When you think about home safety and comfort, your mind might jump to grab bars in the bathroom or pull-out shelves in the kitchen. But there’s one area that’s often overlooked — your front steps.
For many homeowners, the front porch is the heart of hospitality — where family, friends, and neighbors are greeted. But for guests with mobility challenges or balance issues, a few steps can be a real obstacle. Even a drizzle or layer of ice can make those steps risky.
At Harmony Home Concepts in Wichita, we’ve made it our mission to help homeowners create safer, more welcoming spaces. One of the simplest and most effective upgrades is adding handrails for front steps — a small change that makes a big difference.
What Is “Visitability” and Why It Matters
Visitability is the idea that every home should be easy and safe to enter, not just for those who live there but for everyone who visits. Maybe you have aging parents, a friend who uses a cane, or simply someone who feels uneasy on stairs.
We often hear from homeowners who say, “My mom just comes through the garage — it’s easier.” But why should your guests enter through a side door when you have a beautiful front entry?
Adding front porch handrails allows everyone — regardless of age or ability — to enter confidently through your front door. And here’s the thing: once they’re installed, you’ll probably find yourself using them too. Handrails make your home safer for everyone, especially during Kansas winters when steps can get slick.
The Project: Safety Meets Style
In this recent project, a homeowner wanted to make their front entryway easier to use for family and friends. Their brick steps were sturdy, but the lack of a handhold made them uncomfortable for guests.
To improve both safety and appearance, we installed two complementary handrails:
A wall-mounted handrail secured directly to the brick wall of the home — perfect for those who instinctively reach out for stability.
A freestanding aluminum handrail with pickets on the open side of the steps — creating balance, structure, and support while beautifully framing the entryway.
The transformation was immediate. The entryway now feels complete — safer, more attractive, and easier for everyone to use. The homeowner shared that guests no longer hesitate or take alternate routes; they confidently use the front steps again.
The Benefits of Aluminum Handrails
While traditional wrought iron has a classic appeal, it also comes with ongoing maintenance and rust issues. That’s why aluminum handrails have become the preferred choice for Kansas homeowners who want durability and style without the upkeep.
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Rust-Free: Aluminum doesn’t corrode, even after years of exposure to rain, snow, or humidity.
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Strong and Sturdy: Each railing is built to provide reliable support for daily use.
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Custom Fit: Every installation is measured and crafted specifically for your home.
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Attractive Finishes: Choose a style that enhances your home’s curb appeal while keeping your steps safe.
These aren’t off-the-shelf railings — they’re custom solutions designed and installed by the Harmony Home Concepts team, blending seamlessly into your home’s design.
The CAPS Advantage — Certified Aging-in-Place Expertise
When it comes to accessibility and safety, experience matters — but so does training.
Phil Davis, owner of Harmony Home Concepts, is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This designation ensures that every project — whether it’s installing grab bars, handrails, or adaptive access solutions — meets the highest standards for safety, usability, and long-term value.
With Phil’s training and expertise, you can trust that your project will be done correctly — from the structural integrity of the handrails to the aesthetics that keep your home looking beautiful.
Our goal isn’t just to make your home safer today — it’s to help you enjoy it for years to come, with confidence and peace of mind.
Why Homeowners Choose Handrails for Front Steps
Adding handrails to front steps or porches provides more than just a secure grip — it creates confidence and independence. Here’s why so many Wichita homeowners are choosing this simple but impactful upgrade:
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Safety and Stability: Reduces the risk of slips and falls for residents and guests.
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Increased Accessibility: Makes your home easier to enter for people of all ages and abilities.
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Enhanced Curb Appeal: Adds structure and elegance to your front entrance.
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Peace of Mind: Offers reassurance to you and your loved ones, especially during harsh weather.
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Future Readiness: Supports aging in place — allowing you to stay safely in your home as you grow older.
These home safety upgrades are subtle, beautiful, and functional — and they make everyday life a little easier for everyone who visits.
Visitability Starts at the Front Door
Once installed, most homeowners tell us they can’t imagine being without their handrails. What starts as a project for safety soon becomes a feature used daily — when carrying groceries, handling packages, or navigating slick steps.
As Phil often says, “You might not need handrails today, but once you have them, you’ll wonder why you waited.”
Visitability isn’t just about accessibility — it’s about dignity, hospitality, and comfort for everyone who enters your home.
Why Wichita Homeowners Trust Harmony Home Concepts
With over 20 years of experience serving Wichita and surrounding communities, Harmony Home Concepts has become a trusted name for home safety and adaptive access solutions.
We’re proud to help homeowners add convenience, safety, and value — from front porch handrails and grab bars to pull-out shelves and custom storage solutions. Every project is designed to improve how you live and enjoy your home.
When you choose Harmony Home Concepts, you’re choosing a team that understands both craftsmanship and care — backed by CAPS-certified expertise that ensures every detail is done right.
Ready to Make Your Home Safer and More Welcoming?
If you’ve noticed guests struggling with your front steps or find yourself avoiding them because they’re tricky to navigate, now is the perfect time to add handrails for front steps.
You’ll create a safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive home — one where everyone can enter with confidence.
Let Phil Davis and the team at Harmony Home Concepts help you design a custom handrail solution that fits your home’s architecture and your family’s needs.
📍 Serving Wichita and the surrounding areas
📞 Call 316-712-6060 to schedule your consultation today
Build a home that’s safe, beautiful, and visitable — for you, your loved ones, and every guest who walks through your front door.