Completion certificate
Can a new home pass building certificate with a post missing from staircase
Advice from 13 local tradespeople
very unlikely — and in most cases no.
For a new home (or new-build / major renovation), Building Control will not issue a completion certificate if a required stair post (newel) is missing.
A missing post would likely be flagged as a defect, requiring rectification before the building certificate is issued. It’s essential to address any missing components before the final inspection to avoid delays in receiving certification.
According to building regulations the space between spindles should be no more than 94mm so if gap is bigger than this you might have a problem. If it's a main newel post missing it won't get signed off
No
No, full building control sign off will be required and a post missing will fail.
No
Call the building inspector. Depends what this post is for and where it stays.
No
No
No health safety issue to wide gap can be very serious, as a small child could get through and possibly fall
No
A new home can not pass a building certificate with a newel post missing from the staircase as the stair will be deemed unsafe for use without a handrail plus spindles being in place.
No
