Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 15, 2009 03:34pm | #1

   There is a long list of possible reasons.

   If you get back inside and shoot some pictures to show us from underneath, it can be easier to say which is the cause. Do you know anything about the foundation and whether basement or crawlspace?

   typically in that time period, floor joists were undersized/overspanned and would sag thru the middle of a room.

   But another common problem is that a beam under this in the cellar or crawlspace is supported by posts that have been removed over time, or that seat on inadequate foundation that has settled into the soil. Another I have seen is too much load on a post compresses the wood fibres at junction of post and beam allowing an inch or so of settlement. Yet another would be cellars subject to frequent rising water that rots the bottom of wood posts.

   A home inspection by a reputable EXPERIENCED Home Inspector is a must. You will learn much about this potential purchase so you can calculate your budget more carefully.

    

    

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1. 
   REempire | Jun 15, 2009 05:58pm | #4

   Thanks for the advice. We are fortunate to have an inspector/contractor that we have confidence in. He also is of good character. The house has a cement block  foundation and is on a crawlspace.

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 15, 2009 07:52pm | #5

   I got to thinking of another condition that is more of an actual slope than a sag - a house i restored that was near the shore and the downhill side had sunk into the moving wet clay soils while the upper was attached to ledgerock That house had about a 5" slope in a 28'-32' width 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   REempire | Jun 15, 2009 08:02pm | #6

   Now THAT'S a slope! Ours is not tht severe.

1. 
   aworkinprogress | Jun 15, 2009 08:20pm | #7

   Now we await the specific course of action employed to rectify the situation, if you please sir.

    

2. 
   REempire | Jun 15, 2009 08:27pm | #8

   After the inspection, I'll let you know the suggested remedy.

2. 
   Stuart | Jun 15, 2009 04:58pm | #2

   How big is the slope?  It's not unusual for older houses to sag and settle over the years so the floors aren't level, but I assume it's enough in this case that it's real noticable.

1. 
   REempire | Jun 15, 2009 05:53pm | #3

   It is not a drastic slope but if you roll a golf ball across the floor in the opposite direction it turns to roll towards the slope.