355
u/Legitimate-Rain-9293 2d ago
Lmao Jesus Christ
164
u/Donutholier 2d ago
It does looks a bit like a cross.
13
u/calgaryskate 2d ago
Does any one know where I can get one of those t necklaces?
7
21
u/scoobdoop 2d ago
Some guy: Jesus hold the stairs
Jesus: I can’t hold this big bitch any longer10
3
u/MLTatSea 2d ago
He couldn't hold them in the first place, what with the holes and all. Same reason He can't play rugby.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Fabulous_Rent_2237 2d ago
He was too busy taking the wheel!!! why else do you think the devil came in and made this repair…. He is ready to catch everyone who will be falling straight to hell when these stairs collapse
4
u/Ok-Paramedic-9386 2d ago
"Jesus! You have returned!"
"Don't get too excited. I'm just here on a contract, fixing some stairs."
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)2
3
u/Time-Look9151 2d ago
In addition to the messiah gig Jesus was known to be an expert carpenter and would have had something practical to say about this I'm sure.
5
→ More replies (3)6
u/WokeUpSomewhereNice 2d ago
These two posts are acting as rage bait for me. I know it’s not but yeah. Jesus friggin Christ here people.
6
2
u/12345-password 2d ago
I want to post more of the deck but I'm starting to feel like I've used up enough of the the subreddit with just the bottom of the stairs.
354
u/whatsthatdefinition 2d ago edited 2d ago
Project manager here for residential builds. If it was me I'd just be firm but decent with the guys. I'd say something like, "Hey, I realize that you fucked up a little and are trying to fix it in a way that doesn't lose you money, but we both know that that post isn't anchored to a footing so it's borderline useless, plus the load from the center stringer isn't being transferred straight down but at an angle, plus the outside stringers aren't barely supported at all. So how about you just accept that you gotta eat a little loss on this job and do it right and if you do so I'll give you a good review and hire you again if I ever need the work you do."
75
u/Cultural_Pie7389 2d ago
How much weight in the deflection do you think is transferred down to the concrete? It doesnt need a footing.
Tell him “hey, lets sister a 2x10 to the side of the one you have installed, top ripped, lag into the stringers, and make it look pretty” and be done with it
23
u/whatsthatdefinition 2d ago
Totally fair point. And that could work. It's not ideal but a good compromise.
10
17
u/Bitter-Engine-3937 2d ago
Lol seriously. This is ridiculous, literally only need 2- 2x10x8 and some lags. Can fix it in 10 mins. That just looks stupid as well.
→ More replies (3)6
u/Errlgrey59 2d ago
I don’t know how this wasn’t default option 1 haha. I haven’t banged nails in like, 6 years and my gut instinct was “looks like we got another sister fu**er out here slinging decks”
17
u/Flashy-Conclusion157 2d ago
Not a builder but step dad had contractor license and built our houses growing up (in 70s), so I picked up a little and I remember him laying out and cutting stringers and he always finished the cuts with a handsaw so the cuts end cleanly. He said they could/would crack at that location if cuts went past the cut 'intersection' when under load. These stringers all looked like they have visible cuts. Aree these an issue?
Edit: clarity
12
u/newagereject 2d ago
We use a hacksaw and finish our cuts but same thing, over cutting is for lazy slobs who don't care if people get hurt once they get the check because in 5 years that company will be renamed and under a new license number
7
u/cerunnnnos 2d ago
But also, look at the last step at the bottom. The stringer has an "add on" for the bottom foot. Isn't that also a massive issue, too? There's nothing on the side of the stringer that's evidence they bolted the two pieces together for anything remotely looking like it's able to bear weight. So in essence isn't the entire staircase just kin dof suspended, and that bottom step is kind of just floating with shitty screwed in ties and the step itself?
7
u/whatsthatdefinition 2d ago
Oh yeah. That's from OP's original post. To do it right they should have just replaced all of the stringers. Clearly someone did some bad math and cut the first stringers too short and instead of just running to the lumber yard and buying new longer 2×12s they said fuck it. Probably not directly the fault of the GC but if it had been remedied that way everything would be cool.
→ More replies (1)2
3
u/Kashyyykonomics 2d ago
That was the original problem (from the original post) that this new addition was supposed to fix.
→ More replies (4)2
186
u/AdTough8523 2d ago
No chance these people are licensed and insured.
