High spot/uneven floor

[Tyler Ingram]

Hi Bigger Pockets! 

I just went under contract on a new build in Chattanooga. Love the property, but we noticed a high spot on one of the floors in the hallway. We had an inspection done today and they confirmed it was not level on that section of the floor. He was not sure what’s causing it.

We’re concerned it may be related to foundation or structural issue but 1, it’s on a concrete slab  2, the high spot is only on the second story of the townhome. And 3, there is no basement or crawl space
We have a foundation expert going out to take a look in a few days, but I’m curious if anyone has come across something like this before? Or how they will even be able to tell with it being on second floor & no crawl space? We are okay if just a cosmetic issue but just wanting to make sure it’s not something more serious.

Thanks in advance! 

[Brian Levredge]

It's not a foundation issue.  I'm a builder here in Chattanooga as well.  Most of your framing lumber is #2 grade (cheaper) and isn't always the straightest.  So you might have a joist or two with a big crown causing the bump. If you don't feel any flex or give in the bump when walking over it then that's probably your culprit.  If you do feel flex you just have loose subfloor because the framers didn't use enough subfloor glue and/or nail/screw off the plywood enough.  

As an aside most older homes here in Chatt have some type of settling because of lack of soil compaction when building and the fact we get 50+" of rain a year.  No one likes buying something new with problems.  Don't get me wrong, but from a rental standpoint, your issue won't impact your ability to lease it.