VA Refinance Walkway Guardrail Or Handrail Necessary?

[Amanda]

My husband and I are refinancing our house cash out VA. We had a VA appraiser here today who informed us that our walkway needed a handrail. I am attaching a few pictures, the walkway is the same slope as the landscape. It is a few stairs then a landing then another few stairs etc. The porch has a railing but the walkway does not. Is this something we will have to do? We purchased the house 7 years ago and was a non issue.
Thank you for any guidance - we are in Virginia.

 

[Proactive]

Although I am a VA appraiser I work under the Denver Regional Loan Center, which may have different requirements. While you are waiting for a Virginia appraiser to see your post (there are a few who are active here), see this thread from earlier this year regarding handrails in your area: VA Handrails

Good luck!

 

[Don Clark]

My husband and I are refinancing our house cash out VA. We had a VA appraiser here today who informed us that our walkway needed a handrail. I am attaching a few pictures, the walkway is the same slope as the landscape. It is a few stairs then a landing then another few stairs etc. The porch has a railing but the walkway does not. Is this something we will have to do? We purchased the house 7 years ago and was a non issue.
Thank you for any guidance - we are in Virginia.
View attachment 33130 View attachment 33131 View attachment 33132

Does not need a hand rail. The criteria is if the steps are 3 or more risers. And there is a height requirement as well.Walkways like this would not require hand rails. If you are required, ask them to check the Roanoke Regional Appraisers Guide. PM me if you want a copy ent to you.

 

[timd354]

Does not need a hand rail. The criteria is if the steps are 3 or more risers. And there is a height requirement as well.Walkways like this would not require hand rails. If you are required, ask them to check the Roanoke Regional Appraisers Guide. PM me if you want a copy ent to you.

Don, the steps in the third photo show 3 risers

 

[Amanda]

Does not need a hand rail. The criteria is if the steps are 3 or more risers. And there is a height requirement as well.Walkways like this would not require hand rails. If you are required, ask them to check the Roanoke Regional Appraisers Guide. PM me if you want a copy ent to you.

Thank you for your input. She indicated that we would need a rail all the way from the porch to the street. There are two sections that have 3 risers (4 steps), the rest have 2. They are all "level" with the ground so no drop off - I am not sure if that makes a difference.
The appraiser said we could ask for a "waiver" but I have no idea what to say when requesting the waiver.

I appreciate the help!

 

[Amanda]

Don, the steps in the third photo show 3 risers

Yes, two sections have 3 risers, but I am wondering if the height requirement will cover since there is no "drop off".
Thank you!

 

[Don Clark]

Thank you for your input. She indicated that we would need a rail all the way from the porch to the street. There are two sections that have 3 risers (4 steps), the rest have 2. They are all "level" with the ground so no drop off - I am not sure if that makes a difference.
The appraiser said we could ask for a "waiver" but I have no idea what to say when requesting the waiver.

I appreciate the help!

The lender can help. They know what to say. Also, when I get to the office in the AM I will post the exact requirements in a PDF.

 

[Amanda]

The lender can help. They know what to say. Also, when I get to the office in the AM I will post the exact requirements in a PDF.

Thank you very kindly

 

[timd354]

Yes, two sections have 3 risers, but I am wondering if the height requirement will cover since there is no "drop off".
Thank you!

You can find the Roanoke regional appraiser's guide here: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW_dfZ0qXWAhWIySYKHRd8DxoQFggmMAA&url=http://www.benefits.VA.gov/roanoke/RLC/forms/FEE-APPRAISERS-GUIDE-July-2012.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG5oMpY5U8WuGDdNubErUufKk0L3Q
Here is what it states on p. 18:


It appears that the appraiser is simply following the VA's guidance since your steps have 3 risers, so it looks like you are probably going to have to install the handrails if you want the loan unless the local building code in your area mandates something different....best of luck to you.

BTW, installing handrails is not a bad a idea in any case as brick walkways and steps have a tendency to become slippery when wet and I can see that being a safety hazard, especially at night on what appears to be an unlit walkway...keep in mind, it only takes one person to slip and fall on your steps and you may end up getting sued in our litigious society.

 

[CindyR]

i have a question. is that really the entrance to the property or is that more of just a decorative accent? (it is very beautiful) Does the UPS guy walk up it to get to the front door or is there a simpler entrance up the driveway or something? Just wondering...