I live in a townhouse condo, and my neighbors smoke. I can now smell smoke through the walls in several parts of the house. I am contemplating re-painting and using Kilz as a primer.
My question is, should I be able to smell smoke through the walls of a new construction home that is still under warranty?
2007-01-20 04:38:25 · 13 answers · asked by Monique R 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You could check with a local contractor (reputable of course) to find out what the specs are for new construction and what their opinion is about the smell of the smoke. That would arm you with information to know how to proceed, if and when you need to contact the builder/owner of your unit.
Offhand, I would say you should NOT be smelling the smoke. It is my understanding that there are supposed to be firewalls in between condo units. (I want to qualify this by saying I am NOT a contractor, fireman or housing inspector, but I do believe this is correct.) At any rate, if you're smelling your neighbors cigarettes, it sounds like there may be nothing more than 2X4's and drywall, and that the walls aren't even properly sealed. Do you notice cracks or gaps between the wall and ceiling or the wall and floors - especially when the temperature changes?
Having said that, I would have to say that using Kilz as a primer won't help block the smoke smell, if that's what you're attempting to do. It can block water stains or help cover a bold color that you want to paint over, but it isn't going to deal with the problem you're describing. There are other types of primers to help seal concrete block and keep moisture from seeping in, but again, that wouldn't address the problem with the smoke.
If you have to deal with this yourself, check for cracks or gaps and caulk wherever needed. (This won't be a permanent solution, but it may help.) Consider investing in an air purifier (I think Oreck has a good one, but you could always do a search on the internet.)
If you find out the builder hasn't built to code (city ordinances, specs, or fire-safety requirements), then that is another matter. They would probably have to pay a fine and bring the building up to code, but that could be a long and costly process for you....especially if you have to get attorneys involved.
Just remember the alternative, if your building isn't safe, then having to fight this battle would be worth it - both for your own safety and to protect your investment.
Good luck!
2007-01-20 04:55:00 · answer #1 · answered by CassandraM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's not coming through the walls .It's probably coming through the venting system !Need to check with the builder of the condo .
And deffinately use kiltz on the walls . But it won't do much about the smoke.
2007-01-20 04:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by silverearth1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No and you should sue the seller - Smoke is so disgusting and if you can smell it from the next condo - that is because of shotty construction. You're condo should be pretty much air tight from the next one. They often share common attics or there might be cracks under the drywall and molding between the main walls. Either way this is unacceptable. Talk to the builder or seller.
If that doens't work then talk to a lawyer - you might be able to opt out of the condo for more than you paid - plus expenses of moving and your time and aggravation.
2007-01-20 04:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by John P 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
first of all, a condo is not a home. all that you bought was the right to occupy the insides of the walls. all that you own is from the paint in, and floor covering up. check with the local building official to see what the requirements are for separation of condo units; firewalls, heating and ventilation, etc.. the building official would have had to inspect the condo as it was being built and signed off on it being done correctly. i think you will in the end just have to start burning candles to cover up the smell. the neighbors own the right to do anything, that is legal, they please in their space. you should have bought a house. good luck.
2007-01-20 05:50:12 · answer #4 · answered by car dude 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Julie B's answer looks great. I would like to add that first you must make sure its cigarette smoke and not your new appliances burning off the newness. Then if it is cigarette smell, follow her advice and add the fact that you may have a shared ventilation system (heat & a/c). In this case you may have to move to get away from it.
2007-01-20 05:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by Barchoo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are living in a public place other famillies live inside so I would say if your state says no Smoking in Bars that should also fall under that same category. What you do in your own house is your business but if it is in the same building and coming through the walls then complain......
Look under smoking laws
2007-01-20 04:43:49 · answer #6 · answered by Pooh 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wow, you must have some sense of smell. It is very annoying so I would definately make a complaint. If you can smell the smoking then it cannot be good for your lungs.
2007-01-20 04:42:19 · answer #7 · answered by Colette B 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Ya, smoke goes everywhere
2007-01-20 04:41:19 · answer #8 · answered by Doug H 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
try washing the walls with vinegar
2007-01-20 04:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by yessy yes no 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What cheap construction. You need to get to the builder ASAP. You may need a real estate attorney to bully them (unfortunately).
It doesn't matter where it's coming from. You shouldn't have to subject to it!
2007-01-20 04:42:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