leveling wood floors and code

7 years ago

Hi all, I cannot find the answer to this anywhere. Is there some sort of code regarding how level floors need to be? I did a complete remodel where we even redid the joists (termite Infested wood, paid extra to have it all replaced). I ended up with floors where some areas don't have joists supporting it at all. there are areas that dip down about 1/2"over a one foot distance. Generally just really poor uniformity throughout. The contractor doesn't feel like he was responsible because it was a remodel not a new build. These problems didn't exist in the old structure.

is there some sort of code regarding floor level tolerance? thanks

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Comments (6)

millworkman
7 years ago
Nope. If it is sound and solid thats all they require.
Gargamel
7 years ago
Are you saying he cut out some of the joists and didn't relace them or support them?
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cat_ky
7 years ago
Why didnt he put support in all areas? I would ask that he come back and do so. Obviously it needs the support or the floors wouldnt be dipping down in those areas.
Gargamel
7 years ago
Did he use the correct sized joists?
Sindy W
Original Author
7 years ago
the house was built in the 1950s so the joist sizes were different back then compared to now. there is a dip where the old floor joists are stuck under the wall, and a bump where the new joists are. as I understand, this might lead to failure of the new wooden floor installation. I've got long and wide engineered wood planks.

In some areas, he either forgot to sister the joists or he completely didn't put them in, possibly because they didn't exist in the old structure. But you would think that any contractor worth their salt should have corrected this. We had to get our own inspector to show this to the city inspector, whereupon the city inspector demanded that he put a new support pillar underneath the unsupported area. After he did this, and charged me extra, the poor levels remain and even got worse probably because he overcompensated.

Trying to think of a way that I can get some money back from him through a lawsuit in order to correct this. The amount of money I would need would be the same as lawyer fees unless I can get him on a code violation, for which my lawyer fees would be covered.
Sindy W
Original Author
7 years ago
he's got a few code violations right now... we have been trying to fix them ourselves since he blatantly lied about having fixed them and did so to obtain the final payment. I'm super offended that he lied.

he also threatened me with a totally bogus $48k bill when I asked him to fix code violations. I plan to report him anyway even if I can't sue him successfully.