Important question: cigarette smoke and my tiels....

Tropical

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I have to move and it looks like I finally found a condo and will be putting in an offer on it ASAP. Condo is a massive fixer upper in horrible condition and was occupied for 5 yrs by a very heavy chain smoker... the condo wreaks horrendously bad of smoke. Nasty!!! It will be a very nice condo with water view once renovated.

I will be getting a new AC unit placed into the unit and the ducts will be cleaned and carpets removed BEFORE I dare move in... but I'm worried what if the smoke is still going to be in the air??

How long do you think it will take for the contaminated air to clear enough for it to be safe for my tiels? Condo has been empty now for entire month but I can hardly BREATH when I'm standing inside the condo. It is disgusting. Can such a bad smoke contamination really be truly cleaned out from the ducts?
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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Depending on the age of the ductwork, it may be cheaper to replace!

Thanks... I didn't even think of that! I don't know much about AC ducts... I will have to check into the cost of cleaning vs replacing the duct

... but I think most of the horrid smell is coming from the carpets... hopefully the air will become breathable once the new AC unit is placed in and ducts are cleaned and carpets torn up...

The reason why I think most of the smell is coming from the carpets is because the AC has not even been turned on for the past couple of weeks...but of course the air ducts are heavily contamianted as well.

The person who occupied this condo for 5 yrs was such a heavy smoker it discolored lots of things (light switches/fixtures etc) in the condo into this nasty yellow mustard color.
 

Kentuckienne

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The tars from the smoke will have been deposited out long ago, and the volatiles should be rapidly diluted. The carpets may have mold, since the AC has been off, and that could make it hard to breathe if you are allergic to it. Once the carpet is gone and the walls washed and painted it should clear up. I wouldn't expect the ductwork to be heavily contaminated. You might want to rent an ozone generator for a day or so - check with a local water-damage restored. The big ones are quite expensive to buy, but will take out every mold spore, fungus and etc. in the place. The people can tell you how long it has to run, depends on the size of the space and the capacity of the generator. You can't be there while it's running, and the place will need a good airing out afterwards, but I believe you will be pleased with the results.
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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The tars from the smoke will have been deposited out long ago, and the volatiles should be rapidly diluted. The carpets may have mold, since the AC has been off, and that could make it hard to breathe if you are allergic to it. Once the carpet is gone and the walls washed and painted it should clear up. I wouldn't expect the ductwork to be heavily contaminated. You might want to rent an ozone generator for a day or so - check with a local water-damage restored. The big ones are quite expensive to buy, but will take out every mold spore, fungus and etc. in the place. The people can tell you how long it has to run, depends on the size of the space and the capacity of the generator. You can't be there while it's running, and the place will need a good airing out afterwards, but I believe you will be pleased with the results.


Great thanks for the info :) I wonder if I could rent an ozone generator from Home Depot...

I know the condo would be inspected first... hopefully there is no black mold anywhere. The small bathroom has a leak and huge crack in shower wall... hopefully no mold though...

This condo has a big screened in balcony with lake view... IF I manage to get this condo 'Nut is going to be sooo happy! :D

... Rascal too :)
 

plumsmum2005

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As already mentioned everywhere is going to need painting to be better smelling and clean and will have to be washed down prior to that. Have you made plans re the little guys with the paint fumes? Can you at least have a room they will be in done prior to moving? Just something to think about.
 
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Tropical

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As already mentioned everywhere is going to need painting to be better smelling and clean and will have to be washed down prior to that. Have you made plans re the little guys with the paint fumes? Can you at least have a room they will be in done prior to moving? Just something to think about.

The carpeting is being removed and the flooring is being redone with NO carpet. I cannot stand carpet. New AC unit and painting will also be done at least 2 maybe 3 weeks before I move into it (Also having the popcorn "cottage cheese" ceiling removed) .... so it will have plenty time to air out from the paint. I couldn't move into the house before then even if I wanted to... its inhabitable in current condition.
 
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SailBoat

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As already mentioned everywhere is going to need painting to be better smelling and clean and will have to be washed down prior to that. Have you made plans re the little guys with the paint fumes? Can you at least have a room they will be in done prior to moving? Just something to think about.

The carpeting is being removed and the flooring is being redone with NO carpet. I cannot stand carpet. New AC unit and painting will also be done at least 2 maybe 3 weeks before I move into it (Also having the popcorn "cottage cheese" ceiling removed) .... so it will have plenty time to air out from the paint. I couldn't move into the house before then even if I wanted to... its inhabitable in current condition.

With a chain smoker, the walls and all surfaces with be covered with the heavy coating of those thick chemicals. Simply painting over it will not create a proper seal and you will just be painting again in a few years. You really need to use a 'quality' Primer /Sealer first.

