I'm considering buying a house that I absolutely love, but I've noticed that the living room floor feels pretty bouncy when I walk on it. We checked out the basement while someone was jumping on the floor, and it seemed like the joists were moving a lot. How serious is this issue, and should it be a deal breaker for buying the house?
3 Answers
We faced something similar and added permanent supports to our main beam. A contractor had to cut through the concrete floor and reinforced the base of the pole, which really helped reduce the bounce. I'd suggest getting your home inspector to take a look and possibly hiring a structural engineer too. They often have different service tiers, so you can choose what fits your needs.
It's hard to give a solid answer without seeing it. Sometimes, it's just a matter of undersized joists that need sistering or blocking. But it could also mean more serious issues, like moisture problems. A contractor's inspection could clarify things for you, so I highly recommend that.
For me, that's a major red flag. If you're not comfortable fixing this yourself, you might want to look into the cost of repairs since it could get expensive. Best bet is to have a contractor come out to give you an estimate and factor that into your offer.
Exactly! Each situation is unique, and having an expert check it out can help you understand your options better.