Scratches and knocks on treads
Directly after installation, it can still be traced who caused scratches. If other trades walk over the treads later, this can hardly be proven anymore.
Timber stair & railing are installed: treads, creaking and stability
A stair is subjected to daily wear: lack of railing safety, creaking and scratches are the risks. Check treads, junctions and railing now — before subsequent trades cover existing damage.
The most common expensive defects on timber stairs and railings
Creaking, squeaking and movements
Conspicuous noises and noticeable yielding of the structure are best captured clearly as a short video with sound.
Wobbly or incompletely fixed railing
Loose railing parts are an enormous safety risk. A lack of stability must absolutely be reported before handover.
Untidy junctions to wall, floor and ceiling
Open joints and crooked junctions permanently ruin the appearance. Without timely reporting before handover, these are often no longer rectified.
What you should document and check now on stair and railing
Stair as overview and each tread
Photograph the entire flight of stairs. Then take close-ups of scratches or dents on individual treads — ideally with a scale in the picture.
Test railing stability
Carefully push your body weight sideways against the handrail and newel posts. Nothing should noticeably yield. Film noticeable movements and photograph the respective fixings.
Check junctions and film creaking
Photograph open or crooked junctions to wall, floor and ceiling. Then walk the stairs slowly and film creaking treads with sound.
Measure railing height and baluster spacing
Check the height of the railing and the distance between the balusters with a folding rule. The spacing must not exceed 12 cm so that children cannot fit through. Photograph the measuring tape at the relevant points.
Demand protection for the treads
As soon as the stair is defect-free, it must be fully protected from dirt and scratches. Demand the covering before painters or floor layers use the stairs, and photograph the covered condition.
Secure stair and railing now
Upload your photos and videos. This way you seamlessly secure the condition of stair and railing for the later handover.