"Mike O." wrote

Around here, the actual framing of the stairs gets inspected at the
framing inspection. The run, rise, landings, width etc. are the
responsibility of the framing inspector.
The final guy can only reject the stairs if the final floor messes up
the rise (we've fixed a few for this problem before installing treads)
or we do something wrong with rails or balusters. Knock on wood,
we've never had one tagged.

Only the foolhardy, IMO, rely on what passed framing when it comes to stairs
in residential construction. They are indeed checked for code compliance
during the framing inspection, probably everywhere, but, being obviously
roughed in at that time, are thoroughly vetted for code and safety issues at
the building final ... and that is where any introduced, post framing
inspection non-compliance gets expen$ive.

It's also an area where it's easy to get picky if they're so inclined, and
one of the areas inspectors, particularly the relatively inexperienced who
don't come from a trades background, seem to zero in on during a final.
After all, "safety issues" are totally indefensible! ... rail
height/location, finished tread depth, riser height, clearance, baluster
spacing, winder tread compliance, etc., none of which are present during the
framing inspection.

A lot can happen, and does ... the trim carpenter was sick one day and his
helper can't read, much less a plan; when the plans show concrete slab as FF
(by municipal edict); when the buyer changes the floor type both up and
down, or worse, just one; and with rock, and that new trim spec'd by the
buyer added, 6' 8" suddenly becomes 6' 7 1/4" ... all for starters.

IOW, it takes a good deal vigilance, experience, and taking nothing for
granted ... especially stairs that "passed" during framing.

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Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)