Trip hazards

[Scott Schultz]

I agree that the step should be disclosed in the report as non-standard and caution should be taken but that's where the liability for the HI stops. We cannot be held reponsible because of the occupants of the home might, at some point, trip over it because they are bumbling or not paying attention to where they are walking. As long as they are aware that it's there, that's what matters. What they choose to do about it is up to them.

[Justin Watts]

Protect yourself, protect your clients by notifying them.... Let them decide if it is an issue they want repaired... There is no harm in disclosure, and it will cover you! Just stating the step is a "possible" trip hazard is due diligence... I would state this:

"This step may pose a trip hazard, you should view this yourself for your own safety"

http://www.americandreamhomeinspection.net

[pdickerson]

I reviewed the findings with the client today. She lives in Hawaai and was not present at the inspection. She informed me that she intends to rent out the home for half the year. I would not want to be the landlord that owned that step.

Seems like the general consensus is to point it out but not recommend that it be addressed. I am not sure I see the logic of bringing a safety item to the attention of my client without recommending that something be done about it. I am more inclined to think that all safety items should include a recommendation for corrective action. BTW, I didn't specify a fix, but simply recommended that it be corrected by a licensed professional.

[David A. Andersen]

without recommending that something be done about it.

Recommending HOW it will be done is the issue.

You report the issue.
You report the potential concerns of the issue.
You referr further investigation on the issue if the issue is not clear and intrusive, technically exhaustive inspection is required.

You do not assess the remediation remedies to correct the situation (angle the step ect.).

that it be corrected by a licensed professional.

Does this repair require a licenced person?
What licence?
Threshold installers licence?

Something one of my clients would likely ask me!

[Bob Elliott]

Must admit this all sounds a little overboard.They raised it out of necessity,as this is common and I have seen this done many times.
They raise it so they can put plumbing in to a rehabbed attic space,and run the plumbing over to the knee wall. Never do I see handrails or any big concern as the alternative is to get rid of the bathroom.Most would find a handrail silly,in this kind of situation.

[Scott Schultz]

Robert,

Agreed! It's a step. Watch where you are walking and you won't have a problem.