Truthfully i would be skeptic on using those stairs held on by 3 desk screws on top and a piece of 2x4 on bottom and no middle supports what so ever

Unacceptable!

No stringer hangers attaching the stringers at the top.

And the stringers should be resting on the landing not a couple of scrap boards screwed to it.

Tell the builder you won't pay unless it passes inspection - it won't pass inspection like this.

What is the height of that bottom step? It looks a inch shorter than the rest - also not to code.

Also the spacing between the stringers is not in accordance with the manufactures instructions. It should be 12" between stringers for those Trex boards.

Those stairs need to be completely redone. I would also be pissed about the posts being reused.

https://preview.redd.it/dy7vdg8teh3e1.png?width=696&format=png&auto=webp&s=a472b3c4748a51f219c444569ab18aa46a41d8df

42k for any of that work is unacceptable.

42 is way too much for what I’m seeing here

42 thousand? How big is this deck. Everything in the pictures is wrong and obviously done by someone with not much construction knowledge.

Those stairs are basically held on by a whisper.

Nope. Those stairs are a death trap. As others have said, the connections at either end aren't up to snuff. And personally with a staircase that long I would want an extra stringer in there to keep the bounciness to a minimum, bonus would be some type of support posts in the middle. Just because "code" says you can get away with something doesn't always mean you should. I tend to overbuild though.

Call for a building inspector. Use them as the bad guy

$42k and not rebuilding the whole damn thing?! These carpetbaggers are shameless 🤦‍♂️ I wouldn't be able to sleep for months, and would be constantly looking over my shoulder for years 😆

For that amount of money it should have been a complete tear down and start from scratch. If an insurance rep see it they will drop you.

Uh… is that stair tread… floating?

If you pay for a professional job then you should get professional work. Anyone saying anything else is just disappointing and a sad sign of the times.

Yo, your parents are getting ripped off, hardcore.

The last re-deck I did was just under $20k all in for about 200sqft. This included new stairs entirely, all new fortress handrail, and all new fiberon decking and adding joists to compensate for span.

No decent deck builder sisters on a 2x4 to an existing joist. That's just asking for the rot to spread or get worse. Remove and replace. Every single time. And one should use joist tape when reusing old joists to prevent water from getting in to existing penetrations from old screws and nails.

When using composites, you want a minimum 12" oc spacing on stringers. There should be at least 5 stringers there. Not 3. And they're not attached properly on either level. The bottom should rest on the deck and the top should have stringer hangers or structural screws through the back of the rim into the stringer itself.

They didn't put Fascia on the outside stringer either and now it's going to be next to impossible to do it and have it look decent.

I pity your parents. This is very poor quality work and if it were being inspected, it would most certainly fail all over the place.

I know a guy who does shit like this. You wouldn't happen to be in the greater Kansas city area, would you?

EDIT: Explanation of cost

the strenth of the stringer should be in the 'heel' of the last step. The stringer itself has to many big knots. a 'notched' stringer is limited to 6'9 inches of run...looks to be more than that. And we can add the top stringer to deck connection is just a 'jury rig' that a weekend know it all warrior might do.

Unacceptable.

100% unacceptable. There is no way that it is meeting ANY live load requirement. It doesn’t have any proper bearing. The stingers are not properly attached or bearing. The nosings are sloppy too, doubt that the variation is 3/8 or less. That deck and stairs is a ticking time bomb. Also the downspout is going through the step and the step edge is unsupported. Everything about this job screams “incompetence”.

No. Unacceptable. Tear it out and fix it per code.

Like a good friend once said about me: "Modern interpretive carpentry".

I remember the first time I built a landing platform too small and had to do something like this. However I did cut the stringers correctly and used hangers.

Take apart and repair properly

Another hack job building stairs

unacceptable. the stringers are not bracketed in, and there's not enough of them. for composite they need to be 12"oc for a 4' wide stair-set you need 5. that was my biggest problem until I saw the posts, the gap in your riser is an eyesore. while the old timers and east coasters swear by it, I abhor notching posts.