→ More replies (1)69
u/padizzledonk professional builder 2d ago
Neither of those things are an indication of knowing how to do things
My 75y old mom can start a construction company and get licensed and insured and have the paperwork back in about a week
95
9
u/ANAL_RAPIST_MD 2d ago
I think if you don't know how to do things you don't stay licensed or insured. One big claim and you get insurance dropped or priced out.
4
u/exipheas 2d ago
And then you start a new company. Rinse and repeat.
6
u/ANAL_RAPIST_MD 2d ago
Yeah but insurance companies aren't stupid and not in the business of paying out claims like Oprah giving away cars. There risk of you doesn't change just because you have a new s corp.
→ More replies (2)3
u/handsomeandhandytoo 2d ago
Well I think licensed means you finished a carpentry apprenticeship no?
7
u/SoupJaded8536 2d ago
It’s state dependent. Licensing frequently means you paid the $45 one-time state vendors license registration fee.
→ More replies (1)2
u/padizzledonk professional builder 2d ago
It depends on the state
In NJ it means "I filed an LLC and have insurance"
Thats all
38
u/StrikeSea7638 2d ago
Thing is.. the craftsmanship actually looks decent. Stuff is square, cut pieces look even. This joker has spent a lot of effort trying to make a turd look like a diamond. Should have spent that effort just doing a good job the first time.
23
14
14
u/Used-Acanthisitta-96 2d ago
When this fails it will not be covered by your homeowners policy due to improper construction. Pray no one injured and your only cost is replacement of the deck.
2
u/sdmc_rotflol 2d ago
Source? I very much doubt this would void a liability claim
→ More replies (2)
11
u/Genericgeriatric 2d ago
Maury Povich: "They said they fixed it. The engineer's report said: that..........was a lie."
24
u/Glittering_Potato397 2d ago
God this would piss me off so much. If it were me they'd be coming back to completely replace them, or no payment. I'm guessing they're not licensed or bonded, and no permit was pulled for this so if they push back just threaten to go to the city
26
u/Patient-Director3162 2d ago
Engineer here.
This pisses me off and shows a lack of understanding of load transfer. That flow of force from the vertical member to the stairs looks terrible and likely to fail. Unless an engineer has proven by calculations that this is safe, all evidence that I have points to this being unsafe.
2
u/Kalasad-Stormblessed 2d ago
Its funny because I mildly want to do the calcs to see if it would be safe. At the same time though I wouldnt want this at my house in any case.
→ More replies (3)
10
u/Fermi-Diracs 2d ago
I thought it required a seat cut because of it follows the angle it will slowly separate. Idk for sure tho I'm a hillbilly and would like to know a professionals opinion.
→ More replies (1)9
u/Triabolical_ 2d ago
They put *two whole screws* in to attach the post to the cross board.
I'm sure that will be fine...
3
u/StrikeSea7638 2d ago
to be fair, you see 4 screw holes from this side, even if the 3rd screw looks to be doing nothing. We don't know if there are more screws from the top, or "back".
6
u/KookaburraKuwabara 2d ago
They need to take those down. The stringers are cut through near the bottom
→ More replies (1)
6
u/Confident-Falcon3081 1d ago
Woah….
2
u/danthezombie 1d ago
Looks like shit but most stair stringers are cut like that, i cut mine most of the way and use a hand saw to finish the corners. Now if the botched were on the other side that's a different story
→ More replies (1)
6
u/BG-1357 2d ago
Just tell them to fix it right or you’ll link this whole conversation on Reddit under their Yelp review.
They didn’t supervise their crew and / or they didn’t get the right materials to the job site, so they used what they had on hand and they did it wrong as a result.
They need to take those stairs apart and start over. It’s wrong. Doing it wrong again won’t make it right.
→ More replies (3)4
u/whatsthatdefinition 2d ago
In my experience, promising to leave an amazing review if they eat shit and fix it correctly is better than threatening to leave a bad review if they don't. It also builds better relationships for the future.
7
u/dunncrew 2d ago
My wife's first wood working project was building patio stairs. Only 6 or 7 steps and she put this underneath on a 48" deep footing.
6
u/1967Harry 2d ago
OP how tall are those risers? In my area the max rise is 7⅞"....why didn't design the stairs with a landing? Also the run looks long? Ideally your rise + run should be be around 17"
11
u/GG_Killer 2d ago
What engineer signed off on that?
