I had a contractor build and install a new small porch with two short staircases (among several other things he's doing around the house). I was a little surprised to see the stairs not cut flush to the wall. When I asked him why they weren't, he said "oh, I never cut them to the wall." He said it gave space for leaves to collect so you can sweep them away easily. I said "OK" and didn't press the issue to give myself some time to think about it. That reason in particular doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm often accused of being too perfectionist, so I'm looking for a sanity check here. Does the gap between the stairs and the wall bother you aesthetically? Is there any disadvantage to cutting them flush to the wall I'm missing? If it were you, would you ask him to rebuild them or just let it go?