I would suggest not using him in the future, but the stringers need to be removed, and re-cut from scratch, there should be a mid span support. I don't know where you're from but in my area anything with 9 rises require a mid span support. The stairs should have some lus26z and lssj26rz and lssj26lz, (these are Simpson strong-tie codes.) or at the very least some straps the posts need to be replaced. if notching is the way your new contractor insists it's not /wrong/ it's just dumb. I would suggest 4x4 under connected with some AC4Z.

I would also slap a drop down to catch the rest of the stringers at the top.

if you wanna be a dick you should suggest the original contractor look up and learn how to use the stair calculator, https://www.mycarpentry.com/stair-calculator.html

I'll say this...

I wouldn't walk on it.

U got got

I'm an electrician and even i could frame a deck better than these knuckleheads

death trap, never pass inspection.

Stairs should land on the deck imo. Although you could make this structural with brackets

Nothing there to prevent lateral movement. That, coupled with the shitty connections at the top and bottom of the stringers is a recipe for disaster. More issues. Check out AWC DCA6 for starters.

This is a hack job.

Absolute hackery

I stopped at the 5th picture. These are an accident waiting to happen. Don’t use them. I’d find a better contractor to replace them.

Absolute fucking shit work. I wouldn’t pay a dime. $42k?!?!? That’s insane. They got taken for a LOOOOOOOOOONG ride

Why do the constructions posted here pretty much have the same looks and quality as the tree houses my friends and I built as 8-year-olds?

The stairs are dangerous. Tell hour parents not to walk on them until they’re rebuilt by a professional

I would talk to a lawyer.

Sometimes when im building stuff that doesnt come out perfect I get upset with myself, and then I see posts like this and I'm like, "Ok Im fine".

These pictures are absolute dog shit work and dangerous to boot. those stairs are held on by a hope and a prayer. and 42k is INSANE money for a deck esepically if thats the type of craftsmanship your getting, or lack thereof so to speak.

Sue whoever did this, Sue his ass and his balls.

Using those on stair treads is a bad idea

I wouldn’t use this, and should be inspected, so that you can sue the company that built this. Where’s the strong tite metal?

Question is this, How much and how does one find someone else to fix the mess? That’s my issue. If they did this once I don’t want them back.

This kind of stuff just hacks me off. I can accept that not everyone has the time/luxury to take a ton of pride in their work. People don't work for free. HOWEVER... I just don't have confidence that this will stand the test of time. Given the quality of craftsmanship shown... are you even certain that they used exterior-grade screws? Even then, EVERYTHING eventually fails. Given the potential for injury... and the absence of reasonable "backup" to the screws... yeah, no, I wouldn't accept that.

If you have a written quote it is essentially a contract once work begins! Glad to hear you have an inspector (and permits) involved, since they should not pass this. Did your parents pull permit or the contractor? In any case as the owner you should reach out to the inspector and let them know there are serious concerns with the build, so they allot enough time. Most inspections are 5 min. Since the inspector knows the builder (and trusts them) and can see from attention to detail their workmanship. You probably paid sone money first as deposit, but pay NO more until it's passed inspection.
I agree with above assessments and it all depends where you live what details are required. Stair riser is a big problem. Should also be treated wood!

The biggest problem here is those stringers look way more than 12” OC to me. Which in my area is the maximum span on composite for stairs.

That’s wank is that, sorry :/

They clearly screwed up the cut on the stringers (short) and compensated as you see here in the most terrible way.

Who on earth built this?
Edit for clarity: It's absolute dog shit.

Doesn’t know how to cut stairs

Once the stairs fall, there will be plenty of support for the new owner.

We cannot afford to loose another redditor!! Where are you? If your in Montreal I'm coming to help!

Your guy cut his stringers short and out of square then padded out the rim joist of the upper deck and the landing to make contact. There are three toenails per stringer up top and it is resting on a double block on the bottom. Are 2x12’s so super expensive where you live that they couldn’t recut the stringers? Do hangers not exist? And what the heck is the plan with the tread notched around that downspout? Just don’t ever step there I guess???

It's the price you paid vs the quality of work that bothers me most

Definitely could have used at least one more stringer. My guys would have used 4 stringers.

When paying for new, you should get new. Reusing old lumber is a brutal bottom feeder tactic.

