How Much Does Subfloor Repair Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

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The subfloor — the additional layer beneath the floor and is installed across the floor joists — at some point may begin to rot if exposed to water or may need to be replaced due to cat or dog urine.  This scenario is most often seen inside of a bathroom, but it can happen anywhere throughout the home.

kitchen joists by lemonhalf, on Flickr
kitchen joists” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  lemonhalf

How much does subfloor repair cost?

On average, be prepared to pay around $10 to $35 per square foot if you were to hire a professional contractor.  This is a price for just removing the subflooring and will not include replacing the flooring that was removed such as the tile, wood, or carpet.  The costs will depend on the geographical area, the complexity of the job, the flooring condition, the contractor and if the flooring has to be replaced after.  Most of your smaller jobs, such as rotted floor joists, buckling floors or a sagging floor, can cost about $400 to $1,000 on average.

For a simple, straightforward tear out, be prepared to spend about $10 per square foot; however, if the contractor needs to access beneath the walls to alter the structural support, the costs can get much closer to the $35 per square foot range.

The estimates should include the subflooring materials, all labor and cleanup.

Since all jobs are going to be rather different, consider using HomeAdvisor.com, a free estimate search engine that connects you with local, reputable and licensed contractors in your area.  Simply describe your job and contractors will quote you with an estimate.

On this DIYChatRoom.com forum thread, one member was quoted $45 per hour and about $300 in materials.  The entire job, which was about 500 square feet, cost him seven hours in labor in the end, totaling close to $615 to replace the entire room’s subflooring.

According to the data at AsktheHandyman.net, the costs to repair dry rot in the floor around the toilet can be about $400, for example.

What are the extra costs?

If carpet, hardwood flooring or tile has to be removed to access the subfloor, this flooring may have to be replaced if can’t be salvaged.  Depending on the size of the room, especially if it is a bathroom, you may need to replace the whole floor.  The costs to replace your flooring, again, depending on the size, can reach into the thousands.

Aside from the subflooring, the joists may need to be replaced in some cases.  Repairing a joist can cost an additional $100 to $300 per joist.

A damaged subfloor can sometimes be due to a leaky toilet and/or shower/tub.  If this were the case, then you will need to budget to either replace these items or for parts to stop them from leaking in the future.

How can I save money?

Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover damage caused by water.  Depending on the type of policy you have, the repairs may be covered and you will only be responsible for your deductible.


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