This home was constructed about 10 years ago. It is what I would call "modest", only 1200 sq feet, (fine for me) and lacks any sort of adornment or upgrades, certainly what you would call a "starter" home.

I recently tore out the wall to wall carpet and baseboards (in order to install laminate flooring) in a bedroom and have discovered that the drywall does not sit on the floor, it is sitting on nails about 1/2 inche above the floor. In other words the drywall is suspended above the floor by about 1/2 to 3/4 inches. Why would anyone do this? What purpose does it serve? Is this evidence of substandard construction?

I am beginning to suspect it has something to do with the HVAC system and cold air return.

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