I've inherited a house that's got quite a history—it's been home to chain smokers for about 50 years and has also seen some pet mishaps. Currently, I can't provide any pictures, but I'm trying to wrap my head around the level of repairs it might need. The smoking has permeated every room, and I'm unsure about whether to expect to replace the subfloor or if just the flooring will do. Is it feasible to clean and seal the drywall, or would it likely require replacing? I'm pretty novice in this area and would love your thoughts and advice on where to start!
3 Answers
Given the extent of the damage from the smoking, I’d say you really have two choices: either sell it as it is or gut it down to the studs and start fresh. There’s likely no way to clean off decades of tar from the walls effectively without a total overhaul.
If you're planning to live in it, you're looking at a big project. It probably needs new plumbing and electricity, plus removing the subfloor. The smell won’t go away easily—I'd suggest serious cleaning and maybe even some professional help. If it’s just too much, flipping it for someone else to handle might be a good idea!
Honestly, you might want to just consider selling the house as-is. It’s probably your best shot at getting a decent price without investing a ton into repairs. If you go the renovation route, especially with contractors, it could end up costing you more than it's worth.
I agree! Sometimes it’s not worth putting in all that work when selling it as-is could actually be more beneficial.
Definitely check around for quotes from different contractors if you go that route. You’ll want to make sure someone sensitive to smells is in on the assessment, just to avoid having lingering odors after investing all that effort into renovations.