Did you PM me? I don't see it in my inbox.
Cleaning up files this morning and came across an email about your handrail gift and thought to say Thank You, again and share the (somewhat) finished result. The basement stairs were a HodgePodgeDIY by the builder (I guess) that needed replacement back when I bought this place in 2008/9.
They were Tight (ly set between AC Ducting and CBS Wall), Steep with assorted riser heights and offered a lively carnival bounce when descending. Due to the cramped installation the method used to fasten them to the main floor was obscured by Ducting and its insulation. That 'feature' dissuaded me from attempting an R&R on my own for years - knowing that once the material hiding the method of attachment to the main floor was removed, I'd have no way 'up' until I figured a way to attach the replacement staircase.
I finally gave in an hired a fellow (w/o asking for - much less checking his references) who talked so confidently that I figured if I had him purchase the materials I would be able to work along side him to insure the result met all reasonable expectations.
Turns out that the attachment wasn't so strange after all - close to 'textbook,' if not so perfectly crafted/executed. And, it turned out that 'my stair fellow' wasn't the brightest carpenter on the site and I had to instruct him to get fit the new work into the old, cramped site.
Nor was he the craftsman his introduction promised as he, once he'd figured out the stringer layout (after a couple of attempts and wasted 2-by material) he rushed and slapped things together (nail gunning as if under attack) rather than screws - making corrections really difficult!
He wanted to fasten the treads and risers using construction adhesive - I prevailed upon him to leave the stuff in the tubes so I might make any adjustment I deemed necessary - good thing, too as lots were required over several days after he's left.
Once I got things level and plumb, I repaired the skirting, replaced the Habitat handrail on the one wall and fashioned the rail you gave me with a proper return - setting it across the stairwell proud and unfinished. Maybe someday . . .
With the new stairs and the two hand rails, climbing stairs is almost easy for a pair of too old folks - wifey likes it!
And, here's the result:
So, thank you again, Charles
