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Les, You are correct pointing out it is definitely not a cold joint! I've seen color differences resulting from lunch lines being over-vibrated to blend the "before lunch" with "after lunch". The aggregate goes down and the grout comes up which will create a darker color, but I've not seen one that different. Just an opinion based on what I've experienced. I only relay my thoughts and I am always open to how others see it and call it. That's the beauty of drawing from each others knowledge and experience. I did not take your comment as being argumentative. W.S. "Cye" Miles APRE Inspections, Inc. Maryville, TN

I tend to concur more with the concrete batch differential rather than the cold joint/lunch line. It would be well worth the investment of a good inspection to further evaluate this condition and certainly the rest of the home. It is hard to tell from the picture, but what is the lighter color showing up at the joists? I can't tell for sure if they are wooden wedges or something else. It's just hard to evaluate from your photo...