

Stairs, Porches, & Decks
What we look for...

Damage & Past Repairs
We are trained in how to spot damage and past repairs. These can vary greatly depending on construction materials and who did the work. Past repairs can sometimes be indicative of recurring problems or improper construction.
A Loose handrail. This handrail was very loose and wobbled. A handrail should support the full weight of a 200 lb adult
Improper Building Techniques
Decks are a common project for the handy homeowner, however, these installs are often missing required safety features, or assembled using unnaproved materials.
In any case, we know what to look for and the common points of failure.

Underside of deck stairs. These stairs are attached using only nails instead of an approved stringer bracket. This is a critical connection point that may be prone to failure with this installation.

Deteriorated Components
Nothing lasts forever, and that's okay. We are trained to spot signs of deterioration and in common causes, ensuring we know where to look and how to interpret what we see.
Wood in contact with soil. Even pressure-treated wood will eventually rot if in contact with soil. Best practice is to attach to a buried footer made from concrete. This post may already be structurally compromised.