It does seem a bit awkward but I have no idea how to fix it easily. Do you know why that space is raised ?

The previous homeowners said it was a mistake the builders made but didn’t go into much more detail.

Would it help to add a railing to close off the stair access from the right side as you look toward rhe bottom step, channeling all traffic straight down.

Add another step to the top of the stairs, and have that new step as large as the whole sunken area. You’d have to add some baseboard at the railing on the right side (as viewed in the last picture).

I would maybe add a railing on the left side as you look up the stairs. The railing would be installed on top of the flooring on the second level so there is only one entrance to the staircase. Don’t know if I’ve explained myself clearly but the whole thing doesn’t look safe and might need a total redo.

I'd add a railing at the top. Could go on side or back, as works for your room.

Wow, that's an accident waiting to happen, as we used to say in law school. Even your dog is thinking "what the heck?!"

Totally above my pay grade. I'm as curious as you about the answer. Hope it's not, rebuild that whole stair and landing.

Thanks everyone! We have all tripped on that dumb step. All of your suggestions are very helpful!

Move the platform step to the top of the stairs and raise the platform up to the upper floor level

@3onthetree - That sketch is so helpful! Thank you. We believe we have two options to fix at this point. One is to raise the platform to the top of the stairs (which will be the expensive/preferred option) and the second is to create a guardrail on the other side so it will make sure nobody falls (and would be easy for baby gates). I appreciate everyone’s comments and suggestions! I will post an update once we figure out how we are going to fix.

It seems to me that raising the platform is NOT a viable option:

- looks like the width of an additional tread would still create a small side step that has the same situation as of now, just smaller (shown in LIME exaggerated). So still need a short guardrail or extend the wall.

- you will have to completely redo the entire railing as the stringer, handrail, and balusters need extended up (shown in BLUE). Note you cannot leave the landing guardrail where it is at as the guardrail would be too low. Complete removal includes the balcony guardrail too as you have to cut the flooring 'end nosing' back.

- you will have to tooth in the flooring on the new flush landing, so looks like you would need new planks that matches to get some long lengths.

If you extended the railing at the top--- parallel to the risers, in front of the dog---the platform would become a landing and less of a trip hazard.

The best way to fix the stairs is to undo the builder's mistake, but that would involve rebuilding the entire stairway, balustrade and all. You can't just raise the landing as it would make the top step more than 3/8" larger than the rest which dangerously ruins your gait as well as be a huge code violation.

I was going to suggest a pony (half) wall with handrail on the side, but Joseph Corlett is correct: a full rebuild is the only way to truly fix it.

Because I am less than graceful, this is the kind of thing alone that would stop me from buying a house.