Often, at a deck or landing, the home inspector will find that handrails and guardrails are not in accordance with safety guidelines. Another area where deficiencies often stick out like a sore thumb, include when the inspector is hired to inspect an outbuilding. The photo below, stairway to a barn loft, is an excellent example of the problem at hand.The shape and dimensions of the handrail are not readily graspable and there is no rail return at the bottom end. Furthermore, lack of spindles and the gaps at the side of the rail would not stop a child from climbing through the rail. Another obvious matter, moving away from the handrail, is that there is no guardrail at the edge of the loft over at the right side of the stairs. A person walking around up there could easily fall. The discussion was that it is used for storing hay, so they did not need any of that "safety stuff." On the other hand, when people are busy working, focusing on another job, they are very vulnerable to slip-ups like stepping in the wrong place. Stepping in the wrong place at this location could result in serious injury.My suggestion would be to put in a proper handrail and a guardrail, at the top side, with a gate which could be opened up for loading and unloading the hay. Problems come in all shapes, sizes, and at all locations around the household
I've been in new homes under construction that were in that precise condition.
I wondered why they permitted buyers and their agents to enter the premises.
-
Lenn Harley
Leesburg, VA
Lenn,
That is a risk for sure. The other one I love is painting or staining over a rotted deck. I know several agents, and inspectors, who have had a foot go through and I have come close, prior to catching on to the problem.
I definitely noticed the lack of a handrail on the top. You're right, all it takes is some inattention and down you go.
As someone who recently broke her foot, I have a new found appreciate for this and have noticed issues in many places.
There's always something that can be improved upon and some excuse to go with it why it's not that important. Best thing is to always take the safe route.
This is good information to know, Steven. Sharing this type of information with our buyers and sellers can save some problems down the road.
You can't imagine how needed they are!! In 1995 I was in a terrible fall down a flight of stairs. I lost my footing at the top of my second floor apt., knew instinctively I was in a death spiral, and also instinctively tried to reach with my right hand, as a right handed person. There was nothing to my right. I spun around to the left grabbing hold of the left handrail, but twisted my body up, and damaged my left knee -- which has caused a life-long ordeal. Handrails on BOTH SIDES would have prevented my life-long left knee grief! A simple thing, that causes me so much damage.
Handrails are some of the items I see most frequently in appraiser's comments.
I sprained my ankle and have had a difficult time with stairs. I can't believe how many front steps have no handrails. It really is important for folks to be safe.
Railings are so very important for the elderly and kids, but also for everyone in between. I've been to houses where I wonder what the original builder's were thinking.
A handrail to YOUTH remains invisible and unnecessary...To everyone else, it is a lifesaver...end result? Safety and necessity wins out
Steve, This is one of those items you do not think much about till you really need them.
Comments (12)Subscribe to CommentsComment