I have a three-story building with egress stairs located on both the east and west sides. The building features concrete landings with metal stairs and railings. The metal components are severely rusted and should be replaced as soon as possible. The concrete landings, however, are in good condition.
The stairs were constructed in the 1970s and do not comply with current building codes. For example, they do not meet the requirements for stair width, rise/run dimensions, and baluster spacing. In order to bring the entire stair system into compliance, the concrete landings would need to be removed, redesigned, and reconstructed. The estimated cost for this scope of work is approximately $5 million.
Alternatively, replacing only the metal elements (stairs and railings) would cost about $1 million. This approach would allow for some code upgrades—such as adding balusters—but the stairs would still not be fully compliant due to the existing non-conforming rise/run and width.
Given the significant cost difference, it does not seem reasonable to demolish and rebuild the concrete landings just to bring the entire staircase into full compliance. However, I am seeking clarification on whether I am obligated to do so under current code requirements.
Thank you for your time.
The stairs were constructed in the 1970s and do not comply with current building codes. For example, they do not meet the requirements for stair width, rise/run dimensions, and baluster spacing. In order to bring the entire stair system into compliance, the concrete landings would need to be removed, redesigned, and reconstructed. The estimated cost for this scope of work is approximately $5 million.
Alternatively, replacing only the metal elements (stairs and railings) would cost about $1 million. This approach would allow for some code upgrades—such as adding balusters—but the stairs would still not be fully compliant due to the existing non-conforming rise/run and width.
Given the significant cost difference, it does not seem reasonable to demolish and rebuild the concrete landings just to bring the entire staircase into full compliance. However, I am seeking clarification on whether I am obligated to do so under current code requirements.
Thank you for your time.