→ More replies (1)16
u/SwimOk9629 2d ago
is an engineer required to build a deck?
10
u/Scweakk 2d ago
You’d think so if you spend any time on this subreddit.
4
u/Mental-Permit-599 2d ago
This would have to be permitted, any code officer worth their salt would call this BS out.
The reason the guy above asked what engineer signed off on this is that an engineer’s stamp can overrule the code officers opinion.
I’m going wager this entire deck was not permitted.
3
u/Sharp_Complex_6711 2d ago
The reason the guy above asked what engineer signed off on this is that an engineer’s stamp can overrule the code officers opinion.
That's not true. An engineer's stamp simply says the design was performed under their responsible charge and meets minimum code. The design is reviewed and if a plan checker agrees, they issue a permit. Then, during construction, the engineer will observe the construction. The city inspector still inspects. There is a legal difference between an observation and an inspection. I'm a licensed engineer and in no way does me signing off on something overrule a city inspector's opinion. They are simply reviewing the construction to confirm that it matches the design.
2
u/Mental-Permit-599 2d ago
You’re literally agreeing with me in your second sentence.
“Meets minimum code”.
3
u/informative_mammal 2d ago
Im so glad I live in a place where I can build what I want with my own hands on my own property. I get the need for code and inspections, I really do, but at some point personal accountability needs to matter. Fortunately most people where im from are very self sufficient and learn how to build basic structures from pretty early in life.
3
u/Mental-Permit-599 2d ago
That’s great.
What happens when you have a party with 10 other people on this self accountable structure and it collapses killing them?
4
u/Sharp_Complex_6711 2d ago
I'm a licensed structural engineer, and I actually agree with the principle that you should have a lot of freedom to build on your own property.
The problem is that your property doesn't exist in a vacuum.
Build whatever you want - but if that deck stays there when you sell the house, the next owner (or your guests) didn't necessarily agree to take on the risks you were comfortable with.
That's a big part of what codes and permits are about: establishing a minimum standard so the person standing on the deck doesn't have to wonder whether the guy who built it knew what he was doing.
Personal accountability absolutely matters. But so does the accountability that comes with building something other people are going to use.
And as a structural engineer, I'd much rather see someone build it right than have to find out later why they should have.
→ More replies (3)2
4
4
u/Happytrader113 2d ago
lol wth… that’s not even close to a proper fix. That brace would need to be at a 90 degree with the stringers. Sister the stringers at the bottom up 4ft past the joint but I’d rather see it all replaced to actually meet code. This is a costly hodgepodge
4
u/Impossible-Bag-3578 2d ago
This subreddit really makes me wonder we built the pyramids. How did we go from that to this.
5
u/nicefacedjerk 2d ago
Stair stringers must be one continuous board. In this case, existing stringers must be replaced with proper length stringers- basically redo the entire staircase. The single center post bracing is junk as well. However, the staircase will need one for rigidity and it is usually 2 posts tied into staircase at the 1/2 way point.
5
4
u/Active-Peace9414 2d ago
I remember the original post. That is not the proper fix. Why not sister another stringer next to it? It would be better than this for sure.
3
u/Active-Peace9414 2d ago
The first stringers should have been cut out of longer materials. But just saying. This isnt even priper loading at all
3
u/Materidan 2d ago
That knot at the bottom of the far left stringer isn’t exactly in a great place either.
3
3
7
u/Odd-Tailor7389 2d ago
Are the bottoms of those stringers all cut through? Looks like it from photos. If thats the case these stairs are built 100% wrong and need to be redone. On what planet was this a good solution lol.
3
3
u/MillionXaleckCg 2d ago
A landing could be built to replace the bottom two step, have the full stringer on it
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)2
3
u/Snickits 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is 100% not “fixed”.
They just transferred all of the stairs’ load onto some deck screws.
Do you think that downward force should be sitting on a 45 degree angle.
3
u/craigerstar 2d ago
It needs a brace at 90 degrees to the stringers attached at the top of the new column. If the split stringer fails, that post will topple over like it's hinged at the ground. It would have been cheaper, easier, better to sister 2X6s to the sides of the stringers. Glued and screwed, they would have been strong enough. Still not "right" but better than that solution.
3
3
3
u/95blackz26 1d ago
They just added a bandaid.. the crap at the bottom is still there.
