Issue · 01
Run is too steep for code
IRC R311.7.5 · Rise ≤ 7¾″ · Run ≥ 10″
Old basement stairs rarely meet current rise and run. The inspector flags it on the framing inspection. We build the new stair to the geometry that passes.
Basement Stairs · Lehigh ValleyFinishing the basementusually meansa new stair.
When a basement gets finished, the original basement stair usually doesn't meet code for a finished space, and it rarely matches the room. We build the new stair in our Whitehall shop and deliver it ready to set. Your framing or finish crew sets it, and we come back to install the railing. Send us a few photos of the rough opening and we'll give you a realistic budget range on your first call.
─── Call line
(610) 443-2240Budget on the first call · IRC-compliant
Do I need a new stair when I finish my basement?
Usually. The original basement stair rarely meets code for a finished space. We build the new stair in our Whitehall shop and deliver it ready for your crew to set, then come back to install the railing. Lead time is 4–6 weeks, and the railing install takes 1–2 days. Send us a few photos of the rough opening for a realistic budget range.
Reviewed July 2026 · Nick & the Snyder Stairs team, Whitehall PA
- Est. 198739 yrs
- Family-Owned
- Veteran-Owned
- 4.8★ Verified
- Lehigh Valley
When finishing hits a stair problem
Four problems we see with basement stairs.
Most basement renovations run into a stair problem somewhere between framing and drywall. Here's what we see most.
Issue · 02
No proper handrail system
IRC R311.7.8 · Graspable · 34–38″ · continuous
Code calls for a graspable, continuous handrail at 34–38″. A 2×4 nailed to the wall isn't it. We install a proper railing system end to end.
Issue · 03
Open risers won't pass
IRC R311.7.5.1 · Open risers ≤ 4″ sphere
Open risers that pass a 4″ sphere fail in habitable space. We close the risers and finish them to match the basement floor.
Issue · 04
It just looks unfinished
Not code — but it reads cheap
Even when it passes, a 2×10 stringer with utility treads doesn't match a finished room. We build the stair to match the space.
Inspector-ready geometry, CAD on contract
Documentation & sign-off
Drawings for your inspector, and a job we finish.
Here's what you get before we cut anything, and what we stand behind until the inspector signs off.
Day one
Drawings before fabrication
Plan, elevation, and section drawings for the stair, in hand before fabrication starts.
IRC R311.7
Built to current code
Rise, run, handrail height, and a graspable continuous rail, built to current residential code.
Drywall → finish
Timed to your finish window
We measure during framing and install the railing between drywall and finish carpentry.
Inspector signs
Ready for inspection
We don't leave the job until the railing is ready for inspection. If the inspector flags something, we come back and take care of it.
Built in our Whitehall shop · family-owned since 1987
What's included
Everything your basement stair includes.
From the site measure during framing to the drawings for your inspector, here's what's in the scope. We work directly with homeowners and with the contractor running the job.
Free in-home site measure
We come out and measure the real opening — no guessing.
Design + selection help
Species, profile, iron pattern, finish — we guide it.
Built in our Whitehall shop
Cut, fit, and assembled in Whitehall before it goes out.
Installed by our crew
Measure to install, all by us. 1–3 days on site.
Haul-away and cleanup
We take the old parts and debris with us when we leave.
We stand behind our work
If something loosens later, give us a call and we'll fix it.
CAD on contract for complex stairs
Plan, elevation, and section — you sign off before we cut.
Crated to your framing date
Built to schedule and delivered when the framing's ready.
Railing install runs 1–2 days on site. Contractors get trade pricing. Just tell us you're running the job.
How we do it
Built into your basement timeline.
Step 01 of 04Site measure during framing
We come out after the rough opening is framed but before drywall. We measure the run, rise, and finished floor heights, and confirm code clearances.
During framing
Step 02 of 04Choose the stair and railing
You pick the wood species (matched to the basement floor), handrail profile, baluster pattern, and finish. We can provide drawings if your inspector needs them.
A few days · written
Step 03 of 04Built in our Whitehall shop
4–6 weeks. Stringers, treads, and risers are cut and fit in Whitehall. Newels, balusters, and handrail come from our suppliers and are fit together before delivery.
117 Franklin St · Whitehall
Step 04 of 04Deliver, then install the railing
The stair arrives crated, ready for your crew to set. We come back to install the railing, usually 1–2 days, and leave it ready for inspection.
Your home
What to expect
A few numbers to plan around.
Whether you're the homeowner or the contractor running the job, these are the numbers we'll go over on the first call.
- 01Lead time4–6 weeks
- 02Deposit50% to start fabrication
- 03Site measureFree · during framing
- 04Railing install1–2 days
“
Great from start to finish — they came out and measured for new stairs and railings, installed them in a timely manner, and had very competitive, reasonable pricing. It was always very easy to get someone on the phone whenever I called.
Frequently asked
A few things you'll probably want to know.
Does my basement stair need to meet code?
Yes. Once the basement is habitable space, which is what "finishing" means under the IRC, the stair must meet rise and run, handrail, and riser code. Most basement stairs built before 2000 fail at least one of these. Every staircase we build is designed and built to meet current residential building code. If your project requires a permit, that's typically handled by your builder or local municipality.
How does this fit into a basement finishing timeline?
We come out during framing, after the rough opening is set and before drywall, and measure. We schedule fabrication against your finish carpentry date so the stair lands when you need it. Call us with your framing inspection date and finish carpentry date and we'll line up the build against your schedule.
Can you work with my GC's schedule?
Yes, and we prefer it. Tell us the framing inspection date, the drywall date, and the finish carpentry date. We deliver the stair and install the railing between drywall and finish carpentry. For builders we work with regularly, we share the schedule directly with your GC so the trades sequence correctly.
What if my basement is already partially finished?
That's common. We remove the existing stair, sometimes with a section of the surrounding drywall, prep the opening, and set the new stair. Drywall patching is better left to a dedicated tradesman. Send us a few photos and we'll talk through the scope.
Will the new basement stair match the rest of the house?
If you want it to. Most homeowners match the basement stair to the basement floor and skip the more formal railing of the main stair. For a finished basement with a media room, gym, or guest suite, we can match the main stair. Send us a few photos of the basement and the main stair and we'll help you decide.
Is this homeowner-direct or do I need a GC?
Either works. Homeowners come to us directly and we coordinate with your finish carpentry crew. GCs bring us in on basement projects they're already running. Contractors get trade pricing. Just give us a call.
Talk to a personStill have a question?
Homeowner finishing the basement?
We'll build to code, on your finishing timeline.
Most basement finishes run into a code problem with the original stair. Send us a few photos of the rough opening and we'll tell you whether the existing geometry works or whether you're better off replacing it.
- IRC compliant
- Drawings for your inspector
- Budget on the first call
Basement renovation
Bring us in early and we'll fit the stair to your timeline.
If you're framing your basement, send us a few photos of the rough opening and the existing stair. We'll give you a realistic budget range, then come out during framing to measure.
Budget on the first call · (610) 443-2240 · Whitehall, PA
