Planning & EstimatingQuestion 496 of 700
A framing plan shows interior stairs with 8.5 inch risers and 9 inch treads. Compared with typical residential code limits, what is the MOST likely problem an estimator or inspector should flag?
a.The riser is too short and the tread is too deep
b.The riser exceeds the maximum height and the tread is less than the minimum depth
c.Both riser and tread meet code with no issue
d.Only the tread depth matters; riser height is unregulated
Explanation
Residential stairs are generally limited to a maximum riser height of about 7-3/4 inches and a minimum tread depth of about 10 inches. Risers of 8.5 in exceed the maximum and treads of 9 in fall short of the minimum, so both are noncompliant and create a fall hazard. Option c is false, and option d is wrong because riser height is expressly regulated.
Law Reference: 2025 California Residential CodePractice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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