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Floating laminate flooring on sagging floor.

15 years ago

My husband and I just bought a home originally built in the 1800's. I want to put in a floating laminate floor in the dining room and living room but after tearing up the very old and very gross carpet we found that the floor was sagging noticably in 2 or 3 areas. We went into the basement and it seems that some of the support beams have been sawed in half. I think my head may be about to explode. Do we fix the joists, the support beam, or do we jack up the house? Or, and this is my idea, just put the floating floor in and pretend we didn't see anything? Please help.

Featured Answer

organic_nick

15 years ago

If you don't want the kitchen in the basement , I would get a Carpenter to fix the structure .
The floor is only fall apart anyway .

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Comments (9)

harmon_2008
15 years ago
Just pray
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flora40
Original Author
15 years ago
Is this seriously all the help I can get here? Pray? I understand jesus was a carpenter but I'm pretty sure he is to busy to come and fix my floor right now. Also if I could afford to hire an architect or anyone for that matter, I wouldn't be combing the web for ideas. If anyone out there has anymore suggestions I would be thankful.
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organic_nick
15 years ago
I gave you sound advise . maybe not what you want to hear , But you have to address the structure before you think about installing a new floor .
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Happyladi
15 years ago
I would have someone look at the supports in the basement. Did you have the house inspected before you bought it? I would think the inspecter would notice beams sawed in half. I'm not an engineer but it sounds like you need to redo the supports.
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flora40
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you Happladi. No I didn't get it inspected first. I am a first time home buyer, and more than just a little blond. I guess I am just going to have to man up and get a pro, and a second job. Now; do I get a carpenter, an engineer, or an architect? How do I find some one who won't take advantage?
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glennsfc
15 years ago
I think it's quite simple...really. You support the compromised sections and sister new joists to the damaged ones.

Any competent General Contractor is what you want to look for or a skilled carpenter would know what to do; no need to employ an engineer or an architect.
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sweeby
15 years ago
Seconding Glenn's recommendation --

Get a good general contractor or handyman to fix the structure or else everything you do will be wasted.
Locate your local NARI (Nat'l Ass'n of the Remodeling Industry) to find contractors in your area and/or search Angie's List.
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jerry_t
15 years ago
Going by expense these would be my suggestions to you.

Hire a structural engineer.

Hire a good building contractor who has adequate knowledge about structural engineering.

I would not get a handyman unless I knew he/she was qualified to do this.
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