Really nice home, but the builder made a big mistake by not planning for reasonable risers and treads for the stairs to all of the bedrooms!
One of the showings I had this past week included a wonderful home in an upscale rural subdivision in a beautiful river valley south of Billings Montana. The 17 acres are just perfect, the road is paved all the way to the garage! The home is less than 10 years old.
We headed up to the bedrooms on the upper level and felt like we were climbing a ladder! The treads were way too narrow and the risers too steep. I think they tried to adapt a floor plan that was meant for lower ceilings on the main levels. The home is vacant and has been for sale for 2 years. The price has been reduced by $200,000. I don't know what it will sell for, but I think the sellers are gonna take a bath.
It's very sad to me; no matter how beautiful and well kept, this home has a structural defect that is very hard to correct! The only thing I can think of to do is to lower the price, a lot! Or, do a remodel that includes a new staircase in some type of addition.
I think floor plans should be evaluated by a professional when changes are made, just think of the money that could have been saved!
The Quilting Realtor
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Many Dream Of Living In Montana I'm One of the Lucky One's That Already Do! Wanda Thomas Call or Text 406-698-8640 for help with all things Montana. |
In Michigan you can't have stairs that are not the correct height at least in homes built in the last few years.
Same here in Minnesota. There are certain safty standards here. Not that I always agree with them.
Honestly, my first thought is: what else is compromised or overlooked or plain just let slide in the construction of this house? 7/11 for stairs is so basic for any carpenter I cannot imagine a professional building this house. Did the owner build it? It sounds like you are on the right track.
Russ and William-- rural properties do not have building standards other than an electrical and septic/drainfield inspection. A construction spot check might be done by a lender's representative if their is a construction loan.
Ross--No the owner did not build it, but they did buy it and have been trying to sell it ever since.
I am so sad for this home and it's owners.
Hi Wanda, I've seen homes with that problem as well and it's unfortunate and can be a real safety issue. Some of the rural areas we've seen don't have very strict building codes which can lead to all kinds of structural issues.
I have visited and shown homes with stairs like that. Very troublesome to the person using them.