Considering a house that was probably smoked in for 30 years

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Considering a house that was probably smoked in for 30 years

Cali Skier
Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2017 · 125 posts · 14 votes

We saw a house yesterday that was probably smoked in for 30 years.  The smell was very strong and the "white" walls were tan, lighter tan where pictures used to be.  

If we were to take this on, how do you get rid of the smell?

I assume the carpet and pad have to go, what else?

Do I need to hit the walls and ceilings with Kils or do I need to pull the sheetrock off the walls and ceilings, take it down to the studs and remove insulation and start over?

What about kitchen cabinets and fixtures?

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Mike McCarthy
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
6y

@Cali Skier I haven't had a huge problem with this. Obviously anything soft needs to go - carpets, blinds, curtains. Then the painters handle either washing the walls down first with a TSP solution, and paint, or if it's not too bad, just paint.

I think 90% of the smell is in the carpet. As long as you have replacement and painting on the list, you’ll be fine.

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  • Mike McCarthy
    Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Cali Skier I haven't had a huge problem with this. Obviously anything soft needs to go - carpets, blinds, curtains. Then the painters handle either washing the walls down first with a TSP solution, and paint, or if it's not too bad, just paint.

    I think 90% of the smell is in the carpet. As long as you have replacement and painting on the list, you’ll be fine.

    2Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    6y

    The walls and ceiling have to be washed first, then multiple coats of Kilz, then paint. Get rid of any carpet.

    This should substantially improve the smell.

    1Reply
  • Mike S.
    Rental Property Investor · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2013 · 419 posts · 323 votes
    6y

    Zinsser shellac works better than Kilz in this situation.  Make sure all surfaces are cleaned. Sand off the rough spot if any or it will be hard to smooth it out after.

    Latex sealer/primer WILL bleed through and smoke smell will return.

    1Reply
  • Sarah Brown
    Real Estate Agent · Nampa, ID · Member since 2017 · 439 posts · 361 votes
    6y

    All of the ideas mentioned are good ideas.  I have also seen where it was so bad that it was in the HVAC system and the vents had to be cleaned.  In the past we have used scrubbing bubbles to clean the walls.  Lots of primer! 

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  • Cali Skier
    OP
    Oklahoma City, OK · Member since 2017 · 125 posts · 14 votes
    6y

    thank guys, there is no HVAC, its all window units.  

    sounds a little more tolerable than i thought.

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    6y

    CHECK THIS OUT

    These tenants had been smoking in the apartment for about ten years before I came along so I allowed it to continue because it was already trashed.

    Washed everything.

    Painted with an oil-based primer that seals in the remaining stains and odors.

    Replace the flooring.

    That's it. The place smells brand new.

    If you have forced-air heat, I recommend having the ducts cleaned.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Josh SkyerPro Member
    Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 9 votes
    6y

    I have had this issue in several properties and would advise you to tread cautiously here.  In my experience with smoke simply thinking it's going to be a cleanup and paint job can be disastrous.  It might be depending on your tolerance or your goal for the prop.

      I turned this one into a Vacation rental so its less of an issue because tenants average a few days at a time.  2 years smoke-free and most guests still comment on the smoke smell.  (it's really nice and basically beachfront so they tolerate it) 

      Heavy smoke permeates everything.  We did everything listed by others above -- Repaint the entire house with 3 coats of oil-based kills, empty the house and scrub it down with smoke killing cleaners, repaint cabinets, replace all fixtures and appliances, full ozone treatment -- It got better in the beginning but as time passed the smoke smell came back. 

    We have resigned to the fact that all sheetrock and insulation and flooring needs to be pulled out of the house -- even then we are concerned that the smell is in the actual wooden studs and attic.   Things we are not ready to do. 

    Best of luck. 

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  • Marc Winter
    Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Has anyone mentioned Ozonator for odors that linger after painting and flooring?

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  • Ken Swearengen
    Baltimore, MD · Member since 2018 · 75 posts · 38 votes
    6y

    Restoration companies are also a good source. If you think about it they specialize in removing smoke damage from fires, so they're probably also good at removing smoke damage from smoking. 

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