Handrail height is off by 2"...HELP!
#1
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Handrail height is off by 2"...HELP!
Hello everyone, thank you in advance for any suggestions you can recommend here. We had our final inspection today and failed for one railing being too short by 2". It measures 32.25 inches hi from the edge of the step to the top of the hand rail and needs to be roughly 34". Any recommendations on how to accomplish this without redoing the entire handrail?
I will post a picture of the railing in question. Its the hand rail on the left side of the image.
Thanks again for all suggestions.
I will post a picture of the railing in question. Its the hand rail on the left side of the image.
Thanks again for all suggestions.
Last edited by PJmax; 04-27-16 at 07:12 PM. Reason: reoriented picture
#2
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Ouch! No easy way around this. Was this DIY? If not, wouldn't it be the builder's problem?
If I had to fix it, I would saw off the all the balusters and newel post right at tread level, and insert a rectangular block under each. I would size the blocks a little bigger than the respective end of the baluster so it looked like a decorative feature. Of course it would have to be stained and finished to match and putting it all together so it is strong and secure will take some serious carpentry skills.
If I had to fix it, I would saw off the all the balusters and newel post right at tread level, and insert a rectangular block under each. I would size the blocks a little bigger than the respective end of the baluster so it looked like a decorative feature. Of course it would have to be stained and finished to match and putting it all together so it is strong and secure will take some serious carpentry skills.
#3
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Welcome to the forums!
I'm not sure it's feasible to raise the rail height without rebuilding it While you might could figure out a way to extend the balusters with a 2" block under them I seriously doubt that you could raise the newel post without making it weaker. But I'm just a painter, the carpenters should be along later.
I'm not sure it's feasible to raise the rail height without rebuilding it While you might could figure out a way to extend the balusters with a 2" block under them I seriously doubt that you could raise the newel post without making it weaker. But I'm just a painter, the carpenters should be along later.
#5
I think we are assuming it is the balustrade and not the wall mounted handrail. The wall mounted handrail would be an easier fix. The image posted was sideways, so I couldn't tell left from right. Can you clarify which one is short?
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Thanks for the replies, i couldnt figure out how to rotate the image on the website, but on my computer its normal. Anyway, would it be feasible to add a piece of wood above the handrail in question, almost like a decorative attachment? Something that will connect to the top of the handrail extending all the way down?
Thanks
Thanks
#9
failed for one railing being too short by 2"
#10
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Well, I suppose you could attach a second handrail, something like the photo below. The trick is doing it in a way that will pass inspection and then can be removed , not that I would recommend such a thing.
Fastening it to the wall is no problem. On the Newel end, you might be able to go over the top of the newel and then have it curve down and back and connect to the front of the Newel.
Fastening it to the wall is no problem. On the Newel end, you might be able to go over the top of the newel and then have it curve down and back and connect to the front of the Newel.
#12
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What kind of inspector would find fault on a rail being 2" short?
#13
Me thinks there is more to this situation than we are being given. Is this a new house or one that was already lived in? If previously lived in then I think the rail height cannot be cause for failure if allowed to pass before.
#14
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would it be feasible to add a piece of wood above the handrail in question ............ Something that will connect to the top of the handrail extending all the way down?
#16
What kind of inspector would find fault on a rail being 2" short?
It makes me wonder who would have the skill to build a staircase and not know the requirements..
I vote for the 2" blocks, one long block per tread. Best is to rebuild it with new parts. Only good news is the oak finish is pretty easy to match.
#17
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The rail parts are readily available. Why not just redo the railing per code? It's probably less than $150 for balusters and newel and a days work. You might even be able to salvage the newel by adding a trimmed out block to raise it up.
#18
You might even be able to salvage the newel by adding a trimmed out block to raise it up.
I have a question, is this a county inspection or a home inspection prior to sale of a house? One deals with codes, the other is a nit pick that you can barter with. Are you buying or selling, is the inspector representing you or the other side?
#20
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It's impossible to know if the newel shown here can be raised 2". I simply suggested it as a possibility.
Fastening a newel to a framing member might be the preferred method, but it is not the only way a newel can be installed. For instance, a newel installed on a finished floor can be fastened with L brackets or a butt plate.
Fastening a newel to a framing member might be the preferred method, but it is not the only way a newel can be installed. For instance, a newel installed on a finished floor can be fastened with L brackets or a butt plate.