Are you looking to purchase a 2 or 3 storey home? Have you looked, really looked, at the stairs? Stairs can be located in all kinds of places throughout a home both internally and externally. Even a single storey home can have site stairs or a small set of stairs leading up to a front porch. As you can imagine, there are many problems that can arise with stairs.
Stairs are not just another decorative feature they are an integral part of the home. Therefore, any issue with the stairs can not only cause injury but can devalue the worth of a home. This is true not just for external stairs but internal ones as well.
Stairs are made of all types of materials, each with unique potential issues. For example, wooden stairs can rot, and metal stairs can rust.
Unfortunately issues with stairs are quite common and frequently noted in our reports.
Some of the stair hazards that we regularly come across are:
- The height of the first step being non-compliant. Meaning the step up / down is too small or too large. This is the most common trip hazard on stairs.
- Irregular / inconsistent step heights and/or widths
- The height of the handrail being too low.
- Wobbly posts and handrails
- The spacing between balustrades being too large
- Handrail missing all together. This is an urgent safety hazard and requires immediate rectification.
- Wet rot / wood decay evident to stair timbers. Any decayed timbers should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Termite damage to stair timbers
- Cracked or spalling concrete to concrete stairs.
- Missing steps. This is another urgent safety hazard and requires immediate rectification.
- Squeaking and creaking stairs
- Ceiling height too low on internal stairs.
- Worn carpets at top of the stairs
Some of these problems are obvious to the untrained eye but it takes an experienced Building Inspector to know if the cracks in outdoor concrete steps are indicative of foundation issues or from weathering. If the splitting in the timber posts is serious or the actions of a naughty pet sharpening their claws.
To avoid purchasing a property with serious stair safety issues it is important to have a qualified, insured and experience building inspector undertake the building inspection. You should only take the inspector’s advice and disregard any commentary from agents and vendors who are simply trying to sell the house.
Termite damage to stair timbers
Damaged and spalling concrete treads
Impact damage to stairs (causing structural issues)
Rust to handrail
Rust to stringer
Splitting timbers to handrail post
Tread height not compliant / safe
Call us on 0409 693 974 during business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm to speak to Robert.
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