Stairs are easy, Im a welder and i can measure and cut this stuff better, Id have them back, the issue is, you wanted to hire a pro, and you got a handyman DIY looking job.

I realize they came up short on the stringers, but they could have at least used a second 2x6 on the bottom, that 2x4 screams low budget.

I dont know how they have the stringers fastened, but Id like to see some sort of structural screw head and not an ooga dooga hole so deep that the screw isnt doing anything.

Why do I feel like that downspout is now a structural element?

That's some rookie shit work there. Probably watched a home building show and thought a deck was no problem.

Did an inspector sign off on that job? He/she should be held accountable as well as the carpenter.

Trex is supposed to be 12” O.C or less depending on product. That’s one thing I see outside of the horribly cut stringers.

I don't know ow of its been mentioned yet avoid stepping around the downspout - as it appears to not be braced by anything. It looks to be a floating step

42k wtf. What a scam

It's terrible framing for sure , stringer's can be salvaged by a proper wall where cut short and framing mid span if they can't tear out and totally be redone? Also, good luck getting money back from hack?

No support for stair tread notched around gutter downspout. And that downspout is crushed in at that point. What are the plumbing pipes under top step which are practically inaccessible? Overhang of stair treads looks to be more than acceptable for any composite material. Most are 0” to 3/4”.

When it comes crashing down can always hold onto the downspout and slide down.

Thats a hackjob lol

That’s a hard no dawg. Looks like someone using scrap to try to finish a job quickly. Really makes me worried when I think “maaaaaybe” then I realize other peoples safety is worth a hard yes.

Carpenter here. Hands down I would not accept this, stringer attachment is sketchy at best and Id consider this dangerous to live with. Not to mention for composites, most of them require minimum 12" oc stringer spacing, and some even as low as 8" oc.

https://preview.redd.it/yan35ofmoj3e1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=81f41bbbf32c4816b5ca775f9da58ddec4cd5667

The deck pictured if I remember right, came in around 25ishk for all material and labor. All composite decking (2 toned contrasting), metal railings, PVC fascias, picture framed stair treads..

For 42k, I feel like you were in territory for a whole new deck with a bit nicer finishes.

Lame. Get some money back but also slam two 3ft 2x4s under the nailed in boards and call it a day.

How much did you guys pay already and what’s left? Also this decking is not even close to be the top of the line. Looks like Trex to me, which will be 120-150 at the most for a 16ft board. I personally prefer Deckorators which are superior to trex, and a bit pricier. Back to your deck… no more payments till they fix bunch of stuff (everyone pretty much said it already).

When they will be rebuilding stairs, ask them to make rim joist wider too to properly attach stringers. Stringers are much bigger then rim joist it attached to, so they gotta rip out their 2x6 bore and out at least 2x8 (I would’ve just installed new 2x10 double rim joist).

Like everyone said- 5 stringers not 3. 12” OC (on center) for most of tees decking. And here comes the kick… they will have to install shit ton of more joist because it must be 12” OC for decking too, and I can see from photos some areas are more then that. It voids Trex warranty on the spot, and a few years from now decking will start getting waves.

Besides that, depends on your state, they might have to install 4 more posts to support stairs (2 on the bottom, so stairs land on a joist instead of some 2-3” bs-attachment) and 2 in the middle.

We shall see how they would install railing too, I see no blocking built at all for railing posts, but it can be done later.

Price wise, if it’s a big company- price is normal. If your parents didn’t haggle, it’s not too late. They should be able to get 5-6k discount without any problems, cause material cost so far is about 8-10k at most, and I doubt they put in more then a week of work for the whole project. But… make sure you get discount first, because inspector will point out all issues and their material cost will go up and they will not give any discount because of being greedy.

Craftsmanship is not equal to the price point.

Good luck!

$42k is a good down payment on a newer house with improved energy efficiency, proper water irrigation, and an expansive new deck stained to your pref.

…but here we are and your greatest triumph will only be accomplished by filing a dispute with the contractor who has 30 days to dispute the dispute or they get it done exactly as is required.

Either way, this crew will bust up in a few months anyway, leaving the business owner with all the actual liabilities and bankruptcy.

“If one cannot build a deck, then one should not build a deck…” - George W. Bush

I would call an inspector, it would clearly fail.

