My builder has attached our new addition and it looks as though the new floor is about 1/4 to 1/2 below the existing floor in some locations. I’m actually impressed that we are this close considering all of the new floor was built with a big brick and block wall separating the two.
Builder says that we now need a transition between these two surfaces-kinda like you see between a bathroom and hallway.
In some locations, there is a door jamb so that solution is fine, but in other areas, like the dining room this transition is right in the middle of the room.
This maybe the only solution, but I pose the situation to all of you to see if there are alternatives that can be done to bridge this gap and end up with a nice smooth hardwood floor. Thanks in advance.
Replies
But you didn't say what the finished floor surfaces are going to be! Why doesn't he put some layers to make them the same? Why did this happen in the first place?
Ditto on why it's like this in the first place - close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. If it isn't flush in the end someone will eventually trip and I can't imagine you would ever be really happy. Perhaps a layer of 1/4"?
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Hardwood floor throughout the existing and addition.
A, Your pictures are a good start. Initially, I thought you had poured concrete floors in both. The second shot changed what I thought, looks to be wood frame. Simple answer is underlay the entire addition to bring it up to the level of the existing. If an uneven difference in your D.R., tapered shims might be necessary.
I'll agree on the sin of now knowing the goof. Something as important as continuing a room into an addition suggests getting it right the first time. Once the decision is made to go ahead with the work, exploratory surgery to accurately determine floor level is the only way to go. There's only so much you can do measuring from the inside and outside of a window sill.
Remember at this point, sometimes a flat, not level, plane is the way to go.
Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time