Many a builder has told me, that one of the most common construction blunders made by DIY'ers are the step's measurement on staircases. I'd bet most Realtors have been out to list or view a home and while either going up or down the staircase, the last step was off a bit. It is just automatic and without any thought that ones foot just steps down at a uniformed rate... until oops that last step was deeper or shorter than the rest. It's an opportunity for a twisted ankle of worse maybe a fall. This structural defect can be a really expensive slip-up to repair. In most cases this mistake usually doesn't get fixed ever. Often it will cause the home to last much longer on the market than it normally would if the steps were right.
Some of the older rural homes I list on a regular basis have what might be called "farm-steps". Those are very steps from 100+ years ago. They are very vertical, extremely narrow and often have worn-in depressions from trudging for eons up and down those steps by the former occupants of those upper rooms. They too, are always found hidden behind a closed doorway, so the second floor can be unheated if wanted. Unless the staircase is completely relocated there is likely to be no extra room to fix it. As it would consume too much space or the headroom is just not there at either end of the staircase to bring this type of stairway into modern day building code.
One other difficult to sell stairway, is the Spiral Staircases. These stairway relics of the 70's, often conjurer up visual images of a hip and swank bachelor pad. I can just imagine Dean Martin crooning "Everybody Loves Somebody" on his way down those circular steps with a martini in hand.
Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin
call Mary Strang therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999
About the author:
Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang. All rights reserved... " Up Stairs Downs Stairs" the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.
At the most prominent ridge top point, along a winding country road lays a truly gorgeous property. Its location is just a few minutes from downtown Cashton or a short 20-minute trip to the city of Sparta. This is a head-turner of a property. As you are traveling along the panoramic ridge top, the incredible views will be sure to compete for your attention with this eye-catching log cabin home. 
Interior: The home has 3 levels; on the main floor is an open great room with a natural stone fireplace.
The fireplace has been fitted with an insert, which comfortably heats the entire home but the primary heat is the high-efficiency hot water boiler for the in-floor heating system. The flooring and woodwork throughout the house is of milled oak hardwoods. A central open stairway leads one up to the private and spacious master suite. It has plush carpet flooring, a large walk-in closet and half bath and 2 roof skylights. Back on the main level sharing the open spaces with the great room, is a gourmet kitchen. Top of the line stainless appliances such as a Jenn-air bottom freezer refrigerator, Firgidaire dual fuel slide in range with matching microwave and Bosch dishwasher are all included. The Beyers cabinets all have full depth pull out drawers. The island comes complete with a pot rack and 4 stools. The lower level of the home has full windows and walkout access. There is a second living space, ideal for a media room or family room and a second bedroom. The laundry and utilities are on this level.
Looking for seclusion and a peaceful setting?
share the full hallway bath providing space and privacy. Over in the kitchen the layout has a snack bar, which offers convenience, as well as a dining area, also there is a sliding patio door leading out to a rear deck. The kitchen cabinets are oak, and all the appliances are included. 
Here's a home, which was listed of $399,000, was on the market for 274 days back in 2002. A series of 5 agents followed over the span of 6 years only to see their listing expire unsold. The list prices never varied much over the years. The range price went from a low of $385,000 to a high of $435,000. Each agents average DOM was from 279 to 385; except for one, who had only 26 days. I have to guess something happened as it was then off market for the rest of that year.
At the low end of the price range is a 3-bedroom manufactured home located in the small rural subdivision developed just for mobile home owners, which comes with a Lot that is 1.517 ACRES! The listing remarks say: Remarks:3 BEDROOM SINGLE WIDE HOME ON PRIVATE ACREAGE, HOME HAS A FULL BASEMENT, GARDEN SHED AND A CAR PORT. LOCATED IN A RURAL SUBDIVISION MINUTES FROM VIROQUA.
ACRES OPTION TO ADD ADDITIONAL ACREAGE OR SPLIT.
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it unobstructed southern views one can truly enjoy life in the country. The property includes 7.5 organic acres. As part of an organic farming estate the property is surrounded by 50 acres of land with covenants requiring organic gardening and farming. This unique home boasts energy efficiency, custom built-ins, custom milled woodwork, lots of south facing windows plus special quiet spaces for reading or just alone time. In-floor heat and a Soap Stone wood stove keep this home toasty warm on chilly evenings. A forced air system also allows for central air conditioning. The living area of this home features an open plan with front entry, living room, dining area, kitchen and an entertainment room that could also be used as a main floor bedroom. There is a half bath on the main floor and a pantry off the kitchen. This home was very thoughtfully done and encourages carefree country living. A large built-in cabinet can feature your art- work and books while also providing storage, phone, computer desk and even a built in wood box. On the upper level you'll find a wonderful master suite with walk in closet plus an adjacent area with a higher ceiling space for enjoying the views and relaxing even more! The upper level also has two bedrooms, full bath with vanity and several built in cabinets. The laundry area is also located on the second floor for your convenience. 
SOLD and CLOSED