Stairs/Steps

Stairs and steps have implications for safety, water control, and can affect the home. They must be inspected both at a distance and in detail. Inspect from a distance to determine if they are level, or if there are signs of settlement. This should be done from the front and sides. Stairs and steps should not be pulling away significantly from their landing or stoop. Treads should be flat and level, both side-to-side and front-to-rear; a very slight rear-to-front slope on treads and landings is desirable to allow for drainage. They should appear consistent in rise, and any suspected inconsistencies should be checked when close.

Inspect up close, looking for any signs of deterioration. The treads’ run and rise should be checked for consistency, minimum tread run, and maximum tread height. Steps should be solid underfoot with no movement or instability. Stairs other than concrete or masonry should not bear directly on the grade. Don’t overlook exterior doors where steps are missing or a exit should be secured to prevent a fall.


There are missing steps at an exterior door. This is a safety hazard. Install steps as needed or secure the door to prevent an exit and fall.

Bricks and blocks must be intact with no signs of looseness. Deteriorated, cracked, or damaged masonry units or concrete should be reported. All joints should be properly pointed. Any separations, including those between the walking surfaces and surrounding structures, must be noted due to water penetration concerns. Any adhered or inlayed tiles or pavers must be secure. Glazed surfaces or those that may be significantly slippery when wet should be noted.


The step’s riser height is uneven. This is a trip hazard. Current standards call for a maximum variation of no more than 3/8″ between steps. Repair or replace the steps to ensure a consistent riser height.

There are cracked steps. This permits water penetration and will lead to further damage. Repair or replace the steps as needed.

There are deteriorated mortar joints at the steps. This allows water penetration to cause further damage, loose sections, and a safety hazard. Repair the mortar as needed.

The steps are damaged or are missing bricks. This is a safety hazard, and will allow further deterioration. Repair the steps.

The steps are deteriorated. This is a safety hazard, and can permit water penetration into the structure, and will lead to further damage. Replace the steps.

There are settled steps. A gap has formed between the steps and the building or stoop. This permits water penetration  and will lead to further damage. Repair and stabilize the steps to prevent further settlement. Repair and seal any gaps to prevent moisture intrusion.

Wood surfaces should be inspected for deterioration, cracking, splitting, significant splintering, nail pops, or loose boards. Stringers and support posts should be observed for damage, improper or failing connections, or inadequate supports. Wood steps should not bear directly on the grade. A footing or substantial concrete or masonry landing should be provided.


The stairs terminate on the ground instead of on footings. This will not provide long-term support, and will allow the stairs to settle. Install appropriate footings under the stairs where they terminate at the grade.

There is excessive settlement at the steps. This is a safety issue; it implies inadequate support. The inspector can’t determine if the movement is ongoing. Repair and stabilize the steps to prevent further settlement.

The step’s riser height is uneven. This is a trip hazard. Current standards call for a maximum variation of no more than 3/8″ between steps. Repair or replace the steps.

The step are damaged. This is a safety hazard, and will lead to further deterioration. Repair or replace the steps as needed.

The steps are deteriorated. This is a safety hazard, and will lead to further damage. Replace the steps as needed.

The step’s support is inadequate. This is a safety hazard which may allow a failure. Repair or replace the steps as needed.

There are settled steps. A gap has formed between the steps and the stoop or building. This is a safety hazard which may allow a failure. Repair or replace the steps as needed.

Metal steps should be inspected for rust, corrosion, deterioration, or damage. Signs of deferred maintenance should be reported. All composite materials must be inspected for signs of deterioration. Some composite products are defective and prone to premature failure.


The metal steps are corroded or show signs of deferred maintenance. This is a potential safety hazard that can allow further deterioration. Repair or replace the steps as needed.

The metal step’s support is deteriorated. This is a safety hazard which may allow a failure. Repair or replace the supports as needed.

The step’s composite boards are deteriorated. Some composite materials are subject to a recall due to premature failure. Hire a contractor to evaluate the steps and provide repairs or replacements as needed.

All stairs with more than 3 -4 “lifts of the foot” should have a handrail. Note that local requirements differ, as do FHA and VA standards. Common sense must be used. When in doubt, a handrail should be present. This does not normally apply to “yard steps” that have very long runs and are more like landings than stairs.

Inspect handrails and guardrails for deterioration. They should be secure, stable, and provide good support without movement. Rails should be 34” – 38” high above the nosing. Ideally, the rail’s profile should be “graspable”, but this may not apply in Grandfathered situations. The openings between balusters should be no more than 4”. All balusters should be present and intact. Guardrails with climbable horizontal balusters should be reported.


The handrail is missing. This is a safety hazard. Replace the handrail.

The handrail is loose. This is a safety hazard. Repair or replace the handrail.

The handrail is damaged or deteriorated. This is a safety hazard. Repair or replace the handrail.

The handrail is too low. This is a safety hazard. Install a handrail that is 34″ to 38″ high measured from the leading edge of tread.

The handrail is missing balusters. This is a safety hazard. Replace the balusters.

The handrail’s post is set into an open hole in the masonry. This will allow water to collect and corrode the post base. Fill and crown the hole with an appropriate masonry repair material.

The balusters are improperly spaced at the guardrail. The opening between balusters should not exceed 4″.  Repair or replace the balusters.

The balusters are horizontal at the guardrail. This is a safety hazard. Horizontal balusters can be used by children to climb onto the rail. Repair or replace the balusters.

The guardrail is missing. This is a safety hazard. Replace the guardrail.