Understanding Common Stair Defects After a Home Inspection: A Guide for Homeowners
If you’ve recently had a home inspection, chances are your inspector may have flagged some issues with your stairs. While it might feel overwhelming, especially if you weren’t expecting it, stair-related defects are among the most common problems found during inspections—and they’re also some of the most important to address for your safety and peace of mind.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, it’s important to understand the typical defects that affect stairs and what they might mean for your home and family. This guide breaks down some of the most common stair issues your inspector may have mentioned and explains them in clear, simple terms.
Top 10 Common Stair Defects Found During Home Inspections
Here are the issues homeowners most often encounter, along with what they mean and why they matter:
• Uneven Riser Heights (Inconsistent Step Heights)
When one step is higher or lower than the others, it throws off your walking rhythm. You might not notice it consciously, but your body does—and that’s when trips and stumbles happen. Modern building standards call for no more than 3/8 of an inch difference in between stairs.
• Treads That Are Too Narrow or Too Deep
If the flat part of each step (the tread) is too small, you might not get your whole foot on it. If it’s too large, it could feel awkward going up or down. Either way, it creates discomfort and increases the chance of falls. The recommended tread depth is between 10 to 11 inches.
• Loose or Wobbly Steps
This is a common sign of aging stairs or poor construction. If steps shift when you walk on them, it’s a red flag. Over time, loose steps can fail completely, potentially causing serious injury.
• Missing, Insecure or Improperly Installed Handrails
Handrails aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re important safety considerations that help prevent falls. If your stairs are missing them, or if they’re too low, too wobbly, or improperly installed, they can’t do their job: helping people stay balanced and safe. Handrails should be installed between 34 to 38 inches high when measured from the tread nose. Handrails should also terminate back at the wall or at a newel post to prevent them from catching on clothes and causing a fall.
• Low Headroom Over the Stairs
Your inspector may have pointed out that there isn’t enough clearance above the stairs—meaning you or your guests might bump your heads. Modern building standards typically require at least 6 feet 8 inches of headroom for safety.
• Slippery or Worn Tread Surfaces
Over time, wood, tile, or stone treads can become slick. If your stairs are worn smooth or lack traction, a simple misstep can turn into a dangerous fall. Some stairs benefit from anti-slip treads or surface refinishing.
• Open Risers
Open risers (the vertical spaces between steps) can look modern, but they might not be safe—especially for young children or pets. Modern building standards often require these openings to be less than 4 inches in order to prevent someone from slipping through.
• Poor Lighting
It’s easy to overlook, but dim or missing lighting near stairs is a serious issue. If you can’t clearly see where one step ends and the next begins, your risk of tripping increases significantly—especially at night.
• Too Steep or Too Shallow Stair Slope
If the stairs are uncomfortably steep or oddly shallow, they may not meet current building standards—and they’re likely uncomfortable to use. This kind of issue is common in older homes or non-permitted additions.
• Wood Decay / Structural Concerns
Stairs made of wood are especially vulnerable to moisture and wood decay. If your inspector found soft spots, rot, or wood destroying organism activity, the stairs may be structurally compromised and need replacement or repair.
Other Issues Your Inspector Might Have Noted
- Substandard construction practices, which might indicate unprofessional and unsafe construction
- Improper riser or step height (less than 4 inches or more than 7 3/4 inches), which is a tripping hazard
- Squeaky steps, which might indicate loose fasteners
- Lack of a guardrail, which can be a fall hazard
- Improper spacing between balusters (more than 4 inches on a landing and more than 4 3/8 inches on a set of stairs), which is a safety hazard for kids
- Other defects that should be evaluated by a licensed, qualified contractor
What Should Homeowners Do Next?
If your inspection revealed any of these defects, don’t panic. Here are a few homeowner-friendly steps to take:
- Review the Inspection Report: Check out the photos and documentation to see what specific defects are noted in your report.
- Get a Professional Opinion: A licensed contractor can assess the severity of the issues and give you a repair estimate.
- Prioritize Safety Repairs First: Fix handrails, loose steps, and structural concerns right away—these are the most likely to cause accidents.
- Plan for Larger Repairs or Upgrades: If the defects are more extensive (like steep stairs or wood rot), consider budgeting for a longer-term renovation.
- Keep Perspective: Remember that old homes are not required to be brought up to current standards in most instances. It is common for older homes to have non-compliant stairs. Keep perspective and work on fixing defects that are the most significant safety hazards first.
Final Thoughts
Stair defects are common and usually fixable, but they shouldn’t be ignored—especially if safety is at risk. Understanding the specific issues your inspector identified gives you the power to take informed action, whether it’s a quick repair or a larger project.
Think of your stairs as an investment in your home’s comfort, functionality, and—most importantly—safety for everyone who walks through your door.