My possible new project / plan

[yooper1]

I had a local contractor replace a crumbling basement wall.

In order to do that they had to move a set of pre-cast concrete steps to dig out the ground. They needed a large John Deere back hoe.

Well the wall is back and the hole back filled and the steps are back.

But...they put the steps TIGHT against my house. The top of the steps is (or appears to be) bending a horizontal board back a bit. There is no gap between the top step / landing and my house.

I am under the assumption that there should be a gap of some sort (1/2 to 1 inch) in order to allow rain and snow to drain off.

I have been going around and around with the contractor to move them out a bit, but they seem to not want to listen.

That is fine, I only paid 50% of the bid (in order for them to start) so far, so they may want to rethink their idea.

I thought that if they do not do anything I could maybe slide a tow strap behind the steps and keep it low. Then use another strap or 2 (or a chain) and use my NH T1510 out on the street to slowly pull the steps out about 1/2 inch or so. Hopefully they will slide on the loose earth.

Anyone have any thoughts?

What could precast steps weigh? (48 inches high by 60 inches wide with 6 steps if you count the landing)

I figured by keeping the strap low it will not start to pivot the steps forward and then if the strap breaks fall hard against the wall.

Anyone have any advice....or warnings? Any way to do this easier?

Thanks in advance

Below are photos of the steps and the gap.

 

[jake98]

Looks like they're set nice and straight. I'd leave them alone, you could replace that old kick plate with a fatter one kept above the landing and put some flashing behind it.

 

[yooper1]

I am concerned with water (and then ice) lying against the wood rotting it. Then the ice may back up and get under things.

 

[brin]

have to agree..I think I would leave them alone and use some silicone caulk where the steps meet the siding and be done with it...

 

[20 20]

I agree you may want a small space for drainage. Would it be easier to use a winch? That way you could go nice and easy plus see what you're doing.

 

[20 20]

If you leave them could you possibly get a piece of thin metal sheeting to go above the step next to the house? Have it fit tight up under the door step then have a small{1/2} bend at the bottom over the main step

 

[yooper1]

As of now, no winch available.

the tin / metal would possibly work, but that would be a band-aid for the larger problem...issue.....no?

Thanks for all the input so far guys

 

[jake98]

Normally there is flashing and the masonry goes right up against it. If you take out your kick plate, you'll be able to get it down there. Your steps are only about 3 inches above the bottom of the sills there. Get your flashing down 4 and you're good to go. Put a new kick over it.
(Pay your mason.. ;-)

 

[jake98]

I don't want to give your mason any more trouble, but what the heck, I'm on post 499..
the landing should be sloped away from the house..

 

[Big Bri]

you don't want it touching, i'd put it at least 1/2" away. I know because after putting in my back steps (touching the house) 5 years later i had to replace a lot of rotten wood.