OT: what would you do? deck contractor and non-level result

[HugoBear]

Wow, I was in the let it be camp until I saw the picture.
That would drive me crazy

[duff_duffy]

Yep, same thought here!

Originally Posted by HugoBear

Wow, I was in the let it be camp until I saw the picture.
That would drive me crazy

[AngryScientist]

Ahh the old family and friends discount!

Half the quality for twice the price!

[Blue Jays]

All those assorted and mismatched slants would drive me nuts.
That picture was worth a thousand words. Hope it gets fixed.

[pbarry]

Jump up and down in the corner of the deck. If it doesn't move after an hour or so of jumping, you'll be too tired to care.

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by Blue Jays

That picture was worth a thousand words.

Exactly. Drainage slope should not be necessary if there's spacing between the floorboards.

Please keep us advised on the outcome. Or should I stay tuned to Judge Judy?!

[hokoman]

That is a $10k deck in your area? I would expect that in NY, but not where you are.... whoa.

[tctyres]

Yeah, that's not right. The stairs in front and the fence behind it make it look really bad.

All the contractor needs to do is come out, jack it up, and take some wood off that corner footer. Maybe if he's slow, it's a half day job; but it doesn't sound like the contractor is all that bright.

[commandcomm]

If it makes you feel any better, it looks nice with the white railing.

[Tandem Rider]

Originally Posted by wallymann

"visible to the naked eye"

Dang, that looks off from my house.

[charliedid]

Why the railing next to the house?

[sitzmark]

Unfortunate situation - family $ transactions can be difficult. Generally a very easy fix, but depending on how stair stringers are secured it might be a little more involved than just raise and clip post. Lowering might bind the stringer/stairs against the house*. Depends on how much post trim is needed to level the deck.

Hope it all works out.

* Only if stringers/stairs are abutting the house.

[rwsaunders]

How is that double 2”x10/12” beam fastened to the column(s)? I.e. is there a metal connector such as the one pictured in the link used to tie the column and the beam together?

https://www.strongtie.com/boltedcolu.../p/cc.ecc.eccu

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by charliedid

Why the railing next to the house?

Most building codes require guards along open sides of residential stairs that exceed two treads and handrails on both sides. I can't tell if this stair terminates at the siding or has a gap. The visible 4x4 post at the top seems to indicate the latter, although the tread width looks unusually narrow with the two guards. My guess is the builder just matched the outboard guard/handrail for aesthetics and simplicity. Although around here I don't think you'd get away with that newel interrupting the straight rail.

I had been in the "go enjoy a beer" camp but seeing this photo would have me out fixing it. If the builder refuses to step up I'd personally avoid the family drama and engage someone willing and competent or just do it myself.


Ref.
IBC 1015.2: Guards shall be located along open sided walking surfaces that are located more than 30” measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point.
IBC 1011.11: Stairways shall have handrails on each side which comply with section 1014.
IBC 1014.2: Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosing’s, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34” and not more than 38”.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Most building codes require guards along open sides of residential stairs that exceed two treads and handrails on both sides. I can't tell if this stair terminates at the siding or has a gap. The visible 4x4 post at the top seems to indicate the latter, although the tread width looks unusually narrow with the two guards. My guess is the builder just matched the outboard guard/handrail for aesthetics and simplicity. Although around here I don't think you'd get away with that newel interrupting the straight rail.

I had been in the "go enjoy a beer" camp but seeing this photo would have me out fixing it. If the builder refuses to step up I'd personally avoid the family drama and engage someone willing and competent or just do it myself.


Ref.
IBC 1015.2: Guards shall be located along open sided walking surfaces that are located more than 30” measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point.
IBC 1011.11: Stairways shall have handrails on each side which comply with section 1014.
IBC 1014.2: Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosing’s, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform, not less than 34” and not more than 38”.

Thanks for that.

I can see if it had a gap but it didn't seem that way and the odd 4x4 does maybe indicate that. Either way the treads do look narrow in the pic and I'd have to loose that 4x4. Seems like it would have been easy enough to terminate the treads into the structure.