Hello all. I had a landscaper put in a new retaining wall and stairs in my backyard. The stairs are all different heights, the shortest being 6 inches and the highest 10 inches. Is there a code for outdoor stairs that needs to be met? Would I have any recourse to get him to fix it? I didn't like the job overall, but if I could at least be able to force him to fix this, I would be marginally happy.
Posted Jun 4, 2023, 7:08 PM UTC
Just Google videos for different height steps. It's not a good thing. Ultimately someone will get hurt and you'll be talking to your insurance agent
Whenever I've looked I've found that the state has basically no code and it's up to towns and cities to have their own rules and regulations.
This. But if it’s just landscaping, I doubt there are any city ordinances. Those usually apply to structures and things attached to those structures. But I could be wrong. Feel free to prove me wrong because I’m genuinely interested in this. I know when I’ve built stairs, it’s been tedious. But if it’s just blocks and dirt? Well, that sounds easy not to mess yp
This is FALSE. The State of Iowa has a blanket code that covers all buildings that aren’t covered by locally enforced codes. Officially, the State of Iowa has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) which stipulates that stair risers may not vary by more than 3/8” from the top riser to the bottom.
Link? Source?
Iowa code 103A.10 explains what buildings are subject to the "State building code" basically if you don't accept government money to build it, and aren't yourself a state agency, live in an area with a population under 15k, and aren't building something massive then the state building code doesn't apply to you.
https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/building-code
Also, I’m a licensed architect in the State of Iowa.
Dont pay until the work is done to your satisfaction.
Never pay for anything beyond materials until the work is done.
I doubt there is a code, but if there were it would be set by the City or County. Out of doors, in terms of codes, is a very gray area.
There is a standard for Iowa (recommended, but not required), if it helps - State Urban and Design Standards (SUDAS). Take a look at the end of Section 9080, see detail 9080.101. That details gives the recommended/preferred options for exterior (not part of a building) step height and tread length.
i could see 1 step being differant but multiple no! good luck! its to the point now days u better educate yourself about every aspect of a job to be done and watch things and make a 10,000 page legal contract to have a downspout installed its ridiculous! i had a patio installed the next day it had 3 huge cracks in it they never compacted the fill! and had it on video! went to court got a judgement, 3 years and no money had to pay for it to be done again and contractor ask me if i was going to watch why not do it myself i showed him the video and the court paper and said this is why! by the way im disabled and missing my left arm and right leg from ied in iraq! it should of been obvious why i wasn't doing it myself!
Hello, it looks like you've made a mistake.
It's supposed to be could've, should've, would've (short for could have, would have, should have), never could of, would of, should of.
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Depends on if the “stairs” are for traverse or if it is just stepped landscaping. If actually for regular travel/access (like deck steps e.g.) then need to conform to code. 4.5” to a max 7.5” riser and min of 10” tread (unless repairing pre-existing). Also, if a long enough run, would need to conform to railing requirements, landing inclusion, etc. One critical aspect is that ALL risers must be the same with a sometimes allowed variance. Some of the numbers will depend on jurisdiction, but FOR SURE they will specify the consistent size of the riser (random riser heights is a huge fall/injury hazard). At least this is what I have learned from our local code enforcement office.
Have you talked to him about it?? Usually they will work with you so you call them in the future and or word of mouth..
From what I understand the only code per landscaping is with the height of retaining walls. I’m not sure if there is code for steps in/with a wall. As an installer I would make sure each step is the same height, usually either 4 or 6 inches depending on what the product used is, but that has always been more for my liability and piece of mind. I could be missing something though. I don’t do many walls anymore so someone else may know more than me.
As for getting the person to fix it… I’d say good luck. Without seeing pictures I couldn’t say for sure, but typically the wall and steps are somewhat intertwined. If you are left with mismatching steps they probably won’t be willing to fix it. If you have a contract that spells out the job there may be some room there to get them to fix it before you pay any outstanding money. Best of luck!
What city are you in? Go to city hall and check city codes. Did you get a building permit?
It sounds like you got what you paid for.
Why do you need a code? Tell him it looks like shit and to fix it.
This. And if he doesn't like that idea make sure he understands you will be taking pictures of this work and posting it on every social media Network you can think of and sending it to everybody on your social networks so that they can also post it on their social networks and so on and so forth. We had an experience like this and it was our only recourse but it actually was somewhat effective.