VA Handrails

[Hondo]

This is what the Roanoke RLC guide says, page 18;

Handrails:
Handrails having a minimum and maximum height of 30 inches and 38 inches (762 mm
and 965 mm) respectively measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at
least one side of stairways of three or more risers or based on local code.


Yes, I have received "nasty grams" for not requiring handrails, even when local code does not require handrails.

 

[Hondo]

This is what the Roanoke RLC guide says, page 18;

Handrails:
Handrails having a minimum and maximum height of 30 inches and 38 inches (762 mm
and 965 mm) respectively measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at
least one side of stairways of three or more risers or based on local code.

Yes, I have received "nasty grams" for not requiring handrails, even when local code does not require handrails.

 

[Don Clark]

I recently discussed this very issue with the VA St. Paul RLC. They informed me that they (VA) offers no steadfast guidelines and that it is the "Appraiser's judgement" as to whether the lack of hand rails or safety railings could pose a potentially adverse safety condition. Your mileage may vary.

Not what the VA Handbook says. It has, among other things. This is from the Roanoke RLC but can also be found in the Official VA Handbook,

 

[CindyR]

Not what the VA Handbook says. It has, among other things. This is from the Roanoke RLC but can also be found in the Official VA Handbook,

And where can one find the "Official VA Handbook"??

 

[Don Clark]

And where can one find the "Official VA Handbook"??

On the web. I will see if I can find a link. Usually takes me about 2 minutes.

 

[Don Clark]

And where can one find the "Official VA Handbook"??

Actually took me 35 seconds>

http://benefits.VA.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp

Read Chapter 12.

 

[CindyR]

Actually took me 35 seconds>

http://benefits.VA.gov/warms/pam26_7.asp

Read Chapter 12.

Thanks Don - Yes i have the Lender's Guide. I thought you were referencing another document.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

Thanks Don - Yes i have the Lender's Guide. I thought you were referencing another document.

See Post 11. https://appraisersforum.com/forums/threads/VA-handrails.216730/

 

[Tru Red]

This would be something I would want my handlers at the VA to clarify in an email if it came up. The builders around here always install hand rails. With that being said, more often than not I use the young child/elderly person standard. Would or could a very young person or an elderly person get hurt if they fell in a typical situation in the event there were no hand rails installed? Looking at that photo I would say "yes". If someone is buying a home, say in the $200K to $500K range, is a $200 hand rail really going to break the deal apart?

 

[Don Clark]

This would be something I would want my handlers at the VA to clarify in an email if it came up. The builders around here always install hand rails. With that being said, more often than not I use the young child/elderly person standard. Would or could a very young person or an elderly person get hurt if they fell in a typical situation in the event there were no hand rails installed? Looking at that photo I would say "yes". If someone is buying a home, say in the $200K to $500K range, is a $200 hand rail really going to break the deal apart?

I would suggest sending a copy of what VA wants as per their handbook. It is very specific. I would send it to the regional office and ask why their policy is non existent or different from what The Department of Veterans Affairs wants. You could also copy the chief appraiser in DC.