One Thing HGTV's Mike Holmes Insists On For Passing A Home Inspection

If you're currently embarking on a renovation project, it's essential to review your state's safety codes and regulations — you might be violating a safety code without knowing it. Mike Holmes, HGTV star and renowned contractor, is no stranger to builders who try to cut corners. This is why he started his own roster of Holmes-approved builders so that homeowners can avoid sale-busting inspections in the future. Even though you may not plan on selling soon, it's imperative to think about the small mistakes that could cost you a sale in the long run.

Although many builders claim to meet local requirements, Holmes warns that they may be adhering to the bare minimum, or even less. He tells the Chicago Tribune, "Builders need to go beyond the minimum building code. There's no medium code, there's no maximum code — there's just a minimum code." Even the minimum code is sometimes compromised by sloppy builders, and there is one violation that often flies under the radar. Holmes listed missing or unsafe handrails as one of the most common issues pointed out by home inspectors. If you have a stairway leading to your deck or porch, Holmes urges builders, contractors, and homeowners to review local codes to ensure safety and a higher resale value. If you think your home might have unsafe (or absent) handrails, this is how much a stair railing installation costs.

Although building codes vary from city to city, there are some key requirements that are common throughout the country. Holmes writes on his Make it Right blog, "The handrail should be able to resist a single concentrated load of about 200 pounds, applied in any direction at any point along the handrails to meet code." He also points out that transparency is key when choosing a contractor that you can count on. Holmes explains in his Chicago Tribune interview, "Builders need to build with better products, beyond minimum code — and they need to promote it, brag about it." Not only can proper handrails help your home pass its inspection, but they also send a message to the buyer that your home has been taken care of. To confidently ensure your contractor is adhering to all of the rules and regulations, read up on the best tips for hiring a home remodeling contractor.

Holmes isn't the only one who insists on the importance of handrail compliance. John Wessling, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Wessling Home Inspection Services, told US News, "Missing handrails alongside steps and issues with decks are common finds." With top contractors issuing frequent warnings about this violation, reviewing your local code is a must. This is undoubtedly one of many features that could wreck your home's value. To confidently ensure your contractor is adhering to all of the rules and regulations, read up on the best tips for hiring a home remodeling contractor.