Is the soft flooring and sloping room a simple repair or indicative of serious foundation problems, despite the lack of mention by the home inspector 2 years ago?
Asked by Breno da Mota 
8 months ago
Last Updated: May 11, 2024
Hey, so we have this older house that’s built on a crawl space. Lately, we’ve noticed that some parts of the floor feel kind of “soft” and things tend to roll to one side of the room. Do you think this is just a simple flooring problem, or could it be something more serious like foundation issues? We’ve owned the house for 2 years now, and the home inspector didn’t bring up either of these issues. It seems to be getting worse, so we’re a bit concerned.
You should definitely take a look at that crawl space and inspect your floor joists and the supports. It’s possible that there are foundation problems or settling posts that need attention. You might need to jack up the area, dig deeper holes, and pour concrete posts for better support. It could also be issues with your floor joists, center beam, or damage from termites. Sharing some photos with this group will help them provide better advice.
Yeah, I think it’s a good idea to have it properly checked out. If it’s getting worse, it could be a sign of something more serious like rot or other issues.
“Soft” floors are usually a sign of trouble. It often indicates water damage. This could be caused by rainwater, plumbing leaks, or a poorly ventilated crawl space. I suggest going under the crawl space to identify the soft areas and thoroughly inspect the foundation. Take photos of any areas that seem problematic or suspicious.
I agree with what Brian said. You might need to focus on the joists that need attention and figure out where the problem lies. Pay attention to any signs like the ball rolling to a certain spot – it might be trying to tell you something. This group on here could definitely provide some helpful insights 😜
Which floor are you referring to? It’s not clear. A floating floor might feel bouncy. The unevenness could be due to the floor or foundation. I’ll make sure to carry a marble next time I visit houses!
It’s hard to say without checking underneath. The issue could be a shifting foundation, termites, or rot.
How can you be sure that the situation has ‘deteriorated’?
I’m preparing for the worst. The crawl space is nearly impossible to access for anyone larger than a very slender child haha. I had to do some digging just to reach the entrance. It appears to be suffering from decay, inadequate ventilation, and potential termite infestation… It seems like the financial burden I had been dreading. I appreciate everyone’s suggestions. I am planning to consult local foundation repair experts to obtain a complimentary estimate. This task is undoubtedly beyond my comfort zone and capabilities, in more ways than one.
Sometimes things may appear more serious than they actually are, crawl spaces can be a hassle. I never quite understood the reasoning behind them. It might be better to just have a solid concrete slab. With that being said, I recommend enlisting the help of a male friend to assist you in addressing the issues. Essentially, you will need to go down there to thoroughly assess the situation and determine the necessary steps to take. Even if it means cutting a hole in the floor. I’ve been in that situation before and have emerged successfully. Stay confident and good luck!