FYI: Trash the appliances!
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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As already mentioned everywhere is going to need painting to be better smelling and clean and will have to be washed down prior to that. Have you made plans re the little guys with the paint fumes? Can you at least have a room they will be in done prior to moving? Just something to think about.

The carpeting is being removed and the flooring is being redone with NO carpet. I cannot stand carpet. New AC unit and painting will also be done at least 2 maybe 3 weeks before I move into it (Also having the popcorn "cottage cheese" ceiling removed) .... so it will have plenty time to air out from the paint. I couldn't move into the house before then even if I wanted to... its inhabitable in current condition.

With a chain smoker, the walls and all surfaces with be covered with the heavy coating of those thick chemicals. Simply painting over it will not create a proper seal and you will just be painting again in a few years. You really need to use a 'quality' Primer /Sealer first.

FYI: Trash the appliances!


I'll make sure to use a primer first then :) You are so right about getting rid of those appliances. They are filled with the fumes. I almost vomited when I opened the oven... the worst smell ever came out of it! Luckily I have a brand new fridge I bought on black friday discount.
 

Scott

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Sounds like a condo with great potential. So much work to do before moving in, but the finished product should be worth the hassle. Might want to make a check-list of all the projects to accomplish so you won't have any areas of contamination remaining. Is there an HOA, and if so have you approached them about having cockatiels on the balcony on a part time basis?
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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Sounds like a condo with great potential. So much work to do before moving in, but the finished product should be worth the hassle. Might want to make a check-list of all the projects to accomplish so you won't have any areas of contamination remaining. Is there an HOA, and if so have you approached them about having cockatiels on the balcony on a part time basis?

I spoke to HOA on the phone for almost 20 minutes... she was very nice! Told me there has never been and isn't any rules regarding birds and that it would be OK if I had my bird cage on my balcony :D

They only have rules about not allowing dogs over 25 pounds...

It's not 100% sure I'm getting this condo yet... it needs at LEAST 40 thousand dollars worth of renovations (which I cannot afford)... and the seller is NOT willing to sell for a FAIR price... so I'm not sure what will happen.

... I would ONLY be renovating the floor and kitchen... the 2 bathrooms would have to wait until I win the lotto or something. This is an end unit with a panoramic view of the lake... here is the listing which is currently EXTREMELY very very overpriced (due to the fact it is a major gut job and not even inhabitable in current condition)... it's listed at 183K... must see in person to really see the extremely poor condition of unit's interior....



I'm trying to offer 165K for it but seller will not accept less than 170K (because he is "delusional" my realtor said)... because unit needs 40K worth of renovations.

...another almost identical unit (except it was not an end unit and did not have panoramic view) which is a beautiful unit because it was recently renovated sold for 182K four months ago (this unit: .... so I'm worried 165K is still a very BAD DEAL for the condo I'm wanting to get because very similar condo in GREAT condition recently renovated sold for 182K!

... and since house I am living in is practically sold it would be all cash offer because even after DEBTS are paid off profit on sale of my house would pay for condo... I think seller is out of his mind?? I have no idea (I'm not very good with these things)... my mother is involved in real estate... she thinks it is OK deal if seller sells for 160K or 165K because of panoramic lake view and due to fact it is an end unit... if anyone here thinks otherwise please tell me cuz I'm not sure :(
 
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plumsmum2005

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Hi J, although it was lovely to see the condo do you think it was a good idea to put it up on a public forum? Just thinking of you. :)
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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Hi J, although it was lovely to see the condo do you think it was a good idea to put it up on a public forum? Just thinking of you. :)

Whoops, you are right. Good point. I just removed the addresses. I had a random stalker before coming to my house... this was back on 2001. It was an ordeal.

... even though these days anyone can find where I live just by googling my name. I don't like that at all :eek: .... but I'm no celebrity.... so it's not as scary as it could be otherwise hehe ;)
 

Scott

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It sounds overpriced judging by the work necessary and the nearby comparable sale. OTOH real estate in parts of the nation has come roaring back, so you have to balance the likelihood of the owner getting his price vs scoring what you really want. If $40K will still not get you a turn-key home, I'd think twice and maybe three times! Of course I am not at all handy with renovations and would have to outsource 100% of the job.... well, I can change a light bulb!!

But only you know the market, the relative rarity of this unit, and the prospect of living with something that may be unfinished for a long while. If your mother has seen the unit and is familiar with the local market, she should be of great help.
 
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Tropical

Tropical

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It sounds overpriced judging by the work necessary and the nearby comparable sale. OTOH real estate in parts of the nation has come roaring back, so you have to balance the likelihood of the owner getting his price vs scoring what you really want. If $40K will still not get you a turn-key home, I'd think twice and maybe three times! Of course I am not at all handy with renovations and would have to outsource 100% of the job.... well, I can change a light bulb!!

But only you know the market, the relative rarity of this unit, and the prospect of living with something that may be unfinished for a long while. If your mother has seen the unite and is familiar with the local market, she should be of great help.

