Zillow Advice: Buying Process - What if outdoor patio area has wood stairs with no handrail on one side (against a wall). FHA

The hand rail is needed with ...

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:03:00 GMT

The hand rail is needed with 3 risers or more. If this is the only issue, and you are pending this condition on a clear to close, personally, I would get permission to install it myself.

How much could it cost in comparison to the money already invested in an appraisal, home inspection, pest inspection, septic tank test?

Handrail is less than $50 bucks.

Number of risers were not ...

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:41:00 GMT

Number of risers were not mentioned, so likely the handrail is not required, and even if required, it is residential, so only one needed.

If the lender requires it, just put in writing to the lender that you will have one added complying with code after the close of escrow.

As mentioned, California is more strict. I believe it is required for more than 2 risers, but I haven't looked it up recently. Also, there is a requirement for the space at the top landing and clearance at doors that open outward. I've seen many times where local building inspectors did not notice the violation and did not require handrail corrections, and stairs not complying with code were allowed to remain as is because the work was done with a permit and signed off.

You do not need to meet ADA requirements for Single Family residential units, so you have a lot more leeway than you would if the handrail needed to meet handicap accessibility requirements.

Stair codes, according to ...

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:06:00 GMT

Stair codes, according to the UBC:

UBC 1003.3.3.6 1997 "Stairwaysshall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to bemore than 88 inches (2235 mm) in width shall be provided with not lessthan one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches (2235 mm) or requiredwidth. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equallyacross with the entire width of the stairway.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Stairways less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width or stairways servingone individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or aGroup R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail.
2. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only.
3.Stairways having less than four risers and serving one individualdwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3, or a Group 4,Division 3 congregate residence or Group U Occupancies neednot have handrails.

In CA we do things, well, a bit wacky. Strict, though, so the CA code is HERE if you want to be uber compliant :)

If the appraiser sees it, ...

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:28:00 GMT

If the appraiser sees it, it will need to be fixed. Buyers can do the repairs if sellers refuse. They will need to be done prior to settlement.

I have done several of these. However, there is risk doing improvement/repairs to a home you don't own. If you choose to do them, make sure you have a commitment letter with all conditions cleared including the appraisal.

Proceed with caution, but you should be okay as long as you are with a good mortgage company and have a good LO.

Oh, one more thing... my ...

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:26:00 GMT

Oh, one more thing... my sis bought a house and they gave her 30 days after purchase to complete a few items... like a roof! It wasn't an FHA loan, but it was required for the loan.

I checked with hub and he ...

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:16:00 GMT

I checked with hub and he said code is a handrail on one side. It should only be a few bolts screwed into the wall. Be there when they do the inspection, and ask them questions on the things they have issues on... like how high must the handrail be placed. Don't bring it up unless they say it's a problem. I believe if the reject it, all you have to do is prove to them it has been fixed before close of escow.