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Question:
Should a new house with about 12 steps going from one level to another, be provided with a handrail down one or both sides of the steps ?

Answer:
Paul-In some circumstances the standards will require a rail if there are a dozen steps. The requirement will depend on the design and may vary in different areas. You may contact the local building inspector for more information. It may also be helpful to look at the building plans and see what was specified for the building.

From a best practice viewpoint it is highly desirable to have handrails on all steps and extending a short distance past the end of the steps. It is much better to get a rail before you need it rather than after an event.

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