Stair rails greater than 4 inches. Question

[David Nasser]

Im inspecting a condo built before the ( not greater )than 4 inch stair rail space was added to the code. What would be the verbiage if the house is
being sold to Senior citizens.....Are they required to upgrade the stair rails?

David

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dnasser

Are they required to upgrade the stair rails?

No one is ever required to do anything a home inspector recommends.

"The *LOCATION(stairs-interior)* guardrail balusters or pickets do not conform to today's commonly accepted standards. The pickets should be spaced no more than four inches apart for child safety, and that is what we recommend, especially if small children will be present."

[Michael R. Boyett]

I agree with Joe's statement plus who the home is being sold to is irrelevant (what...the grandkids never visit?). My standard verbiage says:

Stair baluster/spindle gaps are larger than 4" and currently accepted construction methods require 4" or less gaps to minimize safety risks with small children. This is typical in homes of this age but is considered a safety hazard and should be repaired.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dnasser

...the house is
being sold to Senior citizens.....

Do the buyers have grandchildren, or great-grandchildren?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The next home inspector will probably call it out, so you better also.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Would you call out the spacing if it was 4 feet apart? Would you call it out if it was 2 feet apart? At what point would it not be a concern to you? If you're not using today's standards, then you're making up your own rules. When it comes to safety, today's standards is my baseline, no matter the age of the home.

[David Nasser]

Excellent...thanks

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Change "guardrail" to "stair rail" for stairs. I gave you the wrong statement.

[Christopher Currins]

Would you call this out? Built in 1983.

The loft guardrail is 27". The main floor is 12' below.

[Bob Elliott]

Hey Chris are you able to post with no moderation now.?

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Would you call this out? Built in 1983.

The loft guardrail is 27". The main floor is 12' below.

That's cool rustic though.
I love that stuff.
Just tell the guy to chop down a few more trees.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by belliott

Hey Chris are you able to post with no moderation now.?

Apparently, at least on some threads.

With the stairway, I told the buyer it looked cool, still not safe, and suggested installing a handrail on the wall. The 2nd floor had me nervous though.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

With the stairway, I told the buyer it looked cool, still not safe, and suggested installing a handrail on the wall. The 2nd floor had me nervous though.

When someone falls throught the baluster gap on the open side of the stairs you may wish your suggestion/recommendation was different...just a thought.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by lkage

When someone falls throught the baluster gap on the open side of the stairs you may wish your suggestion/recommendation was different...just a thought.

The handrail suggestion was verbal. This is in the report.

"The hand/guard rail for the stairs to upper level are loose and are not installed correctly according to modern day building practices. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should repair or replace as needed."


"The balcony guardrail at upstairs is not installed correctly according to modern day building practices. A minimum height of 36" and balusters spaced at no more than 4 inches is recommended. This is a safety issue. A fall or injury could occur if not corrected. A qualified contractor should repair or replace as needed."
Picture caption(Balcony guardrail at 27 inches.)

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Since you all are calling out things not built to today's standards (which is another way of you stating code) are you also going to call out the open stingers?

How about the post being a fire safety hazard in the sense that a hose will get caught on it.........how far you want to go with the obvious?

There is at least a half a dozen other things that are not today's standards yet for that style home.....it is standard.

By stating that a qualified contractor should replace or repair as needed..... it sounds like you are not sure if there is a problem or not.....you are putting it off on the contractor.............who may simply say, that it is fine according to the code when the home was built.....yet that does not address the issue that you are having. (by the way, IL. does not have a GC board which tells me that other then a few trades, there probably was little to no inspections at the time the home was built if any today)

I would have stated:
For the style and time frame in which this home was built the stairs leading to the second floor were customary however same may present a fall / trip hazard for small children and the elderly; recommend that you consult with a licensed general contractor who is familiar with this style home in order address such concerns while retaining its architectural flavor.


If it were my home I would not touch it...... its up to parents to teach their kids not to play on stairs and even more importantly to not leave small children unattended. Our society is making so many laws in regulations mostly because so many lack common sense.

I also would not put it in the Summary Page.....but that is me.

regards

Jeff