Stair renovation for owners' associations and apartment buildings

More than an annoyance

Smooth or worn treads in a shared stairwell are a recurring complaint at owners' association meetings. Smooth, damaged or poorly maintained treads also present a safety risk: if a known defect isn't assessed or addressed in time, an accident can also raise questions about proper management of the shared areas. Timely inspection, documentation and maintenance help the board demonstrate that it takes this seriously — and prevent the complaints themselves at the same time.

Three levels, one point of contact

Not every stairwell needs the same intervention. Omnistair offers three levels, increasing in scope — and arranges or coordinates installation at all three.

Level 1 — GripStep Pro — direct anti-slip upgrade
Suitable when: the existing treads are still structurally sound but need more grip. Work involved: anti-slip elements in natural stone composite, applied with a mounting kit — suitable for concrete and for the heavier load of project-scale applications. No demolition, no construction nuisance. Advantage: usually plannable in phases, per tread, stair section or floor, often avoiding full closure of the stairwell. Not intended for: severely damaged or structurally unsound treads.

Level 2 — Inspection and coating
Suitable when: the substrate is still sound but the finish looks dated or worn. Work involved: assessment of adhesion, wear and localised damage, followed by advice on cleaning, local repair, primer and the appropriate coating system — carried out by Omnistair or a recognised dealer. A test area can be applied first where useful. Often combined with level 1.

Level 3 — Complete renovation with EverStep Solid
Suitable when: a durable, full tread renovation is needed. Work involved: EverStep Solid overlay treads, substrate preparation, optionally including painting of stringers, handrail and stair frame. Advantage: one renovation plan, one point of contact and one delivery file.

Why EverStep Solid in a stairwell

EverStep Solid is finished with the SolidLux UV coating system. For the relevant EverStep Solid product build-up, test results are available for slip resistance in accordance with NEN 7909 and for fire behaviour, with a Bfl-s1 classification. That makes it suitable for buildings where a stairwell faces requirements beyond those of a private home. Suitability for your specific situation is assessed based on the building, the escape route and any additional requirements from your advisor, insurer or competent authority. Read more about the coating in our article on the SolidLux UV coating system.

Installation in an occupied apartment building

Working in an occupied building requires a different approach than an empty new-build home. Residents are informed in advance about the schedule and expected disruption. Work is carried out per floor or stair section wherever possible, so that most of the building remains accessible. Phasing and accessibility are agreed in advance based on the building's situation, with attention to escape routes and any requirements from the building manager, safety advisor or competent authority; temporary measures or alternative routes are set out in advance where needed. The systems used have no long drying time like a traditional floor coating; the exact time to use depends on the substrate, installation method and adhesive or sealant used, and is set out in the installation plan. A joint delivery follows completion, including the delivery file.

Part of your long-term maintenance plan

A stairwell renovation doesn't have to be an ad-hoc expense. For inclusion in the long-term maintenance plan, we can assess the existing situation and prepare a proposal with solution level, phasing, technical documentation and an indicative project budget. That allows the board to bring a substantiated proposal to the general meeting, rather than an unplanned surprise.

Reference project: Van den Oudenrijn, Bodegraven

Transformation of a former carpentry factory into social housing apartments for a housing association. Four staircases, 64 treads and two landings, completed with EverStep Solid in two weeks. Fully documented on the project page.

The full technical substantiation is available in our public technical handbook.

What does the board receive?

For decision-making and the general meeting:

• Inspection or survey of the existing situation
• Advice per level, matched to technical condition and budget
• Quotation with phasing
• Product and safety documentation
• Indicative planning and budget

After completion:

• Delivery file
• Maintenance instructions
• Warranty information

Discuss your stairwell

Want to know which level fits your situation, or a concrete proposal for the next general meeting? Get in touch with us, we're happy to think it through with you.

Are you an architect working on a transformation project? See stair renovation for architects

View all options for professionals

Frequently asked questions

1. Who is liable if someone slips on a smooth staircase in the stairwell? Liability depends on the circumstances, including the condition of the stairwell, previously reported defects, maintenance carried out and the cause of the accident. Omnistair does not give a legal opinion, but can help document the technical condition and possible renovation measures.
2. Does the entire stairwell need to close at once during renovation? Not always. GripStep Pro and certain coating work can often be carried out in phases per floor or stair section. For a complete renovation with EverStep Solid, a walking-route and execution plan is prepared in advance. Whether temporary closure is needed depends on the situation and any escape route requirements.
3. Which level fits our stairwell? That depends on technical condition, desired appearance, load, available budget and planned maintenance timeline. After inspection we advise level 1, 2, 3 or a combination.
4. Can the renovation be included in our long-term maintenance plan? Yes. The renovation can be included as a planned maintenance measure. We can provide technical information, solution options, phasing and an indicative budget for this.
5. Does EverStep Solid meet the requirements for a shared stairwell? Technical test and product data are available for EverStep Solid: test results for slip resistance in accordance with NEN 7909 and a Bfl-s1 fire classification. Whether the solution meets all project and legal requirements for your specific building is assessed on a case-by-case basis.