residential stair code

Stair Riser Height and Tread Depth: Why Stairs Fail Inspection

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Stair riser height and tread depth are the most common reasons stairs fail inspection in residential construction. They fail because the stair layout is wrong. Under the International Residential Code (IRC), which applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, stair requirements are prescriptive and strictly enforced. And most of the time, failure comes down … Read more

Handrail Graspability Requirements Under the IRC: What Fails Inspection

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The Governing IRC Sections This article breaks down handrail graspability requirements IRC and explains what fails inspection in the field. Note: Height, projection, and wall clearance are separate handrail compliance checks under R311.7.8.1 through R311.7.8.3. and not covered in this post. These requirements are all driven by the IRC (2018, 2021, and 2024—no meaningful change … Read more