From Outdated to Outstanding: Lori Dominiak's Deck Transformation

The Vision

Your outdoor living space should be as functional and beautiful as your home's interior — a place where mornings start with coffee on the deck, evenings end watching the sunset through the trees, and you feel safe every single step of the way.

For Lori Dominiak, the deck was already a beloved part of her Wisconsin home. Surrounded by mature trees with an elevated vantage point and a stunning stone fireplace feature, the outdoor space had all the right bones. But there was a problem at the heart of it — literally. The existing spiral staircase had become a liability: awkward to navigate, inconsistent with the elegant aesthetic of the home, and a daily frustration for anyone using the space.

Lori needed a team that could look at a complex, unconventional challenge and say "we have a plan" — not "that's complicated." She needed clean execution, proper permitting, and a finished result that felt like it had always been there.

Understanding the Client's Needs

When a project involves removing an existing structure and replacing it with something new in an outdoor environment, there are layers of complexity that go far beyond aesthetics. Permits, structural considerations, material selection, coordination, and weather all play a role. Lori knew she needed a team with the full picture — not just a contractor who could swing a hammer.

What She Was Looking For:

• A team that would approach the unique challenge of her project with confidence and a clear plan

• Proper permitting handled completely — no shortcuts, no surprises

• Clean, professional jobsite presence that respected her home and property

• Prompt, reliable execution from start to finish

• A result she could be genuinely proud of — beautiful and built to last

BAB Design Build checked every box. With Project Designer Malory Prucha and Project Manager Breanna Vigueras guiding the process, Lori had an experienced team ready to turn a challenging scope into a seamless project.

Our Design-Build Approach

Not every deck project is the same — and Lori's was anything but standard. A spiral staircase removal involves structural assessment, safe decking transitions, and thoughtful planning for what comes next. Rather than simply "patching the gap," the BAB Design Build team saw an opportunity to elevate the entire space.

Removing the Spiral Staircase:

Spiral staircases can be beautiful design features, but they also have real limitations — awkward to carry things up and down, challenging for older visitors, and difficult to integrate with modern deck aesthetics. The decision to remove it opened up space for a custom landing and step configuration that would serve Lori's home far better for years to come.

Designing the New Landing & Steps:

The new landing and steps were designed to flow naturally with the existing deck — matching the warm hardwood decking material and creating a safe, intuitive transition from the deck level. The result is a purposeful, well-proportioned access point that feels built-in rather than tacked on.

Custom Cable Railing Integration:

Throughout the deck, the cable railing system — featuring clean black steel posts with horizontal stainless steel cable infill — creates an open, modern aesthetic that keeps sightlines clear to the surrounding trees and landscape. The custom railing section around the new landingnew landing landing was carefully designed with angled panels that follow the deck's geometry, maintaining both safety and visual continuity across the entire space.

Signature Octagonal Deck Inlay:

One of the most striking features of this project is the octagonal inlay built directly into the deck boards — a custom carpentry detail that adds a focal point and sense of craftsmanship to the space. This kind of detail speaks to what sets BAB Design Build apart: the willingness to go beyond the functional minimum and deliver something that genuinely delights.

Permits & Compliance:

The BAB team handled all necessary permit submissions from start to finish, ensuring the project was fully compliant and Lori had zero administrative burden throughout the process.

Craftsmanship Highlights

Custom Carpentry Precision:

The octagonal inlay cut into the existing deck required precision measurement, careful material matching, and expert execution to achieve clean, uniform joints. This is the kind of detail that looks effortless in the final product but demands real skill to deliver. Kelly and his crew with Bob Anderson Builders, Inc. nailed this one on the head!

Angled Railing Fabrication:

The new landing railing section — wrapping the new staircase opening with multiple angled panels — required custom fabrication and careful installation to ensure each panel connected cleanly at the correct angle. Getting this right meant the difference between a landing that looked assembled and one that looked designed.

Material Consistency:

Matching new construction to existing elements is one of the hardest challenges in renovation work. The team's attention to material selection and installation technique ensured the new landing and steps integrated seamlessly with the existing hardwood decking.

Clean Jobsite Standards:

Lori noted the team's cleanliness and promptness throughout the project — a reflection of the professionalism and respect BAB Design Build brings to every client's property.

The Results

Client Satisfaction Ratings:

Overall Satisfaction	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Satisfied
Quality of Work	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Communication	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Professionalism	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Problem Resolution	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not Applicable
Likelihood to Recommend	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Likely

Key Achievements:

• Spiral staircase successfully removed and space repurposed with custom landing and steps

• All necessary permits submitted and approved — zero administrative burden on the client

• Custom octagonal inlay installed as a signature design feature of the deck surface

• Custom hexagonal cable railing landing section fabricated and installed around new stair access

• Consistent black cable railing system maintained across entire elevated deck

• Clean, prompt, professional execution from start to finish

• Lori's endorsement: "We are so happy with the final result!"

