FHA stair width requirement

[sputnam]

Does FHA have a requirement for the width of a set of stairs. I inspected a property yesterday that has a very narrow 18" stairway that leads to the basement. Will this go FHA? I cannot find the requirement if there is one.

Not sure if FHA has one... but most building codes do. Usually 3 feet.

 

[Tom D]

I'm sure this house was built before there was a zoning department in the area. So the building code officer will now make them remove a wall & open up/shorten joists. You haven't seen to many real time colonial houses and their functional issues.

Because building codes change from time to time and tend to reflect higher standards and improved technology, an important feature of building codes is that they apply only to new construction and are not applied retroactively to existing buildings. The subject is an existing improvements and per the zoning ordinance does not have to meet the requirements of a new property. The subject was permitted and approved at the time of construction, the use has not changed, therefore the subject is considered to be conforming to the current zoning ordinance per the grandfather clause section of the current zoning ordinance.

 

[sputnam]

I'm sure this house was built before there was a zoning department in the area. So the building code officer will now make them remove a wall & open up/shorten joists. You haven't seen to many real time colonial houses and their functional issues.

Because building codes change from time to time and tend to reflect higher standards and improved technology, an important feature of building codes is that they apply only to new construction and are not applied retroactively to existing buildings. The subject is an existing improvements and per the zoning ordinance does not have to meet the requirements of a new property. The subject was permitted and approved at the time of construction, the use has not changed, therefore the subject is considered to be conforming to the current zoning ordinance per the grandfather clause section of the current zoning ordinance.

Even if the building codes have changed and the narrow stairs are grandfathered.... it's likely to create a functional obsolesence. If the narrow stairs are to finished area, that area may not meet ANSI measuring standards. You'll have to use the exemption code. Bottom line is.. you don't simply pretend that the stairs aren't narrow or aren't there.

 

[Tom D]

Even if the building codes have changed and the narrow stairs are grandfathered.... it's likely to create a functional obsolesence. If the narrow stairs are to finished area, that area may not meet ANSI measuring standards. You'll have to use the exemption code. Bottom line is.. you don't simply pretend that the stairs aren't narrow or aren't there.

Likely the older surrounding homes have the same issue. Ok, functional issue for fat person, how much do you take off. Still a good basement for kids. Basement stairs, you phased out with ansi measuring.
Since it is not economically feasible to make them wider at this moment, you will make an adjustment on the comps. Oh wait, similar comps used, did you measure their basement stairs or even see them in the MLS photos.. You perfectionist get caught in your own perfect bear trap.

 

[sputnam]

Likely the older surrounding homes have the same issue. Ok, functional issue for fat person, how much do you take off. Still a good basement for kids. Basement stairs, you phased out with ansi measuring.
Since it is not economically feasible to make them wider at this moment, you will make an adjustment on the comps. Oh wait, similar comps used, did you measure their basement stairs or even see them in the MLS photos.. You perfectionist get caught in your own perfect bear trap.

No one is a perfectionist... well, there is one but I won't mention his forum name. The point is... There are no shortcuts. Do the work.