With the exception of a missing handrail for the stairs, this installation meets “code” requirements. The platform outside of the door is 29-3/4” above the patio surface. If it was over 30” a guard rail would be required to prevent falls from the platform. This is a great example of the “minimum standards” aspect of the building codes. To me this installation represents a serious safety issue and should be made safe. Besides the fact that most people would not want to walk off this platform in the dark and fall into one of the planters, imagine trying to negotiate the stairs and wrestle the door open (or closed) at the same time----with no hand railing or barrier railing. Another thing to consider is wind. Imagine opening the door from the inside and having it be caught by the wind. Would you let go of the door and allow it to slam against the outside wall of the house or would you attempt to hang onto it and be dragged screaming into one of the waiting planters?
Charles Buell
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PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
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Well... I guess the manufacturer had figured out ahead of time how to beat code enforcement! Sneaky stuff!
Lizette, I think it would be VERY interesting to know all the thought processes that allowed this installation to be built the way it was.
Sure is one heck of a safety/trip hazard. What amazes me is that it can be resolved cheaply, so why isn't it?
I think the new buyer will make changes. For one thing even with a proper railing/barrier, I think the landing should be as wide as the door plus the side lights just for "looks"----but that may just be me:)
Charles - I agree, the landing definitely needs to be wider and side lights would dress up the entrance.
Suesan, by "side-lights" I am referring to the fixed glass panels next to the door.
Charlie,
I am convinced that some builders do build, specifically, to heights to get around the code requirements. It might be legal but it often looks cheap.
Steve, it sure does seem like it sometimes.
Charles, I just read this blog after wrestling with activerain all day trying to get on. I finally put a blog up so if you haven't already, read it. What a coincidence......it's a doorstep blog!!
Great post Charles, Somethimes I think designers build things for looks and steer away from safety
Barbara, AR has been kind of slow all day----I'll be over to visit:)
Hi Sonny, thanks for stopping by---the problem with this design is that in my opinion it doesn't look so good on top of being unsafe:)
Charles. One of the solutions would be to fill the planters with water. Think of it like diving into your personal "kiddie" pool...
Your building consultant for life in the Fairview, TN area ~ Michael
Michael, actually the one on the left had a little water feature in it:)
Charles - Yep, I'm aware, but hey, thanks for making sure I was following along. :)
Charlie - here such stairs are required to be 4' wide and with 4 risers have at least one handrail.
Okeedoekee Suesan
Jay----now how the heck is that supposed to help anyone fall off:)
My bad...
I will let it slide THIS time:) I can just see Croakster bouncing down those stairs can't you?
Very kindly,
Croakster
again common sense fails to rule the day.
Croakster---I can ship if you can pay:)
Jim did you mean to say: "again common dense rules the day."
The 30 inch height requirement I think is crazy. Would anyone want to fall that far? There is no doubt someone could be seriously injured falling off those stairs.
James, I agree----I just can't understand how this continues to get by code revisions.
Yepper ..... just think when the steps are covered in snow or ice. That type of concrete is about impossible to shovel clean because of all the little stones. Seems like this home would be better off with ....
1. A wider stoop at the top
2. A railing for support
Sean Allen
Sean---for sure. Painful to think about all the things one could break dealing with these stairs.