[ScrewLooseDan]

Just purchased my home. I knew it had issues with the stairs, but when I got the U&O they pointed out there was bigger issues with the structure. The doubled header joist (2 - 2x10's) are notched and sitting on a short ledger strip (2x4). I believe the failure was due to the lack of nails in the ledger supporting the header into the trimmer joists (I can only see on nail in the ledger, but suspect there is only a total of 3 nails at most).

Here's the staircase:

Here's the ledgers holding the header to the trim joist:

I need to repair this and get it re-inspected. My thoughts are to essentially rebuild everything with new 2x10's and joist hangers (instead of notching/ledger strips). I would probably leave the existing floor joist and either figure out a way to either sister in new boards or use an extra header plate (to make up for the ledger strip holding them up).

Of course, I would also need to address the first step/landing as it ties into the header (overlaps by an inch or so).

Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[Ron6519]

I'd triple up the ledger where the 2x4 is, by removing the 2x4 and hanging the current notched joist with a joist hanger.
Ron

 

[sixeightten]

Build a wall underneath the stairs and landing.

 

[ScrewLooseDan]

Thanks guys for the responses. A few follow-up questions...

I'd triple up the ledger where the 2x4 is, by removing the 2x4 and hanging the current notched joist with a joist hanger.
Ron

I'm not sure I completely follow you as far as tripling the ledger? Are you refering to the 2x4 that is holding up the floor joists or the 2x4 that is holding up the header plate (which is the one that has failed)? I'm not sure I have room to use hangers to hold up the double header joist. I have thought about using hangers on the floor joist to header connection, as that would be easy enough to do (but isn't where the problem is currently).

Build a wall underneath the stairs and landing.

Wouldn't a wall in this case become a load structure, requiring a footer? I had contemplated this idea as it wouldn't take much to construct a wall and I suspect it would provide plenty of support. But, I'm concerned the inspector isn't going to like it.

 

[Ron6519]

Okay, I see it now.
Replace the 2x10 framing members that are notched.
Ron

 

[Gary in WA]

Yep, 2-3/8" maximum notch, not 3-1/2': http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/irc/2009/icod_irc_2009_5_sec002_par028.htm

Gary