Selling a house with lingering odours can be a real headache, especially when it comes to pet smells like cat urine. Those pesky pee stains can seep deep into floorboards, making them nearly impossible to get rid of (unless you replace all wooden floorboards and joists), no matter how much scrubbing you do.
In article, we will reveal how to sell any whiffy property, repair it or give our friendly builder Richard a challenge to relish.
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Selling a Smelly House: A Nose-Wrinkling Challenge
While pet urine is a notorious offender, it’s not the only source of unpleasant aromas in a home. Here are some other common causes:
- Mould and mildew
- Cigarette smoke
- Cooking odours (think fish, curry, or burnt food)
- Musty basements or attics
- Rubbish disposals and collapsed drains
The Nose Knows: Devaluation Due to Stench
Unfortunately, a smelly house can significantly impact its value. Potential buyers may be turned off by the unpleasant odours, leading to lower offers or even a complete lack of interest. In some cases, a stinky home can be devalued by up to 25%.
Why Selling a Smelly House is a Struggle?
- Masking the smell is only a temporary solution.
- Buyers may worry about underlying issues causing the odour.
- Lingering smells can be a deal-breaker for many buyers.
- Removing stubborn odours can be costly and time-consuming.
| Odour Source | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Pet Urine | High |
| Mould | Moderate to High |
| Smoke | Moderate |
| Cooking | Low to Moderate |
How to fix a smelly house?
Dealing with a smelly house can be challenging, but various options are available to address different types of odours. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fix a smelly house, along with the estimated costs involved.
Pet Urine Odour:
- Enzyme-based cleaners use enzymes to break down urine and eliminate odour. They cost £8-£25 per bottle.
- Professional carpet cleaning: Professional carpet cleaning may be necessary for severe cases. This costs between £75 to £225 for an average-sized home. However, this may not work as floors may be seeped in urine.
- Replacing affected flooring: If the odour has penetrated deep into the subfloor or floorboards, replacing the affected areas may be required. Cost: This varies based on the flooring type and area but can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.
Mould and Mildew Smell:
- Identify and address the moisture source: Fix any leaks, improve ventilation, or use a dehumidifier to prevent further mould growth.
- Clean affected areas: Use bleach and water or a specialised mould remover to clean affected surfaces. Cleaning products cost £8-£40.
- Professional mould remediation: For severe cases, hiring a professional mould remediation company may be necessary. The cost varies from £ 375 to £4,500 or more, depending on the extent of the problem.
Cigarette Smoke Stench:
- Deep cleaning: Thoroughly clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors, using a degreaser or TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution. The cost of cleaning products is £40-£150.
- Ozone treatment: An ozone generator can help neutralise odours by oxidising the molecules causing the smell. Cost: £150-£375 for professional treatment.
- Replacing porous materials: If the odour persists, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture may need to be replaced. The cost varies depending on the materials and size of the home.
Cooking Smells:
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen by using extractor fans or opening windows while cooking.
- Bicarbonate of soda: Sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda on affected surfaces and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming or wiping it away. A bag of bicarbonate of soda costs £3.
- Charcoal filters: Install charcoal filters in the kitchen or use charcoal bags to absorb odours. Cost: £8-£40 for filters or bags.
Dead Animal Odour:
- Locate and remove the carcass: This may involve removing plasterboard, insulation, or pipes to access the source of the odour.
- Professional cleaning and deodorisation: After removing the carcass, professional cleaning and deodorisation may be necessary to eliminate lingering odours. Depending on the extent of the problem, the cost varies from £ 375 to £1,500 or more.
Challenge Richard, Our Mental Builder
Listen up, folks! We’ve got an interesting tale to share about our colleague Richard, the builder with an unusual obsession.
This chap is absolutely fixated on sniffing out smells and resolving them. You wouldn’t believe some of the unpleasant situations he’s encountered in the past. Dead pigeons? Check. Rotting rabbits? Absolutely. Venomous snakes? Believe it or not, he’s come across those too! And let’s not even get started on the rats.
This fellow has seen more rodent carcasses than one can imagine. Now, here’s the kicker – if your home makes Richard vomit, we’ll give you an extra £500!
How’s that for a challenge? Imagine the look on his face when he encounters a stench so foul and revolting that it makes even his iron stomach churn. We’d pay good money to witness that! So, if you’ve got a smelly house that could make a grown person weep, call us.
Richard will come running, armed with his trusty toolbox and a nose like a bloodhound. And if he can’t handle it, you’ll be quids in, my friend!
How to sell a stinky house?
If you’re a UK seller struggling with a stinky house, Property Saviour is here to help.
We understand the embarrassment and hassle of dealing with estate agents when your home has odour issues.
That’s why we offer a discreet and non-judgemental solution: we’ll buy any house, no matter how whiffy it is.
With Property Saviour, you can achieve a hassle-free sale without the need for extensive cleaning or refurbishment.
Our team of experts will handle the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transaction.
So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to your smelly home, contact Property Saviour today and let us help you turn that nose-pinching situation into a fresh start.
Plus you get to meet Richard, who is far cooler than Stig!
Sell your whiffy property to us
Here at Property Saviour, we will buy any property in any condition. Here’s why sellers sell to us:
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
