Subflooring Contractors Near Me: A Guide to Structural Floor Repair

If you're searching for "subflooring contractors near me," you likely have a problem that's more than skin deep. Unlike a flooring contractor who installs new hardwood flooring or tile, a subflooring contractor performs critical home repair on the very structural support of your house, including the floor joists and support beams.

Symptoms like squeaky floors, soft spots, or a sagging floor can all point to water damage or structural issues. This guide will cover the signs you need a pro, the costs, and what to expect from the subfloor repair process.

Signs You Have a Subfloor Problem

A finished floor (like hardwood flooring or vinyl plank flooring) is only as good as the subfloor beneath it. Here are the red flags:

• Squeaky Floors: A single squeak is common, but widespread or loud squeaking means the subflooring is loose from the floor joists.

• Soft or Bouncy Spots: This is a major warning sign. It means the subfloor has lost its structural integrity, often due to water damage.

• Musty Odors: A persistent, musty smell you can't clean is a sign of mold growth under your floor.

• Buckling or Warped Floors: Your hardwood flooring or tile is lifting or "cupping" because the subfloor beneath it has swelled, a major cause of squeaky or warped hardwood floors.

• Sagging Floors: This is the most serious sign, indicating a potential issue with your floor joists or even your home's foundation.

Subfloor Contractor vs. Flooring Contractor: A Key Difference

Flooring Contractor

This pro installs the visible floor covering. They handle tile installation, carpet tiles, hardwood flooring, and underlayment installation. They do not typically handle major structural work.

Subflooring Contractor

This is often a general contractor or a specialized framing carpenter. They perform structural remodeling services. They fix joist repair issues, replace rotted subflooring, and ensure the floor is level and safe before the flooring contractor can begin.

What Does Subfloor Repair Cost?

This is a home repair project, so the cost is highly variable and depends on the extent of the damage.

According to data from various home service marketplaces, subfloor repair is not a simple DIY project. The cost to have a professional replace a section of subfloor can range from $40 to $80 per square foot.

NOTE: These costs are on top of any new flooring products you plan to install.

The Professional Subfloor Repair Process

A pro will follow a clear process for a safe, permanent repair that meets all building codes.

• Inspection: The contractor will use moisture detection equipment to find the source of the water damage and assess the floor joists.

• Removal: The old flooring (hardwood flooring, tile, etc.) is carefully removed and set aside (if salvageable).

• Demolition: The damaged subflooring (usually oriented strand board or plywood) is cut out.

• Joist Repair: Any rotted or damaged joists are repaired, often by "sistering" (attaching new joists alongside the old ones) to restore structural support.

• New Installation: A new moisture barrier is installed, followed by new subflooring. The seams are properly spaced and staggered per building codes.

• Floor Reinstallation: Your original floor or a new floor can now be installed on a solid, level surface.

FAQs About Your Subflooring

What is the difference between subfloor and underlayment?

The subfloor is the thick, structural panel that attaches to the floor joists. The underlayment is a thin, non-structural layer (like foam or cement board) that goes on top of the subfloor to provide a smooth, consistent surface for the new tile installation or vinyl plank flooring.

What is an oriented strand board (OSB)?

OSB is the most common material choice for subflooring today. It's an engineered wood panel made of compressed, crisscrossed wood strands. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), OSB is a high-performance, cost-effective building material that is structurally equivalent to plywood when installed correctly.

I have a concrete slab. Do I have a subfloor?

No. In this case, the concrete slab (or concrete floors) is your subfloor. If you have foundation cracks or moisture issues, you would hire a concrete flooring contractor, not a subflooring contractor.

Can I just do a joist repair myself?

This is not recommended. Your floor system is a critical part of your home's structural support. Any repairs must adhere to building codes and may require load calculations, especially if you have open floor plans. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) notes that improper joist repair can compromise your home's safety.

Don't Wait on Structural Floor Repairs

Squeaky floors or soft spots are more than an annoyance; they're a warning sign. A subfloor repair is a serious home repair that protects your home's value and safety.

Mr. Remodel connects you to a vast network of trusted professionals who are licensed, reviewed, and reliable for structural home improvement projects. Our service is quick and easy, providing you with no-obligation quotes from qualified subflooring contractors in your area.

Let us help you find a local subfloor specialist for your free consultation.