Under-Stair Storage

Originally Posted By: croust
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As a new HI with a background in building code inspection, I am wondering what you all report about enclosed, under-stair storage areas which are not sheetrocked. The codes haven’t allowed them for awhile but I haven’t seen it addressed in the message boards or in the HI training materials. Do you view them as a high priority-must fix or do you mention them at all?


Chris Roust
Roust Property Inspection
Juneau, Alaska


Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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I don’t give them a second look usually.



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Originally Posted By: John Bowman
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croust wrote:
As a new HI with a background in building code inspection, I am wondering what you all report about enclosed, under-stair storage areas which are not sheetrocked. The codes haven't allowed them for awhile but I haven't seen it addressed in the message boards or in the HI training materials. Do you view them as a high priority-must fix or do you mention them at all?

Chris Roust
Roust Property Inspection
Juneau, Alaska


Chris,

Point me in the right direction. Which code doesn't allow it. More information please?


Originally Posted By: dbush
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John, I believe he is referring to:


311.2.2 Under stair protection.
Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.


--
Dave Bush
MAB Member

"LIFE'S TOUGH, WEAR A HELMET"

Originally Posted By: John Bowman
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Thanks Dave,


I assume this applies for new construction since ?. What year did this become effective? Is it considered a safety factor, cosmetic, or what?

John


Originally Posted By: pdacey
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It’s primarily for fire blocking under the stairs. I don’t come across it much, but if I do, I write it up.



Slainte!


Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

Originally Posted By: dfrend
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It is for fire blocking. If there is storage space it needs to have some sort of sheetrocking to slow the spread of fire.


Additionally, watch for fire sprinklers in these spaces. Many jurisdictions now require them, but rules for requiring them in these spaces depends on jurisdiction.


--
Daniel R Frend
www.nachifoundation.org
The Home Inspector Store
www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: jpope
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croust wrote:
Do you view them as a high priority-must fix or do you mention them at all?


IMHO, it's as much a priority as smoke detectors.

![](upload://aCrQuThxLeFklRiaFUhGHM42qDR.jpeg)


--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

Originally Posted By: jbehling
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jpope wrote:
croust wrote:
Do you view them as a high priority-must fix or do you mention them at all?


IMHO, it's as much a priority as smoke detectors.



In new construction I hope, this is not something I would comment on an older house.

Just like GFCI's and the like.


Originally Posted By: dfrend
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Think of this:


What would those items in the picture impinge on if on fire? The stairs are a major source of egress, rescue, and fire attack. If the stairs are compromised it makes getting up or down to get out of the house safely hard, and it makes getting to the fire that much harder for firefighters.


--
Daniel R Frend
www.nachifoundation.org
The Home Inspector Store
www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: dfrend
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Quote:
In new construction I hope, this is not something I would comment on an older house.

Just like GFCI's and the like.


Just because GFCI's are not code fore the time the house was built does not mean you can't mention them. If your client gets electrocuted because the had none, don't you think they'll ask why you did not even tell them they were a safety feature that could help them?

We are not code inspectors. Look at the SOP's:

Quote:
1.2. A Material defect is a problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property.


Wouldn't you agree that somethings that were done years ago that are prohibited now are unsafe? Just because CODE does not prohibit them based on the age, does not mean you can't tell them it is unsafe.

Would you tell them they had asbestos in the attic? It might have been ok back then.


--
Daniel R Frend
www.nachifoundation.org
The Home Inspector Store
www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: jpope
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jbehling wrote:
In new construction I hope, this is not something I would comment on an older house.

Just like GFCI's and the like.


Even on older homes I recommend installation of GFCI's.

This stair issue is a major concern regardless of the age of the home and needs to be brought to the attention of a potential buyer as well as the current occupant.

Just like smoke detectors, the stairs aren't an issue until there is a fire.


--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

Originally Posted By: jbehling
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dfrend wrote:
Quote:
In new construction I hope, this is not something I would comment on an older house.

Just like GFCI's and the like.




We are not code inspectors. Look at the SOP's:


Would you tell them they had asbestos in the attic? It might have been ok back then.


That's not the point. Yes I would tell them to install GFCI's in recommended locations, yes I point out "POSSIBLE" asbestos, vermiculite, UFFI, etc.

Drywall under the stairs is not something I point out unless it is a multi unit building, or maybe bedrooms in the basement.

But I see your point, maybe this is something I will incorporate into my report.


Originally Posted By: jbehling
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jpope wrote:


Just like smoke detectors, the stairs aren't an issue until there is a fire.


Smoke detectors are a no brainer, the stair blocking is different.

But like I said, I see the value of this recommendation to my client, it is important info and something I will probably start looking at closer.

You sold me. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)


Originally Posted By: jpope
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jbehling wrote:
Smoke detectors are a no brainer, the stair blocking is different.


The smoke detectors don't do much good if you can't get out of the house because the stairway has already collapsed.

jbehling wrote:
But like I said, I see the value of this recommendation to my client, it is important info and something I will probably start looking at closer.

You sold me. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)


Okay then, I'll stop.


--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

Originally Posted By: dfrend
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Jason, glad you could join the force icon_biggrin.gif .


All kidding aside, I feel safety of clients is a primary concern. They have hired me to tell them about their home and any defects. If there is something I see as unsafe, I will tell them that.


--
Daniel R Frend
www.nachifoundation.org
The Home Inspector Store
www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: James D Mosier
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My seven year old house has open risers on the basement stairs. Should I do something about it?



Jim Mosier

Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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I’m still having a tough time coming to grips with this one. Even as a fireman, I have a tough time seeing the relevance, and I see it a bit as nit-picky. I guess if there are combustibles stored under the stairs, it ads fuel to the fire.


Jezus...why not make the whole home out of concrete. It would save more lives.


--
Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC

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Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
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What the f#&k are stairs?


Originally Posted By: wpedley
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I have to agree with Kevin, I’m also a firefighter and most of the time,


at least aroud here, is you have to ask yourself....Do I want to go up the

stairs or not? It would depend on what is on fire. I don't see drywall on

the underside of stairs unless of course it is also part of a ceiling. I do not

point this out because if the fire would get to the stairs because of

something burning under them, the occupants are not going to get down

those stairs anyway. Even in new construction, I just never see it.


--
BPedley
Inspecting for the unexpected