Thread: Interior basement stairs question

This home is new construction and I need some assistance with the stairs and landing to the basement. The trimmers and header in the floor opening are 2x10 but they have not been doubled. The builders response is that the wall under the joists makes it unnecessary to 2X the trimmers. I also called out the construction method and supports under the landing. The question I keep getting asked is "does it meet code". My answer is "I don't know". Any help here is appreciated.

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The landing would fail my rough-in inspection. No structure should be supported by a single 2x4.

I tend to agree that the header and trimmer would not need doubling since it is supported by a load bearing wall.

I agree Joe.
If that is a basement, the poly vapor retarder would also bother me in allowing the foundation drying to the interior.

Just saying.

That landing framing is not the greatest

Where are the stairway stringers?

Originally Posted by BridgeMan

Where are the stairway stringers?

Some guys fasten a 2x to the bottom of the stringer to act as a spacer. Then drywall and or skirt board can be slid down without cutting around tread/riser. AT any floor elevation where there is not the benefit of a bottom plate, blocking should be let in between studs.
Think of landings as decks. Too often interior landing framing seems to be framed like a tree house. Or balloon framing without being let in to the supporting walls. Gravity (and tremors) happen inside the house just like outside.

Photo #3, I wouldn't consider the toenails used on the unsupported trimmer the required "positive connection".
Photo #1, Are there plans to drywall that ceiling and cover up what looks like a threaded union?
Photo #2, Looks like you may have some subfloor fasteners which missed the floor joist. If they don't squeak now they probably will. I would ask that they were removed. And search for others. It looks like you may have the finished floor surfaces installed already. Pain in the rear, but they will probably have to be pulled down now instead of pounded up.

Bill, you are correct to question some of that flaky framing. That looks like a temporary prop under the landing.

Hello Marcel. Poly on the interior side of all insulated walls is standard on our side of the continent, has been since poly was invented. Maybe you are thinking they should dry the place out first before finishing the basement?

I have to agree that it is not the best framing.. I think that I would have noted it and said something like... The supporting framing for the basement stairs appears to be unfinished as proper framing would include additional supports ( list what you feel is needed if you want) to meet good building practices.

Yes, you just politely said it is a piece of crap....

Have to agree with John, that "prop" under the landing looks like it is supporting several scabbed on 2X6's. Someone didn't quite measure/design/order right and so the bottom of the stairs are not well supported..

I like the blocking if for nothing else than for backing for the baseboards and ensuring the drywall doesn't get kicked in as easily while moving that hide-a-bed downstairs.

Walls under stairs should also be drywalled.

1. The supporting walls must be bearing walls (supported by a foundation or doubled floor framing below),
2. The stringers must be installed and anchored to each stud with 3 - 16d nails, and,
3. The single 2x4 "prop" supporting the bottom of the stair must be doubled and properly anchored at multiple 2x6 "beam" and the sole plate.

Definitely minimalist framing that does not comport with better building practices.

On very rare occasions I have referenced a code ( but only when the position is airtight )

These kinds of situations are very stressful as your client is looking to you to be the tip of his spear for a small fraction of the remunerations that the other actors in the play get.

I now avoid getting in the middle of this kind of situation. "Good deeds don't go unpunished" Refer the client to the AHJ.

Home & Condo Inspections in the Boston MA area by Certified & Licensed ASHI Inspector