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Defect library

Stairs defects in new builds

Stairs combine joinery and safety, so a loose newel post or missing spindle is more than a finishing snag. Walk up and down the full flight holding the handrail and check every spindle and nosing as you go.

Updated 19 October 2026

SiteSnag’s library has 6 entries under stairs, and 4 of them are marked as safety or critical items. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and each carries a reference to the standard or guidance it relates to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 6 entries

  1. Handrail missing / not continuous

    Safety

    Handrail missing or not continuous for the full flight. Fit.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    Approved Document K

  2. Newel post loose

    Safety

    Newel post moves. Re-fix securely.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.6

  3. Spindle loose / missing

    Safety

    Balustrade spindle loose or missing. Re-fix or replace.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.6

  4. Stair carpet / nosing loose

    Safety

    Stair carpet or nosing loose: trip hazard. Re-fix.

    Trade
    Flooring contractor
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 9.3

  5. Uneven risers / goings

    Major

    Step rise or going varies along the flight. Investigate and correct.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    Approved Document K

  6. Gaps at stair string / wall

    Minor

    Gap between stair string and wall. Fill and decorate.

    Trade
    Carpenter / Joiner
    Reference
    NHBC Standards 6.6

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

Previous: Fitted furniture (7). Next: Structure (8).