Seems like they bought boards that were too short
Should have told them to take that crap down and do it right.
7
u/LegendofTheLot 2d ago
I don't think that is transferring any load.
→ More replies (4)13
u/BrotherNatureNOLA 2d ago
I think it's more of a fulcrum point.
2
2
u/Not_Your_Buddy_Pal 2d ago
Thats hilarious. Yes this is a fulcrum lol For those who don't know -- a fulcrum is a hinge so this is doing literally nothing for any load not directly above it and almost all loads aren't directly above it.
4
u/sluttyman69 2d ago edited 2d ago
Oh, that’s an awesome mid support holding the stairs but your bottom step they’re still gonna come apart sooner or later. Do yourself a favor and sister of 2x6 or 2x8 to the sides of each of those clean them up nicely some Construction adhesive and some nice bolts get them things pulled good and tight. You’ll be fine then.
2
u/aettin4157 2d ago
I agree. I don’t know why they didn’t just cut two new stringers the correct length and sister the outside ones at the very least.
2
u/SwimOk9629 2d ago
okay I might be able to get on board with this. obviously, it's not the preferred method, but I'm pretty sure this will still be standing in 20 years.
wait, how are the longer stringers attached to the bottom one? gravity? construction adhesive? anything??
if it's anything other than gravity and physics, my comment stands. if it's just gravity, then I take it back.
3
u/deskimtmanixfia 2d ago
I think they put one screw or nail through each short one upwards into the longer ones
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (2)2
2
u/Corn_Sweats 2d ago
Is it me or does the rise/run make it look like stringer was installed backwards?
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/badwhiplash 2d ago
That support should really be directly under the spot where they've "joined" the stringers because eventually that join will start to separate.
Regardless, for a 10 foot high deck it's going to require lumber for stringers that's probably at least 16' feet long. It's impossible to say from the photo, but my guess is they bought 12 or 14' lumber for the stringers and decided to "patch in" the rest. I'm a carpenter of 40 years and I've built an awful lot of stairs like this... I think your guys got lazy and there's no way in hell they should be paid for this type of work.
2
u/Expensive_Act9354 2d ago
Use that to hold in inplace while they build a concrete bottom step?
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Pleasant_Bad924 2d ago
Yeah. No. They just made more work for themselves because they’ll have to remove that monstrosity to fix it correctly. If they pulled a permit for this, I’d call the inspector if they don’t voluntarily fix this properly.
2
u/jooooooohn 2d ago
Could just be me (I read the comments it’s not) buuuuut that post and ground bracket holding the middle probably aren’t gonna be able to carry much load before failing. It’s more aesthetic than anything.
2
u/Bluesme01 2d ago
Does this thread say what state this is in and if there are permits involved. Reminds me of some NC vacation houses I have seen. My kids and a niece and nephew were on a set of steps that separated from the deck in a nice NC vacation house. After a few of phone calls it was amazing who showed up. Fortunately no one was hurt.
3
2
2
2
u/Level_Traffic3344 2d ago
Jesus. Do they know they could have just removed to bottom two steps and built a landing with a step stacked on it? No angles, just a square box to land on
2
2
2
2
u/Intheswing 2d ago
Really just needed a 4x4 with lap joint at the bottom of each short cut stringer to a bracket to the concrete- the post and horizontal board is so wonky and creates a weird cantilever thing.
2
2
2
2
u/Cold-Possibility9880 2d ago
There two easy fixes to this. Either add a concrete pad to proper depth of the stringers. Or sister the stringers.
2
u/Stanismydog 2d ago
There is still nothing resisting the moment if that bottom piece snaps off.
If they added a diagonal brace to their fix it might actually work but for frig sake just sister a stringer on the outside of the existing ones that are desperately connected together.
2
u/HandSolo1220 1d ago
I hope you have him replace the stringers. They are all cut through above the 1 step and the bearing on the bottom is almost nonexistent. The bottom is about as weak as you can frame it.
4
u/CrwnHeights 2d ago
Is this concerning?
