Raised Concrete Slab

[Tj Estes]

I have found a potential investment property in Charleston, SC and came across this during the walk-through (see attached picture).  Has anyone ever seen a concrete slab that has been raised?  The house is in a flood plain, so I can see a benefit to using concrete over a traditional wood supported floor when moisture/rot is an issue.  However in the picture, there is rebar exposure in the bottom of the slab between the supports.  I know the house isn't going to fall in tomorrow, but at some point this issue will need to be addressed.  How would you go about repairing or replacing something like this?  I know I could patch the concrete, but I would assume that is a very temporary fix.  Has anyone else dealt with this?

Thanks BP Nation

[Trip Guinan]

Wow, great picture for discussion! I have seen this for 2nd story and above but for the ground floor WITH a crawl space, nope. I would be concerned for a number of reasons but situations like this always mean an opportunity. This situation calls for a structural engineer and not a home inspector. If time allows, look up a local engineer and ask him/her for their help. a few hundred dollars may yield information that would allow you to go back to the current owner with structural remedies. Include this report with your offer. Good luck!