Articles

BAD STEPS-ONES YOU TAKE AND ONES YOU WALK ON

By Tom Nelson, LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MI

BAD STEPS-ONES YOU TAKE AND ONES YOU WALK ON

By Tom Nelson, LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MI

Buying a HUD Property Series Number 6

When buying a HUD or any home, steps are important, but often overlooked.

More than 1 million injuries are caused by stairway falls each year in the U.S. Stairway accidents are the second leading cause of injury, with motor vehicle accidents being the leading cause. Stairway accidents result in 12,000 fatalities each year.  That is a frightening statistic.

So, when looking at a home to buy look closely at the steps.  Do they squeak?  Do they seem solid or give lightly underfoot?  Is the surface slippery or separating?  These are important things too look for.  Having an inspection by a qualified inspector is a must.  During the inspection ask the inspector to focus on the stairways and give a written report on the condition and expected safe, useful, remaining life left.

While we are on stairways, don’t forget the importance of the line of travel.  Is there a sharp turn on the stairway?  Could this be a trip hazard?  Are the dimensions large enough to accommodate furniture you may want to purchase?  What about how easy it would be to get a gurney in during an emergency? These are also things one needs to think about involving the stairway.

Lastly, the hand rails.  Are there hand rails?  What are they made of?  How well are they attached?  Are they slippery of are there splinters?  How well are they attached?  If you try to move them sideways, are they solid or do they give way or are loose?  These are things you should check during your inspection when making a purchase decision.

Considering the above will make one aware of what one aspect of what should be considered when buying a home.

Copyright Tom Nelson DASAT Properties, LLC 2023

Buying a HUD Property Series Number 6

When buying a HUD or any home, steps are important, but often overlooked.

More than 1 million injuries are caused by stairway falls each year in the U.S. Stairway accidents are the second leading cause of injury, with motor vehicle accidents being the leading cause. Stairway accidents result in 12,000 fatalities each year.  That is a frightening statistic.

So, when looking at a home to buy look closely at the steps.  Do they squeak?  Do they seem solid or give lightly underfoot?  Is the surface slippery or separating?  These are important things too look for.  Having an inspection by a qualified inspector is a must.  During the inspection ask the inspector to focus on the stairways and give a written report on the condition and expected safe, useful, remaining life left.

While we are on stairways, don’t forget the importance of the line of travel.  Is there a sharp turn on the stairway?  Could this be a trip hazard?  Are the dimensions large enough to accommodate furniture you may want to purchase?  What about how easy it would be to get a gurney in during an emergency? These are also things one needs to think about involving the stairway.

Lastly, the hand rails.  Are there hand rails?  What are they made of?  How well are they attached?  Are they slippery of are there splinters?  How well are they attached?  If you try to move them sideways, are they solid or do they give way or are loose?  These are things you should check during your inspection when making a purchase decision.

Considering the above will make one aware of what one aspect of what should be considered when buying a home.

Copyright Tom Nelson DASAT Properties, LLC 2023