What to look at in a southwest Denver house
Parts of southwest Denver, including areas near Harvey Park, Bear Valley and Westwood, are often described as having postwar single-story houses and split-levels, alongside newer infill. Housing varies block by block, so treat that as a starting hypothesis and confirm your own home's age and layout through county assessor records or a quick walk-through.
In a typical ranch or split-level, a single central return and a basement or crawl space can make smoke from one room reach the whole house. A finished lower level used for smoking, vaping or a past grow can add a damp or musty layer. Ask yourself whether the smell is strongest upstairs, downstairs or at the register nearest the furnace.
Garages that were converted or attached add another variable. Smoke or vapor from a garage can enter through a shared wall, a utility penetration or the ductwork if returns run through that space.
Verify these in your own home
None of these are assumptions about your block; they are prompts for you to check.
- Confirm the year built and any later additions from county records.
- Find where the return grilles are and how many there are.
- Check whether the lower level has a separate heating zone or is served by the main duct system.
- Look for a swamp cooler on the roof or in a window, and note how it connects to the house.
- Inspect basement corners for staining, soft drywall or a musty smell under the cannabis smell.
- Look at the grading outside: does water run toward the foundation after rain or snowmelt?
Common features and what to ask
| Feature | Possible effect on odor | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Single central return | Spreads odor house-wide | Where do returns pull air from? |
| Finished basement | Holds residue or moisture | When was it finished, and was a permit pulled? |
| Attached garage | Allows odor pathways | Are there gaps at the door and utility holes? |
| Older carpet | Pad holds odor | Is the pad original? |
| Evaporative cooler | Pulls outdoor air through wet media | Does the intake face a neighbor's patio? |
Common questions
- Is southwest Denver more affected than other areas?
- There is no basis here to say so. Odor depends on the building and the use, not the neighborhood.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.