There was some sway in the middle. I agree with all of you in that the rail needs reinforcement, I just didn’t have any resources to fall back on; e.g., code, standards, acceptable practice, etc. So often in our reports we rely on current standards (codes) to back up our recommendations, for example “Current standards require…blah, blah, blah.” I just wanted to offer my client a little more information. The client and I discussed the rail at the inspection and while I told him it seemed improperly reinforced, I also told him I’d research it.
I did make the following statement, “The stairway railing, while secured at both ends, was flexible in the middle and may not withstand the minimum 200-lbs of force used in testing. Recommend addition of a properly installed center post for additional support.” In light of my discussion with the client at the inspection this should be enough, however, if the client wasn’t present then I’d want something a little more substantial to convey my concern.