Older homes, frequent remodels
The Highlands neighborhoods northwest of downtown are often associated with older brick and frame houses, duplexes and a lot of renovation and infill. That makes the history of a particular building especially important. A house may have an original core, a newer addition and a remodeled basement, each with different ventilation and materials. Verify these details through permits, assessor records or the seller or landlord.
A remodel can both help and hide problems. New drywall, flooring and paint can cover an earlier smell, and mixed-age ductwork may connect old and new parts of a house in unexpected ways. In a duplex, a shared wall or shared basement may be a path for odor between households.
Basements in older Denver houses vary. Some have been dug deeper and finished, others still have original stone or brick foundations. Check for moisture, efflorescence and musty smell before blaming smoke alone.
Questions to ask about a Highlands-area property
- When were additions or basement finishes done, and were permits pulled?
- Do old and new parts of the house share a duct system or have separate ones?
- Is there any history of a former grow or of odor complaints?
- How is a duplex's shared wall or basement handled, and who maintains it?
- Were any remodeling materials installed over earlier odor or stains?
Features and checks
| Feature | Possible concern | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh paint and flooring | May cover earlier odor | Visit again on a warm day with the heat running |
| Mixed-age ducts | Odor spread between zones | Inspect returns and register smell |
| Shared duplex wall | Smoke from the other unit | Check outlets and gaps |
| Older basement | Moisture and musty smell | Take readings over time |
Common questions
- Does a remodeled house mean past odor problems?
- No. Remodels are common for many reasons. They simply mean you should compare the smell on different days.
- How do I check a remodel's history?
- Ask the seller or landlord for permit records and look up the address with the city's permit tools. A remodel date can tell you where to look more closely for old odor or moisture.
- Can paint and new floors hide odor for a showing?
- They can, which is why a second visit on a warm day with the heat or cooling running is useful before you decide.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.