[LuvDaBlues]

Chris,

You need to determine if it's a conventional steel reinforced slab, or a post tension slab. Look around the outside of the foundation. If you see 3" circles about every 4'-5', it's post tension. Those are cable strands and you CAN NOT cut or nick. To find them in the floor slab, yes, use a metal detector and stay away from the strands.

If no circles, then it's a conventional reinforced system. The steel reinforcing bars (re-bar) are set at 18" on center (typical) both directions. Should be no problem if you cut or nick a couple. But if you're not comfortable either way, use a metal detector.