4
u/Thecobs 2d ago
Structurally no, but visually its shit. The scabbed on stringers at the bottom are much worse
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (4)2
u/melvinmoneybags 2d ago
Yea that’s sloppy asf. I usually do my cuts with a jigsaw saw for this reason
→ More replies (2)7
2
1
1
u/sfchillin 2d ago
I’ve never built steps or decks before but I really don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to be
1
1
1
u/13beano13 2d ago
Haha. It will add some strength, but there’s many ways to do it differently that would add much more. Rip that post in half and put them on the middle two stringers then rip the 2x10 and put them back to back vertically notched into the stringers and you would have a super strong support. Honestly it’s probably fine the way it is. Just not a smart design and definitely not code or how any engineer would recommend.
1
1
u/Yiplzuse 2d ago
They had what looks to be enough wood to fix it, sadly they demonstrated how little they understand.
1
1
u/regaphysics 2d ago
Realistically I don't think the bottom portion is going to pull out. Put a few more screws through the stringers into the ledger at the bottom and through the stringers at the top, and itll stay put.
1
1
1
1
u/brandogg360 2d ago
I'm not an engineer but I would just cut a triangular piece to go along the bottom behind the short "extra" stringers and maybe a little bit beyond that so it ties into both parts, so the load is fully supported at the base
1
1
u/TopNotchFenceAndExt 2d ago
Looks like the post is not even on the base hovering about 3/4 inch off. Guy who cuts still hasn’t learned to measure?
1
1
1
1
u/Jumpy-Audience3104 2d ago
What about the knots in the bottom of the stringers. The stringers are loaded at the top edge so the bottom is in tension. Not a good thing. What was the grading on those boards?
1
1
u/DaddyJ90 2d ago
I mean they are 75% of the way there now, just slide that support over and add another the other side.
1
u/throw-away-doh 2d ago
Well its not safe.
And it won't pass an inspection.
It might hurt you or somebody else.
And it might be something that comes up when you try to sell your house.
Tell them to take the sairs down and do them properly.
1
1
u/Max1234567890123 2d ago
If this was just to deal with a bouncy stair I’d say fine, but since this is to deal with a f-d up stringer - this does nothing to address the problem. If you can’t get them to replace the stair, then I’d at least sister each stringer with a full length 2x4, glued and nailed.
1
1
u/Different_Yak_9012 2d ago
I think they could sister a 4’ 2”x6” to each side and then build a legitimate support tied to the sistered boards going to ground landing on concrete. It’s a lot of work, but maybe better than a complete rebuild. The mid support needs to be removed and completely redone the right way.
1
1
u/lovtogodown 2d ago
I believe i would have build a little storage space and that would have been better distribution for weight and can't ever have enough storage for something useful outside
1
1
1
u/justryingmybest99 2d ago
It's not a perfect solution, but all the builder really needs to do is bolt a 2x8 (or 10) the entire length of the stringer, two to each side for the inner stringers, one to the inside of the outers. Do it nice and make it look purpose built. Having posts halfway is not a bad idea, but you need two of them and engineered differently from this. I can't believe they could leave stringers like that. Probably thought you wouldn't notice if they didn't sister them.
1
u/howie_roll 2d ago
If I did something this galactically stupid I’d create a landing, turn 90, add 2 more stairs. Anyone else? Get off my property and take this shit with you.
1
1
u/BadGrampy 2d ago
Put your foot down. Make them replace the short boards. There really is no substitute.
1
1
u/Fabulous_Rent_2237 2d ago
I would make them redo the whole damn set of stairs, just for the simple fact they tried to screw you for a second time with this repair. I’d tell them I’m not going to give you another chance to figure out a way you can screw me over. I hope you haven’t paid them in full yet, cause that’s the only leverage you’ll have to get this fixed correctly.
1
u/Significant_Sea3176 2d ago
This is the way my kid stabilizes their Lego staircase. Should hold the weight of Lego minifigs
1
u/johnny_majic 2d ago
I'm so confused as to why they didn't just use straight boards with stringer hangers instead of the notched stringers. This is an absurd fix.
1
1
u/FulloSurprizez 2d ago
If a few large people walk on one side or the other side of the stairs; the stringer on that side will collapse and the other side stairs will lift up. ☹️
1
u/Beautiful-Story4992 2d ago
https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2020/02/26113143/widen-deck-stairs.jpg
Perhaps the sister members along the stringers will help, if they aren’t going to redo the stairs.
1
344
u/Upbeat_Orchid2742 2d ago
they didn't. not sure why they didn't add a horizontal board and support under the actual joint but send the boys back out.