I'm thinking about purchasing a townhome, but I've noticed that the laminate flooring on the main level, installed in 2020 by the previous owners, has gaps between the planks and serious buckling at the seams. Initially, I suspected a lousy DIY job, but the seller claims an expert said the problem stems from 24" floor joists being used instead of the standard 16". Does this explanation hold water? I definitely plan to address this during the inspection stage. Also, feel free to redirect me if there's a more appropriate forum for this question.
3 Answers
24" joists can work just fine if the right subfloor is used. The key issue could be if they used a cheap subfloor like 3/4" MDF, which isn't sturdy enough. Without proper support, you're asking for trouble! Just make sure to check the subfloor during your inspection.
The joist spacing alone isn't a dealbreaker, but issues like humidity, improper installation, or even the type of subfloor could cause your flooring problems. If there’s bounce or sag in the floor when you walk on it, it might indicate poor framing or support. After your general inspection, consider hiring a structural engineer to take a closer look.
Honestly, I wouldn’t waste my time on this townhome. It seems like either the flooring was poorly installed or there’s an inherent problem with the joists or subfloor. There are always other townhomes on the market, so I’d keep looking.