Replacing Bannister

[ethandron]

We're considering doing something to update our bannister. It currently has turned spindles, I'd like them replaced with plain unadorned ones. I don't know if we need to keep the existing newel post or could replace that too without compromising the strength of the whole bannister. I'm waiting for a couple of joiners to get back to me but in the meantime can anyone answer a couple of questions for me..
Is it possible to just take out the old spindles and fillers, replacing them with new ones, without taking down the handrail and newel post?
If so, about how long would it take and how much would I be looking at paying?
If the whole lot had to come down, again, how long and how much?
I'm talking no more than 25 spindles.
Thanks.

[The Builder]

If it's the modern type of baluster arrangement, Eth, then it's a simple job to replace them. The spindles fit into a slot on the underside of the top rail, and into another slot in the bottom rail.

Small pieces of timber are tacked in between each spindle to hold them in place. No need to touch the newell or the top rail.

A different story if they are older. Over thirty or forty years ago, they were often mortice & tenonned into top and bottom. The top rail would have to come off to dismantle. Often a messy and difficult job.

You could take out 25 modern spindles, and replace them in only a couple of hours. Then, there'd be a certain amount of time to fill and re-stain.

Replacing an older, traditional set could take a day maybe. Impossible to be sure without looking. It'll depend on how they're all put together.

Depending on where you live, and who you employ, hourly rates can be anything from £12 to £30 for this kind of work.

[ethandron]

Thanks very much for your help The Builder, food for thought. I think ours is the modern type, the house is 31 years old, and I think one of the spindles is already loose. Hopefully it will be a fairly easy job.