Does Flipping Stair Steps On Floor Plans Really Create Building Code Issues? - Home Safety Tips
Flipping stair steps on floor plans can create building code issues depending on the way you flip them. In most cases, building codes require the walk line, which is 12 inches away from the inside of the stairway, to have consistent step measurements. This means that the distance between the face of the furthest most projecting point on the top step to the furthest point projecting from the lower step cannot vary more than 3/8 of an inch.
Flipping straight stairs can also cause building code issues if the flipped section has a different walk line measurement than the original section. For example, if you rotate a section of stairs 180 degrees, the walk line on the flipped section might not be 12 inches away from the inside of the stairway anymore. This would create steps with inconsistent measurements, which is not allowed by most building codes.
Flipping curved stairs (winders) can also cause building code issues. Building codes typically require consistent step measurements on the walk line, which is 12 inches from the inside of the stairway. However, some building departments might interpret the codes differently for curved stairs. In some cases, it might be possible to argue that flipping a section of curved stairs is acceptable, as long as the walking path is comfortable and the step measurements are consistent along that path.
The video mentions that Greg has not found any building codes that specifically prohibit flipping curved stairs. However, it is important to note that building codes are often open to interpretation by the building department. So, even if flipping curved stairs is technically allowed by the code, it might not be approved by your local building inspector.
In conclusion, flipping stair steps on floor plans can create building code issues if it results in inconsistent step measurements along the walk line. It is always best to check with your local building department to see if your specific design is compliant with the code.
