Require Handrail Or Not?

[Pittsburg_22_m]

Handrail is obviously there on the far side. These are steps to the basement. What would you require, if anything, for the open area on the near side of the stairs? I am having a little issue with an underwriter so I'd like to know who is right.

 

[Mr Rex]

Looks like a safety hazard to me.

 

[sharontony]

I had a handrail discussion with FHA in the past. Since there is a handrail already in place for someone to hold onto, an additional handrail would not be automatically required. Disclose and let the lender or DE Underwriter decide if they want it repaired or not.

 

[Fritz in NY]

It's not a nursing home we are looking at. There is a handrail present. Do you suggest we call for a wall to be built preventing someone from falling out the side of the stairs. You can only go to far.

 

[Pilgrum]

I agree with Mr. Rex. Definitely a safety hazard. Especially if you drink.

And I would look real hard at that bottom step. Kinda tough to tell in the photo but if is is a shorter rise than the others it becomes a trip hazard.

 

[CANative]

It's enough for me to call in a condition. Let the DEU sort it out.

 

[William K]

I would say it's fine since it has a hand rail on one side.

I have appraised a couple of homes with elaborate open (floating) staircases on the main level which also had only a single handrail on the inside. In those instances they were "architectural focal points" and no one would ever even consider requiring them to have an added railing.

If still undecided you can include the photo with a comment that no handrail was required since it did have a handrail on the inside wall. Now it falls to the DE UW to agree or require the second handrail but at least you have disclosed it and your reason for not requiring one.

 

[CANative]

That's also a good option.

 

[Mr Rex]

I would say it's fine since it has a hand rail on one side.

I have appraised a couple of homes with elaborate open (floating) staircases on the main level which also had only a single handrail on the inside. In those instances they were "architectural focal points" and no one would ever even consider requiring them to have an added railing.

If still undecided you can include the photo with a comment that no handrail was required since it did have a handrail on the inside wall. Now it falls to the DE UW to agree or require the second handrail but at least you have disclosed it and your reason for not requiring one.

How is that handrail going to keep someone from falling off the other side? Make them sign a double secret pact at the top of the stairs that they will hold on at all times? What happens when they take their hand off the magic rail to move down the stairs? Handrails are one thing, safety railings are another, and far more important in preventing falls. Call it, if the DEU doesn't like it they can waive it. FWIW, your insurance agent would not waive(wave) at this situation. Just saying.

 

[CANative]

That's also a good option.