An entry step taller than a stair riser
When the step at the front door is higher than the building code allows.
In short: The step from the porch into the house is easy to overlook until someone trips on it.
What we found
At a Pakenham home the step at the entry doorway was higher than the maximum riser height in the NCC stair provisions.
Why it matters
A step that is higher than people expect is a trip hazard, especially carrying shopping or in the dark.
How we measure it
Floor level inside, threshold height and porch level outside, with photographs of each measurement.
Where it comes from
Usually from finished floor heights and porch levels not being coordinated. It is often fixed by adjusting the porch or adding a landing.
What to do
Raise it before handover. If the builder disagrees, an investigation report sets out the measurement and the requirement.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Pakenham. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
