What a floor elevation survey shows (and what it doesn’t)

What it shows well

• Patterns of differential movement (one side lower than another, center high, edges low, etc.)
• Whether the floors are relatively flat or have clear slopes and bowls
• A baseline you can compare against later if you choose to monitor

What it does not show by itself

• The exact cause of the movement
• Whether the movement is active right now
• Whether repair is required
• The condition of the soil under the slab
• Future performance

The map is data. Interpretation is separate.

Why interpretation matters in Arizona

In Arizona the same map can be read two different ways depending on who is holding it. A repair company may see a reason to install piers. An independent read may see movement that is common for the soil type, age of the house, and drainage conditions — movement that can be watched rather than immediately corrected.

A good survey includes the numbers, the map, and a plain discussion of what those numbers most likely mean in context. The map alone is not a diagnosis.