The rear patio steps have uneven riser heights, no handrail, and a screen porch door that swings open over the top step
What we found
At the rear patio steps, the risers — the vertical faces between each step — vary in height rather than being uniform. At the right side of the structure, the screen porch door swings outward directly over the steps with no landing, meaning the door cannot be opened without stepping backward and downward at the same time. Four risers are present at this location, and no handrail is installed.
Why it happens here
Stairs are designed around consistency: when every riser is the same height, your body falls into a rhythm and your feet know what to expect. When heights vary, that rhythm breaks and a misstep becomes more likely. A landing — a flat platform at least as wide as the door swing — gives you a place to stand while you push or pull the door open. Without one, opening the door and moving your feet happen at the same time. A handrail gives you something to hold and arrest a stumble; without one at a four-riser run, there is nothing to grab.
What it means for you
Using the screen porch door on the right side means opening it while already standing on or near a descending step, without a rail to steady yourself. The uneven risers at the patio steps add a separate opportunity for a misstep for anyone using those stairs.
What to do
Have a qualified contractor evaluate and correct the riser height variation at the patio steps, install a compliant handrail at the four-riser run on the right side, and provide a proper landing at the outswing screen porch door so the door can be operated from a flat, stable surface.
How common is this
Stair riser consistency, handrail presence, and door landings are all standard items inspectors check on every exterior stair system, and corrections to bring stairs into line with these standards are routine work for a general contractor or finish carpenter.
Getting a contractor's eyes on the stairs before you move in means you can sort out the fixes on your own timeline rather than discovering them on a rainy evening with your arms full.
Curious what's on record for a specific address?
Look it up on PermitSearch → (opens in a new tab)Ready to book your own inspection?
Schedule an inspection →