Have you/would you buy a house that smells like smoke?

It goes away. No need to be hysterical.

I have two asthmatic children. And I am sensitive to smells. Getting rid of smoke is not that easy. You will need to scrub all the walls before painting. The ceiling is going to be washed too. all windows, wood. so that means all cabinets are going to have to be really washed down-top, bottom, inside and out. All fixtures will have to washed. Smoke gets everywhere. and when you do start cleaning you will see how dirty and yellow the water will become. You will literally have to wash every surface and thing in the house. I would even think of replacing the insulation in the attic. You should have the furnace cleaned and the duct work. and while you clean I would rent a deodorizer/purifier. One of my family members was a heavy smoker, we are having a problem selling her condo because of the smell.

It is a buyer market out there. Have the owner have the house professionally cleaned and have them rent a deodorizer and purifier to be in the house while it is being cleaned. I would have them rip out all carpet and dispose of it too. Even if you plan to pay for the replacement.

Businesses that do restoration of smoke and fire damaged homes have special treatments for homes that have residual smoke problems. We usually treat such a cigarette smoked up home, such as what you describe, by using an Ozone Generator machine, commercial variety, for 24 hours or more. One concern, is the nicotine and chemical stained interior of the air ducts, which is one of your concerns. Regular duct cleaning does not, in my opinion, address this type of stained on mess. Talk to a Air Duct Cleaning Specialist in your area for an opinion. This specialist should only clean air ducts, no other side lines. Some carpet cleaners also clean air ducts, how ever there equipment leaves a little to be desired. Other wise, complete re painting is in order, washing down all the doors, cabinets, door trim, baseboard, etc. is necessary. I personally would not purchase such a home as I feel it is forever doomed from the concentration of the smoke. We clean these homes ,when there is no one smoking, and still leave with a head ache.

A thorough painting, cleaning, etc. will eliminate the odor much quicker than allowing time to do the job. Sounds like your planned work will do what's needed.

It's not a bad idea to have your ductwork cleaned regardless. Also, We use a product called Odo-Ban which is not only a disinfectant, but kills odors of all types. There is nothing more pungent than the smell of smoke after a fire and this stuff does the trick.

As for me... I wouldn't have a house that smells like cigarette smoke, the money it takes to clean the carpets, paint costs a lot these days, even then the smell stays in the walls then it makes your clothing smell like you've been smoking. No way... not for me.

I have bought a place like that. No biggie. Replacing any soft surfaces ( carpeting, drapes, etc ) and painting will get rid of most of the smell. Use an air purifier if you think there are any lingering smells. You can always wash down the cabinetry.

It's always a good idea to have your duct work cleaned once in awhile, anyway. Have it cleaned out.

Greetings and a few nice posts from others,

I agree that Odo-ban and duct cleaning will help a lot, I also suggest scrubbing walls, etc with TSP prior to painting will help as well as provide a btter surface for the new paint.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

I would if the house is real cheap and looks great, everything in good condition. There are ways to get rid of the smell, make use of odor removers, have the house repainted. Remove old furnitures.

Yes I have purchased a house from smokers..no biggie..cleaning/painting will take away any smell. I never had a problem, but I am not that sensitive to smells.

WHOA, it,s Not your house, YET.

if your that paranoid about it buy some where else,

But I bet you Drink, Oh that's ok , its a disease .not a bad habit,!

I would rather buy a house off of some one who smoked, than an alcoholic ,

ever hear of some one,s family getting wiped out by a driver under the influence of tobacco,?

Bet not,

So don,t Judge, if you want the house and want to spend

Thousands extra to satisfy your fears, go for it,

both my parents smoked, I,m 71 lived Thur it,