Rail Inc. licensed, bonded and insured?+
Q: What kind of work do you do?+
A: Great question. We construct new staircases, perform overlays on your existing stair, install false ends, build new stair rails, build level gallery or balcony rails, baluster replacement, and stair and rail updating.
Q: Do you offer free estimates?+
Q: Will I receive a warranty?+
A: All new work comes with a full one year warranty covering materials and labor.
Q: How long will it take to install my new stair and or rail system? +
A: Most stairs can be completed within one or two days. We will do our best to have your stair usable in the evening. Handrail installation will typically take one to three days.
Q: Can you install a new rail over an existing stair or gallery?+
A: We do quite a lot of this.
Q: Do you offer painting and finishing services? +
A: These are not offered, as finishing is a different trade than carpentry, though a painter can be recommended upon request. Paint grade newel posts and balusters can often be painted at a shop prior to installation, saving time and money over job site painting.
Q: Is all work performed on site? +
A: We will perform as much preparatory work in our shop as possible, reducing the actual time in your home and minimizing as much dust as we can.
Q: Is a deposit required to begin work? +
A: Most jobs require a ten percent deposit to begin. Some require more if special order materials are needed.
Q: Do you offer design services?+
A: We absolutely do. During our first meeting, we will first go over your ideas, followed by multiple design options, including wood species, rail profiles, wood or metal balusters, paint grade or stain grade, etc. If you are working with a designer, we will be happy to spend time with them as well.
Q: Does the stair installation come before or after the finished flooring?+
A: It is usually best to install the stair and rail before the flooring goes down in order to reduce the risk of damage.
Q: Do you install flooring?+
A: We do not, though we can offer referrals.
Q: Q: Do you perform small jobs?+
A: Yes. Many jobs will take only a day or so. These are easy for us to fit into our schedule.
Q: Do you update existing stairs and rail systems?+
A: Much of our work is just that. We can dramatically change the look and feel of your stair and rail at a fraction the cost of replacement.
Q: What are my responsibilities?+
A: We ask that all furniture, rugs, lamps, pictures and paintings be removed from the area of construction. We also ask that you cover any of your possessions that you would like to keep dust free. This is your home of course, though it’s now considered a job site as well.