Handrail question

[CindyR]

thought i would solicit a bit of peer input on this one. Property is a VA purchase. would you require some handrails for these stairs? Left? Right? Both? Neither? Just wondering ...

 

[Overimprovement]

Yes, both--a stumble from someone who can't swim could lead to a drowning...Not sure so I wouldn't require rails along the top as well. That water makes this a different scenario, IMHO.

 

[Renee Healion]

I hope they don't have a lot of parties. Or sleepwalkers in the household.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Unless it is an optical illusion. I would be more concerned with all of the irregularities of the steps themselves. Look like varied tread heights and depths.

 

[RSW]

I would condition the report subject to handrails being installed. There is very little room at the pool level for a person to gain his/her balance if they were to stumble.

 

[MICHAEL O'BRIEN]

I would also condition for handrail on both staircases. Was told years ago that that 1/2 step on the bottom of the staircase was considered as a full step by the New Hampshire RO at the time. More than three steps, purhaps uneven steps, and concrete all around, I would call for railings for safety alone.

 

[Salty]

Man I hope the people that built the stairs didn't build the house.

 

[CANative]

You'll probably lose a client if you condition for rails on that. It sort of makes it's own rails.

And why the difference for an FHA scope of work vs. any other (for lending?) Safety is safety and loans don't make one safer.

ii. As-Is Condition and Cosmetic Repairs

The Appraiser may complete an as-is appraisal for existing Properties when minor property deficiencies, which generally result from deferred maintenance and normal wear and tear, do not affect the health and safety of the occupants or the security and soundness of the Property. Cosmetic or minor repairs are not required, but the Appraiser must report and consider them in the overall condition when rating and valuing the Property. Cosmetic repairs include missing handrails that do not pose a threat to safety, holes in window screens, cracked window glass, defective interior paint surfaces in housing constructed after 1978, minor plumbing leaks that do not cause damage (such as a dripping faucet), and other inoperable or damaged components that in the Appraiser’s professional judgment do not pose a health and safety issue to the occupants of the house.

Are you prepared to be specific about the reason you are making a repair condition?

o. Repair Requirements

When examination of New or Existing Construction reveals non-compliance with MPR and MPS, the Appraiser must report the repairs necessary to make the Property comply, provide an estimated cost to cure, provide descriptive photographs, and condition the appraisal for the required repairs.

If compliance can only be effected by major repairs or alterations, the Appraiser must report all readily observable property deficiencies, as well as any adverse conditions discovered performing the research involved in completion of the appraisal, within the reporting form.

Regardless of the Appraiser’s suggested repairs, the Mortgagee will determine which repairs are required.

How did the pool contractor get this through without railings, if required by the building code?

 

[Mark K]

Unless it is an optical illusion. I would be more concerned with all of the irregularities of the steps themselves. Look like varied tread heights and depths.

Agree. In this area those steps would probably never get an approved final inspection.

 

[jay trotta]

CAN, agree but IMO it would be more of an Insurance Issue now, and the Pool could have been put in after the C of O ??