As one can see through this window, the yard of this home is very nicely landscaped.
A Google Earth image of the property makes the place look like a European Estate with matching hedges, ponds and walkways all around the home.
But this post is not about the landscaping. It is about the “view”–and in particular–THIS view. You see, this is a window at a stairwell landing–and has been this way for about 90 years. One would say that it has stood the test of time–or perhaps not.
As an inspector I am in a position where I more or less have to say something about it–even if no one has ever died from the installation–or even been seriously injured. Window components and glass can be repaired but injuries from falls into (or through) windows like this in stairwells could be severe and even result in death. Some would argue that such accidents might even result in injuries worse than death.
Here is the view from the top of the stairs. These stairs were to a finished attic play room. Somersaults or tricycle rides down these stairs would not be a pretty sight.
Today this glass would all have to be safety glass and/or properly protected against falls. Of course proper guards would be necessary around the stairwell opening, the handrail would need to be continuous and the handrail would have to be at a proper height.
It is only logical–even if it has “stood the test of time.”
By Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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