J'comprends pas

[Marcel Gratton]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

A few code reference links

http://www.nationalcodes.ca/nbc/questions4_e.shtml

http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish/BuildingCode/SafetyCode.asp




[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/cmhcin/suexin/inre/inre_008.cfm[/font]

Good info, thanks Claude!

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

A few code reference links

http://www.nationalcodes.ca/nbc/questions4_e.shtml

http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish/BuildingCode/SafetyCode.asp

[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/cmhcin/suexin/inre/inre_008.cfm[/font]

Thanks.
I went there and found the '06 Alberta Code I've been working on. And purchased it. Wow! $250

Thanks, guys, for all your help. InterNACHI stair checklist (United States and Canada) coming soon. And credit goes to you all.

[Vern Mitchinson]

Originally Posted by mgratton

Meaning that the attached pic handrail would be acceptable...

This stair does not meet the code. There can only be three thirty degree winders or two 45 degree winders in one flight of stairs.

These stairs are not safe and should be reported as such

[rwand1]

If the house has been given an Occupancy Permit, the issue of the stairs is moot because the town issued the permit. So the best advice might be suggest installation of a hand rail.

[Steve C. Horvath]

Originally Posted by rwand1

If the house has been given an Occupancy Permit, the issue of the stairs is moot because the town issued the permit. So the best advice might be suggest installation of a hand rail.

Ray
You should infract the stairs and advise the owner to ask the authority having jurisdiction why they have passed the stairs when they are not constructed to the building code requirements.
This is what I do when I come accross these items.

[Marcel Gratton]

Originally Posted by vmitchinson

There can only be three thirty degree winders or two 45 degree winders in one flight of stairs.

Vern,

But there is only three thirty degree winders...

J'comprends pas!

[Claude Lawrenson]

The issue is how the local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) measures and determines the size and safety on the "questionable" winder area of the stair.

We as home inspectors are not there to supercede their "authority"; however, as a home inspector if you are aware of a code "infraction" than it is best to cover your ***** by noting the condition in the inspection report as a "safety" concern.

[Steve Blayney]

I always thought tread was the actual physical surface area of a step and the run is the linear distance from nose to rise of the next step.

[rwand1]

Marcel

How old is the house in question?

[Vern Mitchinson]

Originally Posted by sblayney

I always thought tread was the actual physical surface area of a step and the run is the linear distance from nose to rise of the next step.

Run equals Tread minus nosing.
Tread equals run plus nosing.

[Vern Mitchinson]

Originally Posted by mgratton

Vern,

But there is only three thirty degree winders...

J'comprends pas!

Yea I realized that after I saw your second photo. The first one looked like the winder was 180 degrees.

[Vern Mitchinson]

Originally Posted by clawrenson

The issue is how the local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) measures and determines the size and safety on the "questionable" winder area of the stair.

We as home inspectors are not there to supercede their "authority"; however, as a home inspector if you are aware of a code "infraction" than it is best to cover your ***** by noting the condition in the inspection report as a "safety" concern.

I have never met anyone that has not made a mistake.
If the AHJ makes a mistake and he is honourable he will appreciate having the mistake called to his attention so that he does not repeat it.

We are all in this together.

[Marcel Gratton]

Originally Posted by rwand1

Marcel

How old is the house in question?

The house is new, 2008. I demonstrated to the client my concern (lack of a continous handrail and reported it has a safety concern which should be addressed by the builder.

I don't do code inspection so they can fight over it...

[rwand1]

How is the builder suppose to deal with it after 6 yrs?

In my opinion fwiw shouldn't the current owner be advised to install a hand rail?

Cheers,

[Vern Mitchinson]

The Alberta code holds the owner responsible for code compliance. If he bought it and it did not comply he can go back on the seller.
When he sells the new buyer is entitled to a code complient building.
Keeping in mind that most codes are not retroactive.