Pricing on oak stairs depends on the model you have, bc some models have more railings and posts on stairs than others. Ours was around $3000 (with stain) if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks Kato for your quick feedback. My house is around 2250 Sq Ft. If the cost of staircase is around 3000, then I am golden! For some reason I had another 7K in mind for hardwood staircase and with the 9" ceilings alone I was seeing a grand total of roughly 14K (without any other upgrades)

Any ideas on the value of 9" ceiling on main floor? Should I bother?

I will already have hardwood staircase and fireplace as upgrades....

Oh and also, my house will have coffered ceilings, so given that would it be wise to have 9" ceilings? I dont want bulk heads touching our heads (not that I am 6 ft tall for that matter )

I live in a three-storey townhouse with two flights of stairs and my oak stairs were also about $3,000—but that was two years ago so the cost might be higher now.

when you said two flights, you meant two set of staircase going from one floor to another?

Thank you again Kato! Also thank you N and S, Linda, Sandeep and Prosbuyer for all the input! I really needed it to make up my mind.

So here's what I am thinking:

Get 9" Ceiling and Get Hardwood Staircase - this alone is going to cost me around $10K give or take

I am dropping the idea of getting a fireplace (it is another $4K) due to price and the fact that I have a 3 month old baby.

So last question, would it be a show stopper if I drop the fireplace or in other words, is it a must to have? Would it be safe to have a fireplace with a crawling baby around?

Please let me know people!

Cheers,

I never would consider a fireplace a must, it is a selling feature but most likely will not significantly impact the selling price. As for the safety features, most come with a metal screen in front that prevents small children from burning themselves on the hot glass, if it does not you could buy a hearth guard for under 50 dollars so that should not be your deterrent.

Good luck!