12/18/2025
🚫 This is NOT How You Run a Drain Line…
When you’re in a crawlspace, you never know what you’ll find — and this one is a perfect example of why home inspections matter.
To make room for this drain line, someone completely cut through a floor joist.
❗ Why This Is a Big Problem
Floor joists are structural members that carry the load of the flooring, walls, and everything above it. When a joist is completely cut, that load is no longer supported — which can lead to:
Sagging floors
Structural movement
Cracked drywall or tile
Long-term damage and expensive repairs
📏 Joist Cutting/Notching Rules (In Simple Terms)
Building standards do allow limited cuts or notches in floor joists — but only within very specific guidelines:
✅ Notches in the outer 1/3 of the span only
❌ No notches are allowed in the middle third (the highest-stress area)
📏 Notch depth limits:
Top or bottom notches: No deeper than 1/6 of the joist depth
End notches: Up to 1/4 of the depth
❌ No notches at all in engineered I-joists
🪚 Holes are allowed, but only if:
They’re in the middle 1/3 of the joist,
They’re at least 2" from the top or bottom,
They’re no larger than 1/3 of the joist depth.
👉 Cutting an entire joist like this violates every rule, removes structural support, and requires proper repair or reinforcement by a qualified contractor.
🏡 Why This Matters
Small shortcuts during construction can cause major headaches down the road.
A thorough home inspection helps catch issues like this before they turn into costly structural repairs.
If you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, WIN Home Inspection is here to help keep your biggest investment safe and sound. 615-969-5741
