Steps-Porches

SIGNIFICANT crumbling, unevenness, severe cracking/separation or sections missing which would require an extensive repair greater than a minor patch correction should be marked as major condition concern. Missing railings where SIGNIFICANT liability hazard exists (typically four or more steps AND at least 36 inches off of the ground) would be a major.


If the steps are only the standard 4 steps with a landing (or something very similar) and there is a handrail on 1 side only, we do not want any hazard to be marked. However, if the steps appear to be fairly steep and there is a handrail on 1 side only, we would like a major hazard to be indicated.


Encased steps (the steps are basically set into concrete or brick on either side) or landscaping steps (with earth on either side) and no handrail are acceptable and should not be marked as a hazard on the inspection. Minors for this category include, but are not limited to, slight crumbling, slight unevenness or slight cracking/separating of steps/porches.