Does modern staircase add value to a home?

[David B.]

Hi all -

i recently purchased a 3200 square feet primary residence in a prominent area of Salt Lake City, Utah. 

it’s a new build, and the basement has 1400sq feet of unfinished area that I’m going to make livable. The upstairs (which is finished) is a big, wide open space that is very modern. We are doing some minor cosmetics to really make the home pop. 

My question relates to the staircase. The builder put in a really paltry staircase that doesn’t match with the rest of the aesthetic of the home. I feel like we should upgrade it, since the stairs are a center piece of the home and I think it would (subtly) attract a buyer in the future. I was thinking a modem cable railing. But the bid we got back was about 9500 for the railing, which seems like a pretty expensive bite. 

My initial thought was to just scrap the railing, but I thought I’d ask here first. Would this bring any additional value to the home? 

Keep in mind I purchased the home for 720k, it appraised @ 760, and with the finished basement should be about 875. Our plan is to live here two years, rent it out, and then sell it in five. 

Maybe the 10k in the grand scheme of things isn’t a big deal. I tend to feel that with more luxury homes, small details make a bigger impact. But.. I’m also not looking to overspend. (FYI the basement is being quoted @ 60k to finish… which seems about right to me) 

Any and all thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you! 

[Bill B.]

You MIGHT get an extra $1,000 or $2,000 with the fancier staircase. You do it because it’s worth $9,000 to you. In your mind assume that money is being spent, not invested.