VA Refinance Walkway Guardrail Or Handrail Necessary?

[Amanda]

i have a question. is that really the entrance to the property or is that more of just a decorative accent? (it is very beautiful) Does the UPS guy walk up it to get to the front door or is there a simpler entrance up the driveway or something? Just wondering...

That walkway goes from street to the front door. The driveway goes to the garage door. The UPS guy actually bypasses the steps and comes up the lawn . I am confused because we bought the house 7 years ago and there was no handrail then either, and it was not even mentioned. We usually use the driveway and come into the house via the garage entrance.

 

[Amanda]

Don, the steps in the third photo show 3 risers[/QUOTE

You can find the Roanoke regional appraiser's guide here: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW_dfZ0qXWAhWIySYKHRd8DxoQFggmMAA&url=http://www.benefits.VA.gov/roanoke/RLC/forms/FEE-APPRAISERS-GUIDE-July-2012.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG5oMpY5U8WuGDdNubErUufKk0L3Q
Here is what it states on p. 18:
View attachment 33135

It appears that the appraiser is simply following the VA's guidance since your steps have 3 risers, so it looks like you are probably going to have to install the handrails if you want the loan unless the local building code in your area mandates something different....best of luck to you.

BTW, installing handrails is not a bad a idea in any case as brick walkways and steps have a tendency to become slippery when wet and I can see that being a safety hazard, especially at night on what appears to be an unlit walkway...keep in mind, it only takes one person to slip and fall on your steps and you may end up getting sued in our litigious society.

I agree with you that handrails is not a bad idea, however, I do not want to hold up the refinance. We are due to re-cement the bricks next spring so we would do the rail then. Our local code says 4 or more risers. Thanks for your help!

 

[TN Pro]

I would not require a handrail if i was the appraiser. VA also has a waiver requirement that you ask for. Do you have a picture of the steps up to the front porch?

 

[Amanda]

I would not require a handrail if i was the appraiser. VA also has a waiver requirement that you ask for. Do you have a picture of the steps up to the front porch?

Yes - here is the steps that go up to the front porch. Thank you for your help!

 

[CindyR]

That walkway goes from street to the front door. The driveway goes to the garage door. The UPS guy actually bypasses the steps and comes up the lawn . I am confused because we bought the house 7 years ago and there was no handrail then either, and it was not even mentioned. We usually use the driveway and come into the house via the garage entrance.

OK. It seems like it would be an expensive project and if the brick pathway is just for decoration it should not be required. Also seems like some standard handrail bars would be pretty ugly and some nicely crafted wrought iron would cost a fortune. Around here we don't have many real walkways to the front door - most pedestrian access is just up the driveway and then to the door. I also wonder about the 'street to door' requirement. the flat paths in between the stair sections should not require rails. The language specifies only the risers need rails. And the Lender can waive any appraiser requirement.

 

[RSW]

I would say that the sections that have 3 steps need handrails. The level sections do not need handrails.

 

[Don Clark]

You can find the Roanoke regional appraiser's guide here: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW_dfZ0qXWAhWIySYKHRd8DxoQFggmMAA&url=http://www.benefits.VA.gov/roanoke/RLC/forms/FEE-APPRAISERS-GUIDE-July-2012.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG5oMpY5U8WuGDdNubErUufKk0L3Q
Here is what it states on p. 18:
View attachment 33135

It appears that the appraiser is simply following the VA's guidance since your steps have 3 risers, so it looks like you are probably going to have to install the handrails if you want the loan unless the local building code in your area mandates something different....best of luck to you.

BTW, installing handrails is not a bad a idea in any case as brick walkways and steps have a tendency to become slippery when wet and I can see that being a safety hazard, especially at night on what appears to be an unlit walkway...keep in mind, it only takes one person to slip and fall on your steps and you may end up getting sued in our litigious society.

That is the height of the hand rails. The risers or steps as measured from the bottom of the lowest step has a height requirement. If the steps(risers) are not more than 24 inches in height, I don't believe hand rails are required. Also, the local code may not require them. I would ask the lender for guidance. I appraised a new home with almost identical situation and VA said they were not required.
ot

 

[JTip]

I am confused because we bought the house 7 years ago and there was no handrail then either, and it was not even mentioned.

Typically conventional and FHA assignment do not require handrails, unless there is a specific lender guideline or overlay. Unless you had a VA loan 7 years ago (doesn't sound like it), it would not have been an issue to report.

 

[Don Clark]

Typically conventional and FHA assignment do not require handrails, unless there is a specific lender guideline or overlay. Unless you had a VA loan 7 years ago (doesn't sound like it), it would not have been an issue to report.

My error. It is specifically based on the number of risers. But I do suggest the OP contact the lender if she wants a waiver.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

That walkway goes from street to the front door. The driveway goes to the garage door. The UPS guy actually bypasses the steps and comes up the lawn . I am confused because we bought the house 7 years ago and there was no handrail then either, and it was not even mentioned. We usually use the driveway and come into the house via the garage entrance.

Email the photos to your local Building Inspector and request written reply - get the specific requirements - if any.