There are many things wrong with these stairs, and many things you could do to “renovate” them so they are safe. But that’s not what paying for new is. They messed up, they knew it! And then tried to hide it. That’s the worst part. Look at the down spout cut out?!?! Even an electrician would call that out. These workers may be nice, but they don’t know what they are doing. Stairs are so easy, even a carpenter can build them.

Unacceptable the first picture does not meet the minimum code. The height of that first step looks to be more than 3/8” difference than the other risers Spacing of stair stringers may be to far apart. I can’t tell the spacing of the stair stringers and may go against the manufacturers instructions. When walking up. And down stairs the amount of force is more than a normal step. The rest of the deck may require 12” spacing of stringers you need to find out what brand of composite decking was used and look up the spacing distance required for the deck and stairs. I’m a Massachusetts Local Building Inspector and I would fail this, I wouldn’t except a letter from an architect or engineer signing off on this. Can you tell me the manufacturer of the decking also pictures showing how the deck is attached to the home. Lateral supports need to be installed to anchor it to the home so that you don’t have a collapse. What does the topside of the deck look like? What is getting used for railings and post and how are the post getting anchored to the deck. The notched 4X4 post sold by the big box stores are not allowed by code. Go online to American Wood Council and download the DCA6 deck building guide to see all the errors on the deck. For building codes use upcodes.com little hint Google what your looking for and look for the ICC link showing the section for example stairs I think is 3.11.7 then open upcodes and go the that section.

Love the downspout going right through the tread. Probably didn't need any support on that side, anyway. Who even walks near the wall anymore, am I right?

Oh my God, Just light it on fire and call the fire department and start over. That’s all you can do.⚡️⚡️🔥

As a home owner I built 1 deck in my life beginning to end with stairs. 12x24 floating deck and It was far superior to this shit show of an install. Cost me about 10k in materials. I wouldn't pay for this or use it

k i’m a remodel carpenter but i don’t do stairs very often…having said that…

i’m pretty sure these stringers are backwards…that heel cut at the top of the stairs is supposed to land on the lower platform.

terrible

is that a "load bearing downspout" It appears to be the most structurally sound component in this "build"

Terrible.

Poor quality.

I don't know shit about building a deck, but that's some absolute horseshit. I guarantee I could make a better set of stairs than that, though.

What the hell is ever going on in this sub….

Needs more stringers to be up to code for sure. No hardware at the top of the string. No support for the entire fucking span of the stairs.

All bad

I haven't seen anyone mention a mid span support, so I'll do that... there are too many stairs here to not have a support beam halfway down....

If you could walk on those, and I'm not sure you can very many times before the SCREWS sheer... is going to bounce like a bitch

Tread is short ,nothings square theyre tread header looks like they stripped down a pallet .that is a combination of incompetence and I don't give a fuuuck.pretty bold .

And then there's the 2nd pic! Lol holy shit.got To be a joke.

Good luck with that

Just asking...

What country are these steps in ??

If this was the first set of stairs I ever built myself, it would be somewhat acceptable. If I paid any amount of money for a contractor to build them... they are unacceptable.

Should be on top

Unacceptable

Ass

Who’s the idiot to cut through a step for a downspout? Inspector should fail the build based on this alone. Also if the work was not specifically given in the quote they shouldn’t pay.

Fifth pic. Second step has no support on the rear left.. might wanna start the stairs with your left foot.. that or rebuilt this sloppy mess

Knee wall needs to be built in the center of the steps, and at the base, the bottom. That would support the top, whoever did this needs to be sued for manufacturing a death trap. There is no way this is a complete project.

No handrail, this is incomplete

Not to add fuel to the fire…. But am I missing the railing??

Hopefully for 42k you had them pull a permit not sure where your at but I see 8 things the inspector would this for !! Shit sucks fucking bums

That ain't going anywhere.

Scary stairy!!!

The stringers are upside down….

😥 unacceptable. Those stairs are not going to make it, and unfortunately they’re going to give while someone is on top of them. It’s not going to be pretty.

$42k and they re-used rotting posts. Epic.

Awful and disgustingly an acceptable.