Design Elements That Made the Difference:

• Octagonal deck inlay as a custom craftsmanship centerpiece

• Cable railing system preserving open sightlines to natural surroundings

• Custom angled landing railing matching deck geometry precisely

• Warm hardwood decking carried through to new landing and steps

• Stone fireplace feature complemented by refined, modern railing aesthetic

Client Testimonial

"We had a unique project with our deck — a spiral staircase needed to be removed and a new landing and steps added. The team at BAB Design didn't hesitate to come up with a plan. They submitted all necessary permits, they were clean, prompt, and professional. We are so happy with the final result!"— Lori Dominiak

What Made This Project Special

Confidence in the Face of Complexity:

Some contractors see an unusual project and see reasons to hesitate. Lori's project was genuinely unique — a spiral staircase removal isn't something most teams encounter regularly. When she reached out to BAB Design Build, the team didn't hesitate. They came up with a plan. That immediate confidence and clarity is exactly what clients need when they're navigating unfamiliar territory.

Design-Build Integration:

Because BAB handles everything from design through construction under one roof, Malory Prucha could translate Lori's vision into a buildable plan, and Breanna Vigueras could execute it — seamlessly. No miscommunication between a separate designer and contractor. No finger-pointing. Just one accountable team, start to finish.

Communication Excellence:

Lori described the team's communication as excellent throughout the process — and that's not accidental. Great communication is a cultural commitment at BAB Design Build. Clients are kept informed, questions are answered promptly, and updates flow naturally from design through the final nail.

Carpentry That Goes Beyond the Functional:

The octagonal inlay in the deck surface wasn't required. It was chosen — because the BAB team saw an opportunity to deliver something beautiful, not just something that worked. That instinct to elevate every project reflects the employee-owned culture of people who genuinely care about the quality of what they build.

Reliable, Professional Execution:

Clean jobsites. On-time arrivals. Permit submissions handled correctly. These aren't extras — they're the standard at BAB Design Build. For Lori, the experience of working with a team that was consistently prompt and professional made a lasting impression.

The BAB Design Build Difference

Lori Dominiak's deck project highlights what clients can expect when they partner with BAB Design Build for outdoor living, specialty carpentry, and renovation work:

• Confidence with complex scopes — we approach unique challenges with a plan, not hesitation

• Full-service permitting — we handle compliance from submission to approval

• Design-build integration — one team from concept to completion eliminates gaps and miscommunication

• Custom carpentry expertise — precision fabrication and installation that goes beyond the standard

• Communication excellence — clients stay informed and supported throughout every phase

• Professionalism on-site — clean, prompt, and respectful of your property at every visit

• Employee-owned pride — our team has a personal stake in the quality of every project we deliver

When Your Deck Deserves Better

Outdoor living spaces are among the most personal parts of a home — and among the most overlooked when it comes to quality renovation. A deck isn't just a surface. It's where your morning coffee tastes better, where your family gathers on warm evenings, and where the view from your home comes to life.

When the structure of that space — the stairs, the railing, the access points — doesn't work well or look right, it quietly diminishes everything else. Fixing it isn't a luxury. It's an investment in how you experience your home every single day.

The Advantages of a Thoughtful Deck Renovation:

• Replace problematic access points (like narrow or awkward spiral stairs) with safer, more functional solutions

• Modernize the aesthetic without starting from scratch — work with what you have

• Add custom carpentry details that make a space feel finished and designed rather than assembled

• Ensure all work is properly permitted and structurally sound for long-term peace of mind

• Increase home value while dramatically improving daily enjoyment of your property

The key to success is finding a team with the design expertise to envision what's possible and the construction knowledge to execute it precisely. That's exactly what BAB Design Build brings to every outdoor project.

From Frustrating to Flawless

Before: An elevated deck with tremendous natural assets — hardwood decking, a stone fireplace, wooded views — held back by a spiral staircase that was awkward to use and out of place aesthetically.

After: A refined, cohesive outdoor living space with a custom landing and steps, a continuous cable railing system that preserves every sightline, and a custom octagonal inlay that turns the deck surface into a craftsmanship statement. The result looks and feels intentional — because it is.

The Impact: Lori can now enjoy her outdoor space fully — safely, beautifully, and with the confidence that her home's exterior matches the care and quality of everything inside it.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Whether you're dealing with an access issue, a staircase that's outlived its welcome, or a deck that simply doesn't reflect the home you've built — BAB Design Build is ready to help you see what's possible.

Every successful outdoor project starts with a team that shows up prepared, communicates clearly, and builds with the kind of pride that only comes from people who genuinely care. At BAB Design Build, we bring carpentry expertise, design-build integration, and a commitment to professional execution that clients like Lori Dominiak experience from the very first conversation.

We don't just replace staircases — we create outdoor spaces you're proud to come home to.

Contact BAB Design Build:

Project Designer: Malory Prucha — mprucha@babdesignbuild.com

Project Manager: Breanna Vigueras — bvigueras@babdesignbuild.com

VP of Pre-Construction: Dan Schmidt — dschmidt@anderson-cg.com

Office: webuildforyou@babdesignbuild.com

WE BUILD FOR YOU

BAB Design Build is part of The Anderson Construction Group, an employee-owned company serving Wisconsin since 1979. From deck renovations to full home remodels, we're honored to help homeowners create spaces they love.