Hi guys,
I recently bought my first new house and this is the first project I want to tackle. I would like to build stairs out of my back patio door in my kitchen to backyard. The distance to the ground is exactly 22 inches so I'm thinking I only need one or two steps.
Do I need to get a building permit to complete this work? I've scoured over the code and cannot find a definitive answer (I live in Virginia). I did however find that if I have no more than 2 steps I do not need a handrail.
Do I need some type of footers for the stairs?
If I need a permit to build the steps can I remove the safety railing installed by the builder? It's low enough to the ground that I can just step out until the steps are built. However, I don't want to do this if it affects building code or my homeowners insurance.
Thanks a lot guys, If anyone has advice, examples, or pictures please post.
I recently bought my first new house and this is the first project I want to tackle. I would like to build stairs out of my back patio door in my kitchen to backyard. The distance to the ground is exactly 22 inches so I'm thinking I only need one or two steps.
Do I need to get a building permit to complete this work? I've scoured over the code and cannot find a definitive answer (I live in Virginia). I did however find that if I have no more than 2 steps I do not need a handrail.
Do I need some type of footers for the stairs?
If I need a permit to build the steps can I remove the safety railing installed by the builder? It's low enough to the ground that I can just step out until the steps are built. However, I don't want to do this if it affects building code or my homeowners insurance.
Thanks a lot guys, If anyone has advice, examples, or pictures please post.
