Handrail question

[CANative]

For us, it is strictly a matter of meeting, or not meeting, MPR or MPS. The final decision lies with the DEU.

and the Pool could have been put in after the C of O ??

That is almost certainly the case and that's the entire point of why HUD has always maintained that they are not the permit police or code enforcers. Handrails were excluded as an MPR item a long time ago. Now it's up to the appraiser what to put in the report. But they need to explain themselves and I've lost clients over things like this. Good clients too. Real Bank clients.

 

[Renee Healion]

It is for VA per OP.

 

[CANative]

The point is, does not have higher standards than the GSE's or VA. That's why I wonder to myself when a topic is predicated upon "I'm doing an FHA appraisal and ..."

 

[Hondo]

This is from the Roanoke RLC Appraisers Guide:

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.

We get nastygrams if we don't condition it.

 

[ToddGack80]

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

Maybe a zoning change? Never mind about the uneveness, I think there SHOULD be railings, since the stairs are so wide, regardless of code.

But to answer the original question, best to find the relevant building code, cite that, then maybe recommend a building inspection to CYA?

 

[brunge]

The answer is yes for at least one side on both sets of stairs. Recently retired VA guidelines required any stairs with 3 or more risers to have at least one handrail. New requirements which was sent to appraisers in my state a week or so ago, now require steps to meet local building codes which will most likely require handrails in the picture, just my guess for your area, for sure in mine.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/arizona-building-codes-specific-county-requirements-844708

Arizona Building Codes by County

In the state of Arizona, every local jurisdiction is responsible for establishing and enforcing building codes.
For all other standard building codes, each county follows specific model codes and may modify those codes at its discretion.

 

[Ariba]

I don't get FHA. Basement well covers not needed as a safety issue but handrailing required with 3-steps. Go figure. This is a 4'-5' drop.

 

[Renee Healion]

And I don't get basement wells at all.
How do they not leak rainwater, how many toddlers end up in them, what is the point? Is that counting as egress, for whom, circus contortionists?

 

[Ariba]

These are basement bedrooms with egress windows. There is usually a french drain with 6" to 9" of gravel at the bottom for water drainage.