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Posted by Banty on May 15, 2007, 1:07 pm
>
>> We are looking for a new house. In the
>> last few days we found a real nice
>> log home that fits our needs almost
>> perfectly with the one exception of a
>> fairly strong smoking smell. I thought
>> that if we make an offer, it would
>> be accompanied by a complete list of
>> "cleaning", ...
>
>Probably should as another poster said, get the house evaluated by a
>professional cleaning service (the post-fire kind of folks, not the
>"Stanley Steemer" drive-by guys") and get their opinion/cost.
>
>Unless the market is really weak and the offer is otherwise enticing,
>I'd guess the seller will, at best, counter-offer a little off the
>price rather than bite the bullet. Depends on how badly they want the
>deal of course.
>
>What experience I have is that if it is really strong from a long-time
>heavy smoker that carpets can be essentially impossible to fully
>eradicate. Carpet in particular is problematical in that it can also
>permeate the pad. Drapes can, at least in theory, be taken out and
>professionally cleaned, but many are unable to withstand the treatment
>either from the type of fabric/lining or age.
>
>The wood shouldn't be too bad assuming it has been finished -- if it
>was bare wood there's a possibility of some residual but probably not
>a real bad problem. Ducts aren't too bad as they don't have the
>porosity and will eventually clear w/ new filters and a freshening.
>
>But, the cost could get pretty high so I'd not go in w/o an estimate
>from a reputable firm. Truthfully, I'd think asking for a new carpet
>allowance might be more palatable and certainly more certain of
>success.
>
>
Yes - new carpets and draperies are necessary (although are draperies not
usually understood as part of the price the way carpets are?). You should be
able to get an allowance for the carpets. Cleaning won't do; you'll want your
own eventually anyway, right? Who wants to live too long with some other
people's decor. This give you a reason to have the new carpeting allowed for.
Cleaning of the heating ductwork, too, would be good and there should be an
estimate and an allowance made. I know that's done around here for forced air
heating systems.
Unless this place is totally smoked up (is there a film on the windows?) and/or
you're very sensitive, these measures plus wiping down the walls should do the
trick. I think some of the responses here are a little over the edge.
As with many things, it depends on the particulars. How bad it is, how
sensitive you are about this (not saying that's a bad thing if you are!), how
much you like the house and how it suits your needs otherwise, what the market
is, how cooperative the sellers might be to turn this to your advantage.
Cheers,
Banty
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