What do I send a carpenter so they can price my Manotick stair rebuild?

Getting a carpenter to a useful number quickly comes down to how much information you send before anyone visits the site. The more complete your package, the fewer back-and-forth calls before a price lands in your inbox.

Start with a short written description of what you want done: a full rebuild of the existing stair, or a partial repair of specific treads, stringers or risers. Note whether the stair connects two finished floors or leads to an unfinished space, and whether there is a landing at the top, the bottom or both. If the stair turns, say how many winders and in which direction.

Then gather measurements. The carpenter will verify everything on site, but having rough numbers lets them flag anything unusual before they arrive. Measure the total rise from finished floor to finished floor, the total run, the width of the stair, and the headroom clearance at the tightest point. Count the existing risers. If treads or risers are already out, note that too.

Photographs help. Take one straight-on from the bottom showing the full flight, one from the top looking down, one of each stringer from the side, and close-ups of any rot, cracking or loose connections. If a newel post, handrail or guard is part of the job, photograph those separately.

Write down the finish you want. Solid wood species, paint-grade material, open risers or closed, the style of baluster and newel post, and the handrail profile you want (a required handrail must be continuously graspable from the bottom riser to the top riser). If you have a photo from a magazine or a website saved, include it. Carpenters price material choices differently, and a vague "wood stair" can mean a wide range of outcomes.

Note the access situation: Is the stair the only way between floors while work is happening? Is there a back stair or another route? That affects how the carpenter plans the sequence of the work.

Finally, mention the age of the house. A home built before 1960 may have lead-based paint on existing trim or plaster, and Health Canada advises testing before any disturbance. Letting the carpenter know upfront means they can include testing in the quote rather than discovering it on day one.

When the quotes come back, ask each carpenter to show you every line separately, including design if a designer is involved, the building permit, materials, labour, patching and finishing around the stair opening, and disposal of the old stair.