Bowed Sagging Floors

[Adrienne Medina]

I just bought a 30 year old house on a concrete foundation where the second story floor seems to have some bowing/sagging in a couple of spots. The inspector thinks it's not a big deal and 2 contractors I have had through for quotes on the remodel don't think it's a big deal but I can't help but worry. It's not super substantial, I would guess an inch off and the first floor foundation looks solid. Is this something I should worry about or is this common and cosmetic only?

[Buck Fleming]

As a home inspector, I would call this out if I was inspecting it for a buyer, but I would also look for some other signs to show the significance of the issue. How do doors open and shut? Do the floors bounce? Is there cracking in the drywall or does there appear to have been repairs made? 

I'd look for cracking drywall upstairs and in the ceiling and walls beneath the affected areas. Many times, this kind of issue may just be caused by shrinkage in materials after the home was built. 

If this is something that really concerns you, a second opinion from a structural engineer is always a good idea to just cover your bases.

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