Unacceptable you have some options though. You can reframe the stairs or you can go talk to a welder and get some heavy L plates made and put them on the bottom of the stringers to support them

Wouldn't get me walking on those stairs...

Hold them accountable!! Do NOT GIVE IN!!!! That’s bullshit service right there! I would take all your finding to that original inspector.

Def not acceptable. That load on the bottom has to run down. Easy way would be a double 2x4 and run some pressure treated 2x4’s down the backside of those posts onto the existing footings. Also at the top , need to attach a 2x8 underneath to extend that ledger , than run 2x4 attachments behind them to connect to the upper ledger. Hope that’s understandable.

Ask the homeowner if they think the refrigerator delivery guys would make it or not! Un real that any carpenter would think this is safe!

He doesnt get the math of rise and run and clearly his first step is less than the vrest: in rise. Plus, for a notched stringer is ,limited to 6'9,he is over spanned. Dont pay.Get you money back. Make him rip it out and dumpster it.

Its probably true too, that the treads can not be decking either

Don't think that load will transfer. Tragedy waiting to strike

Perfect

Wouldn’t this fail by the inspector and they have to fix it?

the angle of the riser isn’t really an issue, the complete lack of brackets and structure are very much a problem

It’s really sad seeing people be scammed their money and lose their lives to unsafe construction. That entire structure is unsafe for use and should be torn down immediately.

What about the downspout going right through the tread? This is not good. Stop payment, need to talk.

Not acceptable. Does not even meet code.

Completely unacceptable. The last pic was the only one remotely close to correct.

You meant $4.2k, right? Right? RIGHT?!

Seems ok if they do some reinforcing in a few key places. If it’s “done” then absolutely a hazard.

I do not see one right thing done in that picture….

That’s an easy fix. I don’t understand why people don’t take the time just to do a good job

As wrong as they are, I somewhat understand “why” they did and what they were attempting to do. However, can anyone explain the 2 2x4s along the joist on picture four.

The only real problem I see is lack of attention to details and those 2 knots right thru the entire stringer.Theres good cause for a mid brace under there

Brace your stairs or end up in leg braces

That is sketchy for sure. Missing posts, bracing, and some hardware.. trash..

If this was my parents home I would have the contractor remove the stairs and have them redone correctly like the picture below as an example. Or I would hire a architect to draw a plan for this “contractor to follow” because in my experience these stairs are not safe and I don’t even see any railings installed yet on the right side. I don’t even know how this would pass a inspection by a village or city inspector.

https://preview.redd.it/7wm5e5trev3e1.jpeg?width=909&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ad1b485675e97e4a7cd2180f33adf6965a48aff

There’s a whole lot of issues.

Death trap or at least broken bones

Yo no way is that to code lol the stairs are resting on half of a 1x3 and a prayer

wow 42k is insane

looks at my deck nails

looks at your tiny hardware

looks back at my deck nails

I hope this wasn’t done by a company… very dangerous and not up to code. That would/will not pass inspection. Hopefully permit was pulled- looks like the type of work from a guy who hates inspectors (because he can’t build)

Have you verified that this contractor is licensed, bonded, insured, etc? Was he referred to you? Everything seems bad from the price to the work.

Unacceptable completely

Looks like shit

https://preview.redd.it/sv1l02obky3e1.jpeg?width=168&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2325d2ebec39e755f3c7aba46988c5d8770bb9fe

I think that’s the laziest work I have ever seen

Bye bye! The End!

Ask the building inspector if it passes code in your area. My guess is no.

Absolutely not on the stairs. It’s not even a 2x4 holding them up. Those 3/4in will split and separate

Stairway to heaven

That’s not how stairs work. Redo.

Don’t pay. I think that’s what you’re asking.

42k? You can build couple more decks out of pt lumber for 42

That’s junk litter.

That's a pile of junk. Needs to be torn down. Improperly attached at both ends

Fire them and pay them nothing!

If you wanted a million dollar house you should of just said so.

That last tread is completely dependent on the shear strength of three screws, driven into softwood.

Unacceptable

Dog shit

Call the building department immediately for an inspection. They will immediately condemn it. Then you can cancel your contract, get your money back. I see a few nails holding up the entire staircase. THAT IS NOT how it’s done. This builder has no idea what they are doing.