Stair Tread Raised Bull Nose vs. Flush?

9 years ago

Hi All,

I am purchasing a new construction town home in the bay area. The builder includes a high-end wood floor for the main level. They were asking for nearly $20k to install the same wood floors on the two stair cases, so I opted for a product that looked similar, for $10k (I know this is still too expensive).

I am a few weeks away from closing - yesterday we walked through the construction and I saw the stairs for the first time. I was very surprised to see that the bullnose was not flush with the rest of the tread.

When we picked the floors, they mentioned it would be a 3 or 4 piece tread. I am completely fine with this, I just don't want the raised bullnose. As other threads here have pointed out, this is a major safety hazard, aside from the fact that it does not look good (plastic texture that does not match the wood).

I've already reached out to my builder and informed them that I am not happy. If they push back, what recourse do I have? How do you suggest I approach this?

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Comments (5)

User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Pay the upgrade fee for the better approach that you turned down. They told you what you'd be getting, and you agreed to it. Buyer's remorse at this stage doesn't mean anyone owes you anything.
jss381
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi Sophie,

This is not buyers remorse. As I said, I am completely okay with having a multiple piece tread to save the money. However, I don't want to have a safety hazard. It was never mention the tread would be raised.
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PRO
The Kitchen Abode Ltd.
9 years ago
It would be up to the building inspector to determine if this is a safety hazard or not. I believe you will find that these add-on bullnoses are permitted providing they do not exceed a certain height above the treads top surface.

Graham
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
The only thing a builder understands is that you're not going to close until this is resolved to your satisfaction. Be reasonable and willing to pay more and he'll see the light. A written promise to fix it after closing is worthless.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Quick way to get a lien slapped on the house before you even buy it if you try not paying. Those types of stairs pass code, and pass inspection, even though they are less than optimal. 3/8". That's the magic number. You have no standing to withhold any payment based on you changing your mind.