Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called in after someone ignored a “little” soft spot or that musty smell. Nine times out of ten, it’s not just a minor patch job—it’s a whole section of subfloor or framing that’s rotted out. My rule of thumb: if something feels off, pull it apart sooner rather than later. It’s way less painful (and cheaper) to fix a small issue before it snowballs. Trust your gut, even if it feels like you’re being overly cautious... it usually pays off.
Couldn’t agree more about catching stuff early—it’s wild how fast a “tiny” issue can turn into a wallet-drainer. I used to think I was being paranoid, but every time I’ve pulled up a weird-smelling corner, I’ve been glad I did. Sometimes it’s just a little patch, sometimes it’s a whole weekend project, but it’s always cheaper than waiting. Trusting your gut is underrated.
