Handrail height landing

[toytown]

I’m planning to install a handrail and balustrade on my landing but the newel post is only 890mm from the floor currently. I’ve read that the handrail should be minimum 900mm from the floor as per building regs. Will I have trouble selling my house in the future if I fit the handrail to the existing newel post (assuming it will have to be a little lower than 890) or am I worrying about nothing?

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Check the building regs for yourself. But even if it's non-compliant (oooohh!), the chances of a buyer or their surveyor noticing are basically zero.

Don't worry about it. It will be completely safe. Definitely safer than what you currently have - who the heck thought that was OK?!

I regularly see dodgy open staircases on the property programmes. People want clean lines, but it must not be possible for anyone to fall down a hole.

Check the spindle or rail spacing too. There's a maximum spacing, basically the size of a baby's head.

 

[Deluks]

There's a maximum spacing, basically the size of a baby's head.

Do they sell those in Screwfix?

 

[Deluks]

Deleted

 

[^woody^]

or am I worrying about nothing

Yes.

Building regulations do not apply to retrospective fitting - the general requirement is for it to be made no worse that when it was built.

A handrail is better than no handrail.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

From a vague memory, I believe the test is that a 100mm ball shouldn't be able to pass through any gap in the spindles or rails.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I’m planning to install a handrail and balustrade on my landing but the newel post is only 890mm from the floor currently. I’ve read that the handrail should be minimum 900mm from the floor as per building regs. Will I have trouble selling my house in the future if I fit the handrail to the existing newel post (assuming it will have to be a little lower than 890) or am I worrying about nothing?

Did you buy the house like that?

Was it pointed out to you ?