I purchased a ranch style house that is 24'X40' with the basement stairs centered in the house. We had water damage in the basement which forced us to tear out the finished basement. The water issue has been resolved but we discovered that the floor joists are 2 X 8's and span 12' from the foundation wall to the center beam. Upstairs you can feel the deflection when walking. We eventually want to re-finish and want to keep the floor plan as open as possible. We cannot put 2X10 sister joists because the electric runs down the center of floor joists. I was considering putting lolly columns every 14' to support double 2x10's, However, I wanted to notch the floor joists to recess the beam and use joist hangers for additional support. Do you think this is a good option or might there be another let labor intensive and more cost effective solution?

Thanks,

Russ

You could also sister in an additional joist to the existing joists. This would double them up and reduce deflection. All floors deflect to one degree or another. I was in a very large Ikea store and could feel people walking 10' from where I stood. Deflection just happens with building materials. If you situation concerns you I'd add the additional joists. Even cutting 8' strips of 3/4 plywood and glue/screw them on the side of the joist will lesson the problem.