Jerry Simon Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 (edited) Our State Standards of Practice say: Report on those systems and components inspected that, in the opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient including: A) A reason why, if not self evident, the system or component is significantly deficient. B) Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored. (bold mine) So, you inspect a stairway that's extremely steep, has very low headroom, has inconsistent tread widths and riser heights, and other related problems. The only cure is to spend an s-load of money and re-build the entire stairwell. Do/would you tell your client to correct the hazards as dictated by our state standards (or, *monitor* and be really really really careful)? And, not-withstanding our state standards concern, how else do you folk write-up such stairs? Edited August 8, 2021 by Jerry Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADAIR Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 some stats say falls are #1 cause of household accidents i clearly report the facts (you noted), advise replacement if situation warrants (i would based on your narrative of conditions present), costs be damned & let the client decide on how they want to move forward purchasing opp (other peoples problems) is an adult decision & adulting has become as rare as common sense Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 2 hours ago, Jerry Simon said: Our State Standards of Practice say: Report on those systems and components inspected that, in the opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient including: A) A reason why, if not self evident, the system or component is significantly deficient. B) Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored. (bold mine) So, you inspect a stairway that's extremely steep, has very low headroom, has inconsistent tread widths and riser heights, and other related problems. The only cure is to spend an s-load of money and re-build the entire stairwell. Do/would you tell your client to correct the hazards as dictated by our state standards (or, *monitor* and be really really really careful)? And, not-withstanding our state standards concern, how else do you folk write-up such stairs? The standards don't dictate that hazards be corrected. I hope no state legislature ever passes language like you mentioned in bold. All hell will break loose when a legislature, or board, starts telling inspectors how to report on a house that the legislature, or board, has never seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Simon Posted August 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 51 minutes ago, Marc said: The standards don't dictate that hazards be corrected. True, but they clearly state that we have to report: . . .Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Simon Posted August 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 1 hour ago, BADAIR said: i clearly report the facts (you noted), advise replacement if situation warrants (i would based on your narrative of conditions present), costs be damned & let the client decide on how they want to move forward That's what I do. Doesn't seem *right*, though, to recommend a client spend five-figures to do such remodeling. We have all seen this in homes from the '20's and earlier, and I can't see anyone acting upon us advising a complete stairway replacement. That's why I was hoping someone had a better/different way to address this/report on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Simon Posted August 8, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 59 minutes ago, Marc said: I hope no state legislature ever passes language like you mentioned in bold. Exact language is already in Illinois' Standards of Practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADAIR Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Jerry Simon said: Doesn't seem *right*, though, to recommend a client spend five-figures to do such remodeling. right or wrong it's my opinion i see no difference than some of the properly sized-installed, yet maintenance neglected, decks-stairs that i've seen reported in the news causing injuries or collapsing in your & my markets i'm in a licensed state that requires me to use a promulgated form in the "preamble" of said report form is this quote in all bold caps ITEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT DO NOT OBLIGATE ANY PARTY TO MAKE REPAIRS OR TAKE OTHER ACTIONS, NOR IS THE PURCHASER REQUIRED TO REQUEST THAT THE SELLER TAKE ANY ACTION. there are no pre or post inspection police that i'm aware of like i tell folks "don't follow my lead, what i may be doing has gotten others in a world of hurt" Edited August 8, 2021 by BADAIR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Jerry Simon said: Exact language is already in Illinois' Standards of Practice. So I've confirmed, but its crosses a pivotal threshold. It's exceedingly poor practice of a legislature to grant that power to an administrative agency. JMHO Edited August 8, 2021 by Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 Dangerous Stairways Both stairways have an assortment of problems that make them more dangerous than they need to be: Bullet point problem Bullet point problem Bullet point problem Bullet point problem Bullet point problem You might find it prohibitively expensive to fix every unsafe aspect of these stairways, but you could probably afford to fix some things, which would be better than fixing nothing. Proper handrails, guardrails, lighting and door-swing adjustments, for instance, would be relatively inexpensive. 1. Consult with a contractor to make as many improvements as you can afford at the stairways. Here’s a great reference document . As for the remaining issues, either accept the risk associated with them or find a way to pay to have them fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 “low headroom, has inconsistent tread widths and riser heights, …” Around here, this sounds like a typical old house basement stairway, or stairs to a converted attic. As long as the stairs are not going to fall down, my most important concern is handrails. Installing handrails is never an option. “The stairs need a handrail. Have a carpenter install.” I would keep this separate from other remarks about the stairs which would include… "The stairway is a fall hazard because of this, this and this. Use with caution. Fixing this may not be practical and would be very expensive. Consult a carpenter." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 (edited) B) Whether the reported deficiency should be corrected or monitored. I am not afraid to deviate from the SOP on this. I feel the spirit of the law is to inform and protect my client which is always my intention. And I have never used the words, "significantly deficient." Nobody I know talks like that. The words are creepy. Edited August 9, 2021 by Mike Lamb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baird Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 "These stairs are dangerous. Probably not feasible to correct, however." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted August 13, 2021 Report Share Posted August 13, 2021 On 8/9/2021 at 12:34 AM, Jim Katen said: Dangerous Stairways 1. Consult with a contractor to make as many improvements as you can afford at the stairways. Here’s a great reference document . As for the remaining issues, either accept the risk associated with them or find a way to pay to have them fixed. That is pretty good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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