Hi,
We just moved into our 'new' house two weeks ago. The seller had advertised the house as having new carpets, and they did look new during the inspection. After we moved in we discovered pet stains in many areas. The stains are not visible on the carpet surface, the smell is a different story. When we pulled the carpet we found that the padding is in even worse condition. The damage got all the way down to the sub floors.
How can I fully assess the damage caused by the previous owners pets?
Can I force the previous owner to fix these problems? We already asked them nicely but the declined.
Thanks
2007-08-17 18:21:16 · 9 answers · asked by May H 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
They said "new carpets" not "new carpet pads."
Sorry Charlie, but you're out of luck on this one. You're going to have to replace the carpet pads. There is a sealant they can pain on the subfloors if they're stained, too. Use a blacklight (called "Stinkfinder" at the pet store) to find where the spots are.
2007-08-17 18:27:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you have a realtor? Realtors are supposed to disclose all the problems and are liable for those not disclosed. Go to Sam's Warehouse and buy Odoban. It removes germs and animal smells. I don't know how much it would cost to recarpet the floors but they obviously lied to you and hopefully you have it in writing. Document everything and sent them a return receipt letter that they told you the carpeting was new but it obviously was not. Is it possible they put new carpeting over the old padding? Without being there it is difficult to give advice but get an attorney or go to small claims court with all your documentation. Sounds like a rip off. Get an estimate to replace the carpeting and padding. Put some of the padding that is odorific in a ziploc bag and take that to court with you. And have lots and lots of pictures.
2007-08-18 01:51:40 · answer #2 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Did you had the house inspected (not by you, by a professional). What does the report say?
2. If you had no professional inspection, you are in a pickle. Did anywhere in the contract the carpet and its condition got a mentioning? If no, forget it, swallow you anger and move on.
3. If there is something tangible, like a written promise, a report or anything, you may want to see a lawyer.
2007-08-18 01:28:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a product: NaturesMiracle.com that may be useful but, only with the smell not any stains. I hope you don't have animals. Once it's in the house the new ones have to make their point too. Maybe they will let you take it out and start over with all new? Area rugs after you have taken everything out? and treated the stench! I have saved this information for just in case times like this.Good Luck.
2007-08-18 01:26:53 · answer #4 · answered by helprhome 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would have to ask your realtor or lok through your paperwork as afar as making them fix the damage.
If you want to fix it yourselves you need to:
A: replace all padding
B: seal the subfloor, w/ schlak or Kilz
C: have the carpets professionally cleaned & treated for the odor. Personally i would recommend ChemDry, they have a urine removal treatment that does wonders.
2007-08-20 17:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by jamitha99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF YOU HAVE CLOSED ON THE DEAL, THEN IT IS TO LATE. CHANGE THE PADDING FIRST AND FOREMOST. DON'T TRY TO DEEP CLEAN YOURSELF. YOUR NEXT ALTERNATIVE IS TO GET A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY TO COME OUT AND GET AN ESTIMATE FIRST FOR THAT PARTICULAR TREATMENT AND ADDITIONAL CARPET SCOTCH GUARD. MONEY IS TIGHT WHEN YOU FIRST MOVE, AND EVEN AFTERWARDS. PREPARE FOR THE UNFORSEEN. THE COVER UP TO SELL THE HOUSE. START FROM OUTSIDE AND WORK YOURSELF IN. CRAWL SPACE, FOUNDATIONS, GUTTERS, LEAKS, SEALS.... I HAD AN EXCELLENT REALTOR THAT EYEBALLED EVERYTHING WHEN I PURCHASED MY HOME AND PROPERTY LAST YEAR. BUT YOUR MAJOR ISSUES COME AFTERWARDS. DO THE OUTSIDE BEFORE IT GETS COLD AND WORK YOURSELF INWARD.
2007-08-18 01:35:37 · answer #6 · answered by shuna222000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some new products are available in the market for removing the heavy stains check out at the below site http://realestatepropertynews.com/carpetmaintence.html
2007-08-18 01:41:38 · answer #7 · answered by onlinejobsforall.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small Claims court is your solution...if they advertised new and the carpet was used...you should have mentioned it at closing....so now you have to sue or keep it inside and buy your own carpets.
2007-08-18 01:28:36 · answer #8 · answered by Oldmansea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really a problem. Just buy (or borrow) a steam vac and your smelling problem is solved.
No need to gouge other people. They did their best to cover things up.
2007-08-18 01:25:28 · answer #9 · answered by lemonadeheaven 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