We had to replace four sets of rotten exterior stairs, all secondary means of egress for the tenants of this building. The challenge was they needed to be brought up to code, and it all had to fit inside this cramped side yard.

  • Deteriorating and out of code

    The original staircases, two for the upstairs units and two for the lower units, were falling apart and becoming unsafe. They were also out of code, with the risers being too high and the gaps between the balusters too wide. However, the space was confined and changing the stair configuration would be tricky.

  • Dealing with the issues

    To bring the railings up to code we simply added more balusters, making sure no gap was more than 4 inches. However, to bring the rise of each step down we had to add steps. Our solution was to remove the two separate landings, and pour one new concrete landing where both upper staircases would land.

  • success

    All four staircases fit, and without much room to spare! The finished product also had larger posts and framing to the upper decks, more 4x4 posts along the railing, and bigger galvanized lag and through bolts throughout the entire structure. Plus we reinforced every footing with 1/2 inch steel.