Private elevator, beyond scope: A private elevator is present within the home or dwelling unit. These are specialized installations and are beyond the scope of this inspection. Hire a qualified technician for a full evaluation and request the service records from the homeowner or building management.
Near/at end useful life, budget for replacement: The stairs/steps are near or at the end of their useful lives. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the stairs/steps.
Past end useful life, budget for replacement: The stairs/steps are past the end of their useful lives. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the stairs/steps.
Open sides of stairways and platforms >30″ in height should have guardrail and handrail systems meeting current safety guidelines: Open sides of steps and elevated platforms >30″ in height should have guardrails for safety. Guardrails should be a minimum of 36″ high for platforms which are <6′ high and a minimum of 42″ high for platforms >6′ high. Balusters should have a maximum of 4″ spacing. Stairs with four or more risers require handrails, which should be mounted 34″ to 38″ high measured from the nosing of the tread. Handrails should be graspable with a maximum width of 2 5/8″ and should be continuous from the top of stairs to the bottom of stairs and be spaced at least 1 1/2″ from the wall. Handrails should return to the wall, terminate at a newel post, or have a 1′ extension at the top and bottom of stairs which is parallel with the floor surface.
Staircase headroom is <6’8″ as required by current standards, caution required: The staircase headroom is less than the 6’8″ required by modern construction standards. Construction of the staircase predates such requirements. Be cautious when using this staircase.
Staircase is more narrow than the 36″ required by current standards: The staircase is more narrow than the 36″ required by modern construction standards. Construction of the staircase predates such requirements.
Staircase has steeper than normal rise between steps with treads that are shallow, caution required: The staircase has a steeper than normal rise between steps, with treads that are shallow. Such construction often is designed to conserve interior space but makes stairs more difficult to use. As correction may not be practical, be cautious when using this staircase.
Glazing at stairway window does not appear to be safety/tempered glass, generally mandated by current standards: The glazing at the stairway window does not appear to be safety glass, which generally is marked with manufacturer’s information at one of the corners. Safety or tempered glass is mandated by current construction standards in these locations. Older homes generally do not employ safety glass and are not required to replace the glass unless there is remodeling.