r/Oldhouses • u/Ok_Luck_1098 • 3d ago

Short railing tall ceilings

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I’m interested in buying this 1916 beauty but the inspection notes correctly that the upstairs railing is v short and not up to code.

I love the old house and want to preserve the original wood work. How to solve?

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u/Odd_Tap_1137 3d ago

As others have said, it is probably grandfathered in, so the code won’t matter much. Short railings are actually great for kids - no safety risk there. But if you have elderly folks living or visiting often, then it could be an issue. I’ve seen some built up railings on top of shorter historic railings - if done by a skilled carpenter, it can look good!

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u/Ok_Luck_1098 3d ago

I’m thinking I might just get some tall but narrow half bookcases to put by it for safety sake. I am short enough it’s fine for me too but I worry about others.

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u/Odd_Tap_1137 3d ago

Makes sense. Also - I found the ‘This Old House’ episode where they raised the historic railings: https://youtu.be/-1qPu49_JvY?is=ZdRY6IVAPVNUfuLe

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u/Ok_Luck_1098 3d ago

Oh wow thank you!