New Build - Is This A Hazard?

DJMB92

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker here!

My fiancé and I have just moved into our first (New Build) home. Obviously snags etc happen - that's all fine - as does the actual structure of the house as compared to the architects drawing. The contentious hazard has came outside our front door - there's a bit of a gap between the front of our house, and the pedestrian paving. We had been expecting a step of some variation throughout the process (they only tarmac-ed this right at the very end) - and now we've ended up with this really odd drop as the developer 'needs to separate the private property from the pedestrian paving). Everyone who has came to visit (including our new neighbours!) have stated it looks like a hazard - so I'd appreciate any thoughts from you lot! 

ProDave

Measure the height of that "step" at it's highest point.  I suspect it might be higher than building regs say so you might have a valid case to get the builders to alter it.

Doozergirl

Well, it looks silly, I'd agree. 

 

In order to meet the building regulations, the threshold needs to be accessible for those in wheelchairs, but that hasn't been designed properly, it looks a bit bodged by a ground-worker.   I don't think that a step that isn't level is particularly safe.  

You can delineate between private and public property with a kerbstone that runs level in the tarmac, or extend the ramp away from the step part.  

DJMB92

(Just to confirm, there are two 'ramps' on either side - but it doesn't negate the fact that it's inherently unsafe!)

Noneforit999

That looks horrific. 

Section62

DJMB92 said:

My fiancé and I have just moved into our first (New Build) home. Obviously snags etc happen - that's all fine - as does the actual structure of the house as compared to the architects drawing. The contentious hazard has came outside our front door - there's a bit of a gap between the front of our house, and the pedestrian paving. We had been expecting a step of some variation throughout the process (they only tarmac-ed this right at the very end) - and now we've ended up with this really odd drop as the developer 'needs to separate the private property from the pedestrian paving). Everyone who has came to visit (including our new neighbours!) have stated it looks like a hazard - so I'd appreciate any thoughts from you lot! 

Yes, it is a hazard.

If it is intended to be a step then it needs to be designed as a step.  If it isn't then it needs to be designed in a way which clearly signals it is a drop, not a step.  Some people would put in a short length of handrail, others might build a dwarf wall in a contrasting material.

Whatever is done it needs to convey that the drop is higher than people would normally expect from a step, or else physically stop people going in that direction.

If the developer insists it is Ok then point out to them that they have had to put in ramps for wheelchair access, so what is there to stop a wheelchair going over the edge of the 'ramp' and tipping the occupant out, in a way that may prove to have a fatal outcome.  They also need to think about the safety of blind and partially-sighted people.  That doesn't mean there's a need for tactile paving etc, but they should have designed out the risk.

Woolsery

I can see the local skateboarders loving it!

RelievedSheff

That isn't designed to be a step. It is a flag on edge retaining wall. 

The access to the front door is via the two ramps and access paths to either side.

Poor design that is for sure but it won't contravene any regulations. Retaining walls don't need a guard rail unless they are 600mm or over.

canaldumidi

Section62 said:

DJMB92 said:

My fiancé and I have just moved into our first (New Build) home. Obviously snags etc happen - that's all fine - as does the actual structure of the house as compared to the architects drawing. The contentious hazard has came outside our front door - there's a bit of a gap between the front of our house, and the pedestrian paving. We had been expecting a step of some variation throughout the process (they only tarmac-ed this right at the very end) - and now we've ended up with this really odd drop as the developer 'needs to separate the private property from the pedestrian paving). Everyone who has came to visit (including our new neighbours!) have stated it looks like a hazard - so I'd appreciate any thoughts from you lot! 

Yes, it is a hazard.

..

If the developer insists it is Ok then point out to them that they have had to put in ramps for wheelchair access, so what is there to stop a wheelchair going over the edge of the 'ramp' and tipping the occupant out, in a way that may prove to have a fatal outcome. ..

And remind them that now that you have pointed out the risks, should you, any of your visitors, or 3rd oarties (postie, delivery men etc) fall off and injure(kill?) themselves they will be facing a claim .....

user1977

canaldumidi said:

Section62 said:

DJMB92 said:

My fiancé and I have just moved into our first (New Build) home. Obviously snags etc happen - that's all fine - as does the actual structure of the house as compared to the architects drawing. The contentious hazard has came outside our front door - there's a bit of a gap between the front of our house, and the pedestrian paving. We had been expecting a step of some variation throughout the process (they only tarmac-ed this right at the very end) - and now we've ended up with this really odd drop as the developer 'needs to separate the private property from the pedestrian paving). Everyone who has came to visit (including our new neighbours!) have stated it looks like a hazard - so I'd appreciate any thoughts from you lot! 

Yes, it is a hazard.

..

If the developer insists it is Ok then point out to them that they have had to put in ramps for wheelchair access, so what is there to stop a wheelchair going over the edge of the 'ramp' and tipping the occupant out, in a way that may prove to have a fatal outcome. ..

And remind them that now that you have pointed out the risks, should you, any of your visitors, or 3rd oarties (postie, delivery men etc) fall off and injure(kill?) themselves they will be facing a claim .....

But it sounds like it's on the OP's land, so it's the OP who would face any claim...

DJMB92

Thanks everyone so far for your thoughts! We were out all day yesterday, so I'll be measuring it today so I can get back to the developer. Understood that it isn't intended to be a step - but it serves no purpose, and is dangerous (in my opinion) - and exactly user1977, it's on our land, so we'd face the claim. In addition, there isn't the space to actually wheel a wheelchair around the corner of the ramp into the front door, so that throws that argument out the window...