Investigating an out of level floor in an older Berwick home
Measuring the variation and finding what is driving it.
In short: A floor that slopes, doors that bind and cracks in the plaster usually share a cause underneath.
Measuring, not guessing
We survey the floor with a level and rule. On one older Berwick home the variation reached about 50mm.
Signs that go with it
Cracks through plaster, binding laundry and toilet doors and gaps at skirtings.
Looking underneath
In the subfloor we check stumps, bearers, ventilation and moisture. That house had poor cross ventilation and damp brickwork.
Ground and drainage
Clay soils that wet and dry unevenly move footings. Drainage around the house is part of the picture.
What the report recommends
Usually a structural engineer's assessment for restumping or underpinning, with drainage fixed at the same time.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Berwick. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
