• 888-750-4777
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me
  • Page:
  • 1
  • 2

TOPIC: Outside stairs.

Re: Outside stairs. 12 years 8 months ago #42992

I had one similar.  Hillside lot, only access to the fenced backyard and the heat pump compressor is by a series of steps / landings built with landscaping blocks.  Sorry, since that is the only access, it needs a proper railing.

Please Log in to join the conversation.

There is nothing sweeter than the smell of fresh cut grass on a baseball infield, the click of a wooden bat and the taste of a hot dog at a warm sunny daytime double-header.

Re: Outside stairs. 12 years 8 months ago #42996

Richard, if this pic is similar to what you are describing, no, a railing is not required as there in no fall hazard if they go off the side, and, by the dimensions of each step they are able to stop with both feet on the same step to rest or turn around. That is not to say you cannot recommend installing one as an added precaution for safety.
Attachments:

Please Log in to join the conversation.

Jeffrey R. Jonas
507.213.7468
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FB: www.facebook.com/MN.Home.Inspector

www.JRJConsultants.net
www.OwatonnaHomeInspector.com
www.MinnesotaCommercialBuildingInspections.com

URL: www.owatonnahomeinspector.com
Title: Critical Eye Property Inspections
Description: Providing...
Last Edit: by Jeffrey Jonas.

Re: Outside stairs. 12 years 6 months ago #43603

hand rails are required for stairs leading into the house which have 4 or more treads 

Please Log in to join the conversation.

DRG Inspections LLC
www.newhampshirehomeinspector.biz
www.nhinfraredthermalinspections.com
Body -performing home inspections In Nashua,Keene,Claremont,Raymond and Dover NH areas-for infra red just use infra red Inspections
Meta-Nashua home inspector,home inspections Keene,Dover mold...

Re: Outside stairs. 12 years 6 months ago #43604

They are not stairs. If they were then you would have to also call out the irregularity of the rise/run ratio as I'm sure they are not uniform. With any component with this ambiguous nature, your safest and least liable position is to report on what would be the "best practice".  As Jeff said look at the forest, not the trees. Is there a legitimate trip hazard or a drop off which could lead to personal injury?  If so call out that particular issue and add a general warning regarding the design of the steps not allowing uniform travel up and down.

Please Log in to join the conversation.

Title: Home Inspection Peoria, IL
URL:  www.aaintegrityhomeinspection.com

Re: Outside stairs. 12 years 6 months ago #43629

Comment from the ICC Bulletin board.

This is one of those topics that will be constantly debated until it is officially adopted by one of the ICC Committees.

The 2003 IRC nor the IBC references this issue. Typically, Landscape steps/stairs are not specifically addressed. While they ARE technically steps/stairs, most residential builders will fight you tooth and nail over it.

Commercial contractors simply go by what's on the plans and what the architect-of-record wants to install, or as change orders come in.

You might could successfully argue the potential "fall hazard", or egress component to a builder, but you can't site code on it. It definitely NEEDS to be addressed by the adopting committees, but until then "you" will have to be the lobbyist with the builder or contractor for it.

Please Log in to join the conversation.

Cyr Home & Commercial Property Inspections
body text: Home and commercial property inspections across Maine, Kennebec county and all of Central Maine.
Keywords: Central Maine Home Inspectors, home inspector, commercial inspections
Meta tags:Serving all of Central Maine and surrounding areas
URL:...
  • Page:
  • 1
  • 2
Time to create page: 0.185 seconds
© 2004-2024 Home Inspector Pro Inc. All Rights Reserved.