Originally Posted By: Vince Santos This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Only two steps, no handrail required. I thought mildew was something that grew on bread etc. I would note organic growth on steps presents slipping hazard.
– Desire is half of life, indifference is half of death.
Originally Posted By: mrichardson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gerry,
I do not see organic growth in the picture (except potted plants of course), therefore I would report uneven steps and tripping hazard only. If I saw organic growth on step surfaces, I'd report all three.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
I do not see organic growth in the picture (except potted plants of course)
I see all sorts of green algea growing on those steps to include the foundation and the siding.
Does your computer have color?
Originally Posted By: John Smiddy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
as someone fresh in the business (Im still in school) the main thing i took notice to was how the first step sank in towards the back. I also saw some algae but i think the steps are wet and its making it look more slippery than it would be on any givin day. I’ll also have to agree with my friend from canton, I don’t believe a hand rail is required. but maybe thats just in Michigan.
Originally Posted By: kleonard This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
from a point directly above the top riser of a flight to a point directly above the lowest riser of the flight. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1.5 inches (38 mm) between the wall and the hand-rail.
Originally Posted By: jerry gallman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
[quote] I also saw some algae but i think the steps are wet and its making it look more slippery than it would be on any givin day.
When wet, I beieve algae IS more slippery, not just LOOKS more slippery.
My suggestion to my client would be: Mr Smith, this greenish color on the steps and the siding may or may not be the the sellers way of trying to blend in with the natural surroundings. If you purchase this home and like the colorful hues growing all about, even though its not required by code ,I would stongly recommend installing handrails and as a secondary precaution leave knee pads by the door for all to use due to as soon as you step foot on that wet, uneven trip hazzard you will be on your a**.   
Originally Posted By: Tom Turner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
You guys don’t understand. You are doing a safety inspection not a code inspection, unless you are a governmental code official. These steps need a handrail no matter whose code or when it was in effect that you reference. Two, four or twenty steps, when Aunt Bertha slips and falls (even after you correct improper slope and green gold) and Mr. Shyster lawyer calls, you will wish you recommended a handrail.
Originally Posted By: gbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
No Tom we are doing a home inspection. We use knowledge of safety issues, building codes and building practices to perform our inspection. If you fail to learn the codes used in your area because we don’t do code inspections then you will be behind the curve in my opinion. Any source you can use to increase your knowledge is a worthwhile endeavor.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This picture comes from a recent inspection of mine, I wrote up the treads as being uneven (trip hazard), the treads pitching backwards (trip hazard again, plus the lack of ability to shed water), The algae build up ( presenting a slipping hazard........ it was lethal on the wet day I looked at it). I did not write up any lack of hand rail on this installation.