I printed out on paper an almost identical unit (only difference being it is not an end unit and does not have panoramic view but it still have beautiful lake view)... it was beautiful (renovated) unit and it sold for 182K... I will be bring these papers to stick into that broker's face so the seller can wake up to reality that his DISASTER of a unit is not worth 183K nor 170K in current condition! ... since it needs at least 40K worth of renovations to make it as nice... new AC unit... new floors, bathrooms, kitchen, balcony every single inch of the unit it a gut job. It even needs new appliances! OMG

I am positive of course he knows his unit is very overpriced and seller is not being realistic. Seller is CRAZY if he does not accept my all cash offer. Oh well... it will be interesting to see what happens... :34:
 
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Upon during further research I now see this is a lot ore serious than I initially thought. I have now read on a multiple of forums very often people can NEVER get rid of those highly toxic chemical fumes even after they have cleaned the ducts... painted a specific type of primer onto alls before painting and doing everything else right....

I could hardly BREATH the past 2 times I went to see that condo.. it was AWFUL. there are over 1,000 different toxic chemicals and cigarette smoke... the chemicals in it is very sticky and oily... it has coated all the ducts and EVERYTHING inside the unit.

I no longer feel comfortable with this condo. I think I need to scratch this off the list and move on... I can't take the chance that my tiels will get sick.

... I don't know what the truth is... if this can really be RESOLVED? It might also costs THOUSANDS of dollars just to try? Crazy! :(
 

Scott

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Upon during further research I now see this is a lot ore serious than I initially thought. I have now read on a multiple of forums very often people can NEVER get rid of those highly toxic chemical fumes even after they have cleaned the ducts... painted a specific type of primer onto alls before painting and doing everything else right....

I could hardly BREATH the past 2 times I went to see that condo.. it was AWFUL. there are over 1,000 different toxic chemicals and cigarette smoke... the chemicals in it is very sticky and oily... it has coated all the ducts and EVERYTHING inside the unit.

I no longer feel comfortable with this condo. I think I need to scratch this off the list and move on... I can't take the chance that my tiels will get sick.

... I don't know what the truth is... if this can really be RESOLVED? It might also costs THOUSANDS of dollars just to try? Crazy! :(

Sorry to hear this, Juliet. You may need several opinions to judge whether you can render the interior healthful and pleasant.

Out of curiosity, how long has that condo been on the market? What sort of market are you in, mostly a sellers or buyers? With current technology, at least scouting for possibilities can be done in the comfort of your home.
 
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Tropical

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Upon during further research I now see this is a lot ore serious than I initially thought. I have now read on a multiple of forums very often people can NEVER get rid of those highly toxic chemical fumes even after they have cleaned the ducts... painted a specific type of primer onto alls before painting and doing everything else right....

I could hardly BREATH the past 2 times I went to see that condo.. it was AWFUL. there are over 1,000 different toxic chemicals and cigarette smoke... the chemicals in it is very sticky and oily... it has coated all the ducts and EVERYTHING inside the unit.

I no longer feel comfortable with this condo. I think I need to scratch this off the list and move on... I can't take the chance that my tiels will get sick.

... I don't know what the truth is... if this can really be RESOLVED? It might also costs THOUSANDS of dollars just to try? Crazy! :(

Sorry to hear this, Juliet. You may need several opinions to judge whether you can render the interior healthful and pleasant.

Out of curiosity, how long has that condo been on the market? What sort of market are you in, mostly a sellers or buyers? With current technology, at least scouting for possibilities can be done in the comfort of your home.


I'm very confused... I don't know if it really is possible to make it SAFE (especially for my tiels) or if it is not possible. As I read many people on forums said they NEVER could get rid of the chemical contamination but then other people said they could.

This condo has been on the market for about one month. There aren't a lot of properties for sale vs buyers... but that could be because I'm needing to stick to properties with low priced HOA as I can't afford anything higher and the properties also need to be priced on the lower end...

This condo would have been beyond perfect. The other unit which was renovated and sold for 182K was not an end unit... the realtor told me since this unit I would like to get is an end unit it generally costs about 10% more for end units.

I'm also concerned about the additional big costs it would take to even attempt to remove the contamination. :(

I'm going to call some companies who specialize in that service to meet me at that condo and wrote me an estimate as it is the SELLER who should pay for that and/or reduce price accordingly...
 
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plumsmum2005

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I'm going to call some companies who specialize in that service to meet me at that condo and wrote me an estimate as it is the SELLER who should pay for that and/or reduce price accordingly...[/QUOTE]

Perhaps with some actual quotations from companies to decorate and fix the ducting etc the seller may actually realise how much it will take to make into a habitable space again. Quotes on paper may be taken more seriously. Choice can be given ie seller gets the work done or reduce the price and you get it done? :)
 

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