I replaced a run of exterior stairs down to the front door for a client a couple of weeks ago. The existing rise was 7 1/4″ with a tread of 14 1/2″. We replaced it with a rise of 7 1/4″ and a tread of 11 1/8″. I got a message from the owner yesterday that lot’s of people are falling down the steps and they want the ratios back to what they were originally. We are talking around 30 treads here.
Any suggestions as to how I proceed with the client? Who pays for this?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Mark
Replies
Sounds like you're getting a run a round here.
Most risers are 8" but less shouldn't be an issue as long as each rise is the same.
Most treads are 12" but 11 1/4" may be a bit narrow yet I can't see "LOTS" of people falling down them. Isnt' "that" narrow.
All I can say in a problematic situation like this with a what seems like a problematic customer is...hope all was specified to the customer in a signed contract.
Don't know all of the details here but sounds like a customer from hell which I'd walk away from if possible unless things weren't 100% clear from the get go.
The best possible solution if you're in the right, contract wise is sign up a new contract and have them pay for the changes with a small last final payment (assuming you're in the right).
Be a contract
Namaste
andy
"Understanding yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth"
Alan Watts
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Aren't customers fun.
It sounds like people are not use to the new ratios. The ratios sound like the average stair case. If they wait a bit, I'm sure all the "regulars" will get used to the new ratios, and all the new visitors shouldn't have any problems either.
One thing that would help is breaking up those 30 treads with a landing or 2, this gives the legs a quick rest.
We usually do make the runs bigger on long flights of exterior stairs.
good luck
No contract with this customer on this phase. We have been doing work for him going on 3 years, off and on. Multiple decks approaching 2500 sq. ft.. All new siding and french doors, etc.
The run of stairs actually has 3 landings at various points.
I'm guessing if you have been working with them on and off for 3 years, they must not be to difficult to work with most of the time?
Who orginally suggested shortening the run, them or you?
View ImageGo Jayhawks
Yeah, I have to agree with the "your getting the run around" theory. 7 1/4 x 11 1/8 it doesn't get much better than that. In fact the 14 1/2 tread would be a code no no. I wouldn't change it, even if they offered to pay since you would be liable for the non code wide tread. Another thing, 17 treads is the max between landings, I hope this is not a 30 tread straight run set of stairs.
I think Laminator has the point.
I don't know what code in your area states, but if I tried to install stairs of 14+" tread, the inspector would make me redo.
Is it possible to bring up the code issue with the HO. You may need to paint the nose yellow until the guests get used to it, but it's a lot cheaper that tear & rebuld.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Architectural Graphic Standards suggests that exterior steps use the following formula:
2 (riser) + tread = 26
so 7.25+7.25 +(tread) + 26
tread should equal 11.5 ... if i'm doing exterir stairs.. i either stick to that ratio or make each tread an extended platform... so they can also double as seats..
like 7.25 R & 16" treads.. but i would use these only for runs of say three treads..Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
We're on the same page.
14" isn't a seat, nor a step. Trouble is the HO got used to it and now putting in proper stairs is causing a conflict (as I read it).
Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
I agree with Rick, 7¼ and 11 is a common run. People develop a rythum when they go down a familiar set of stairs, Its alot like dancing, you know where your foot goes next. You have changed the tempo of that dance. Maybe a few professionaly done signs, "Watch Your Step" "Caution" would slow people down enough to learn the new music and keep your customer placated.
Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
The new steps though more conventional are quite a bit steeper. I assume you installed new stringers and shortened the total run of the steps about 8.5'. That was a lot of excess run. You built new landings of course? I would tell the client that the prior steps were unsafe and they only have to get used to the new ones. Tell them to use the hand rail in the meantime. You passed your final inspection didn't you?
The 14" treads are too code.
Let me ask. Did you tell the customer you were changing the tread width?
If the customer was expecting the same stairs, you were wrong.