If you’re building a new home with either a basement, second floor, or both, where do you want the stairs to be situated? Stairs located in the center of the home may minimize hallways upstairs but many times center stairs are an assumption at the design phase. When center stairs run along the entry, they may squeeze the traffic pattern and make the space appear and feel tight. Stairs right at the entry may interrupt movement through the home when the entry door is open.

Many of today’s buyers prefer an open, inviting entry view that does not include the staircase, locating those stairs instead to one side of the home, often near the garage. And, be mindful of door swings – you don’t want to open a door into the stairs!

Here are some examples of other stair placements: