Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 10/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: I live in New Jersey and own a home built in the 1930's.  My front steps are not "Built To Code" and a friend told me when I try to sell, I will have to replace the steps because a Mortgage would not be given to the prospective buyer.  Can you tell me if that is true.

ANSWER: Hi Lou,

Thank you for your question.

If your steps are unchanged from when they were built to code in the 1930's then your steps should predate current building codes and would be grandfathered.  In some cases the building departments will require bringing grandfathered items up to current code when building alterations are made.

That should not interfere with getting a mortgage.  Sometimes the homeowners' insurance companies will have issues with steps among other things.  Three steps or more could require a railing.

Just curious, what is wrong with your front steps?

Hans

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Hans.  The steps are made of wood and need to be replaced or repaired and I don't want to repair them and then later have to replace them (to code) in order to sell.

Answer
Hi Lou,

Thanks for the follow up.

If they are made of wood and need to be replace and/or repaired any buyer will want that done or will take it off the price.

Since it sounds like you are going to do something to the steps anyway, what is the difference in cost of repairing as they were and replacing to current code?

One thing to keep in mind when selling a house, curb appeal is important.  If buyers pull up to your house and see steps in disrepair many will assume the rest of the house to be the same.  They won't come inside.  So, nice sets, a freshly painted front door, some cute flowers all make for a better first impression.

Good luck.

Hans