Watch Your Stairs On A Construction Site

Why It’s Crucial to Watch Your Stairs on a Construction Site

Stairwells are a vital yet challenging component of construction projects. They are not only the main access points for workers but also a complex part of the building that requires meticulous planning to finish efficiently. In this blog, I’ll share some tips, strategies, and insights to help you tackle stairwell construction effectively and avoid unnecessary complications.

The Common Challenge with Stairwells:

Stairwells are among the last areas to be completed in construction, often because they remain in constant use throughout the project. Workers need them for access to different floors, which makes it difficult to finish them without disruption.

Compounding this challenge are the various elements that must come together:

• Handrails to inspect.
• Paint and finishes to apply.
• Hard-to-reach ceiling areas.
• Exterior curtain wall cleaning.
• Final inspections of treads and standpipes.

Without a clear plan, these tasks can overlap and delay progress.

A Practical Solution: Sequential Completion:

To address this, I recommend a sequential approach to completing stairwells:

Plan the Active Stairwell:
Designate one stairwell for worker access during the project. Mark it clearly on your logistics maps to ensure everyone knows where to go.

Sequence the Work:

• Begin by finishing the rough-in, applying finishes, and performing the first-pass cleaning on one stairwell.
• Once that stairwell is complete, move to the next one. Repeat the process until all stairwells are finished.

Protect the Final Stairwell:
Use the last stairwell as your live stairwell. Protect its walls and floors to keep it functional while maintaining quality.

Why Not Finish All at Once?

Attempting to complete all stairwells simultaneously can lead to:

• Delays caused by overlapping tasks and ongoing worker traffic.
• Missed hard-to-reach areas like soffits and ceiling spaces.
• Incomplete inspections due to rushed work.

By focusing on one stairwell at a time, you can maintain better control over the process and ensure high-quality results.

Realistic Timeframes for Stairwell Completion:

The fastest I’ve seen a stairwell completed is six weeks. While this might seem long, it’s a realistic timeframe for:

• Inspections.
• Cleaning.
• Finalizing finishes.

If you have four stairwells, plan for at least six weeks per stairwell. This allows you to finish systematically without compromising quality or safety.

Key Considerations:

When planning your stairwell work, don’t overlook:

• Hard-to-access areas like soffits and high ceilings.
• Fire sprinklers and standpipe installations.
• Exterior curtain wall cleaning.
• The impact of high traffic on quality.

Double-check the backside of your schedule to phase the work properly and avoid last-minute panic.

Final Thoughts:

By taking a methodical, sequential approach to stairwell construction, you can avoid the common pitfalls of rushed finishes and incomplete inspections. Watching your stairs—both literally and figuratively—will ensure a smoother process and a safer, better-quality result.