Subfloor repair: contractor or DIY (how much, ceiling, installing, family room)

[DIYStruggler]

I'm the second homeowner and there was previously a leak in the master bathroom that came through the ceiling and onto the carpet in the family room. The leak was repaired along with the ceiling but the floor in the family room was neglected so the subfloor is weak and rotted. It is the last board near the exterior wall.

I'm looking for how much it would be to repair or replace a 2' by 2' square of subfloor and see if you guys have any suggestions for whether I need a contractor or if I can DIY this. Thanks!

[K'ledgeBldr]

It sounds like a DIY to me...

But only the person who is performing the task will know for sure if they're capable.

However, by your screen name I'd say hire someone!

[Coldjensens]

If it is just plywood either one is fine. You can do it easily or a handyman can likely do it for minimum cost. If it is tongue and groove, I suggest you learn to DIY or buck up and pay big dollars for someone who will do it right. Ripping it out and putting in plywood in that case is not doing it right.

Also, are you sure no joists/sills are also rotted? If so, it may well be beyond your skills or capacity to learn from a book, especially a sill plate. (Although a book and help/advice form an experienced friend may be enough to DIY. Depends on you.)

[James1202]

Originally Posted by DIYStruggler

I'm the second homeowner and there was previously a leak in the master bathroom that came through the ceiling and onto the carpet in the family room. The leak was repaired along with the ceiling but the floor in the family room was neglected so the subfloor is weak and rotted. It is the last board near the exterior wall.

I'm looking for how much it would be to repair or replace a 2' by 2' square of subfloor and see if you guys have any suggestions for whether I need a contractor or if I can DIY this. Thanks!

A patched piece of sub-floor should have two sides resting on FJs and blocking installed between the FJs along the other two sides. This way there's support under the seams of the patch piece and it won't give under someone's weight. The blocking between FJs isn't necessary if one is installing T&G flooring.

[Barking Spider]

The fact that you are asking is an indication that you may not be up to the task. (I don't know your skill level).

There are many variables. First, would be what material was used for the subfloor. Second, do you have good access under this area (unfinished basement, or crawlspace). Third, is there damage to the floor framing as well.

Granted, you do not need access under the area, but it could be much easier if you have to repair joists (or sill plates, etc).
You will also need several tools, and know how to use them to do the repairs.
Basically, you would need to cut out the damaged sub flooring. Then you will have to add blocking to the floor joists to give the new material support and a place to fasten it down.
So you cut out the damaged material, then keep cutting it back until it is even with the floor joists.
The you need to add small sections of floor joist to each side of the hole. You can do this with screws and a power driver. You may have to add blocking between the joists (perpendicular to the floor joists) to provide additional support. But you may not need it depending open the material and the size of the opening.
The you will screw in the new material to the added blocking. You might need to add fasteners to the old sub floor at the edge of the opening if its loose.

While its not rocket science, it could be a daunting job if you don't have the right tools, and the knowledge to use them.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Why all the Supererogation?

The OP asked a simple question- hire someone or DIY(?).