Good Duplex Short Sale, but REEKS of cigarette smoke!

[Drew Wiard]

Hey fellow BP'ers...

I've done some rehab work, but never cigarette smoke.

I have the potential for a VERY nice short sale deal on a duplex in a decent neighborhood.  It will need much rehab to begin with, but it's been smoked in for YEARS.  In all of my other units, I prohibit smoking (and cats) for the sake of unpleasant odors and allergens, etc...

How tough is it to remove smoke smell?  What considerations should I be taking aside from the obvious (carpet, curtains, wall paper removal, vent cleanings, etc...).  Is it possible to be rid of the stench?

Thanks!

[Mindy Jensen]

1000 years ago, when I was less than poor, I could only afford the car that was soaked in cigar fumes.

It took me two bottles of Febreeze, but that car smelled like a brand new car after two bottles. I think they run about $4? I would soak the interior, then leave all doors open to let dry. I don't know what is in that bottle, but it works just like it is advertised. It took me two bottles because the care was that bad.

When my Aunt and Uncle would come to visit, they would smoke in our house. My parents would set dishes of vinegar and clumps of charcoal around the house after they left, and it didn't take long to soak up the smoke. 

I think you hit everything else - remove carpet, curtains, clean the vents. Killz brand primer/sealer on all the walls, then paint like normal. Scrub the walls first, to remove as much nicotine as possible. Good luck!