In a small house, every source matters more. A 900-square-foot bungalow with a smoky living room, a damp basement and a closed-up bedroom has nowhere to dilute any of it. Buyers walk through the whole house in a few minutes, and whatever odor is present follows them from room to room. That makes thorough source removal especially worthwhile in Englewood's smaller homes.
Many Englewood houses have small basements, sometimes partial or originally unfinished, with low ceilings and older foundations. Others have crawl spaces under additions. Detached garages off alleys are common, and they often hold years of stored paint, fuel, chemicals and sometimes evidence of animals. Buyers look at the garage too, and a strong chemical or animal smell there colors their impression of the house.
Englewood also has a long history of rentals and modest updates. Previous flips or quick turnovers sometimes covered problems with paint and new carpet. If the house was renovated before the current owner bought it, the odor showing up now may come from what was covered then.
Englewood seller checklist
- Clear and air the detached garage, removing old fuel, paint and chemicals properly
- Check the alley side of the garage and house for animal entry points
- Open any crawl space under additions, which are easy to forget
- Run water in every drain, including basement floor drains and laundry tubs
- Pull back carpet in at least one corner of each room if it predates your ownership
- Check window wells on the basement side for debris and water
- Wash walls and ceilings if anyone has smoked indoors, even years ago
Small-house odor and the usual fix
| Situation | Why it matters more in a small house | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke residue | Every room shares the same air | Wash all surfaces, HVAC filter, prime and paint |
| Damp basement | Basement air reaches the main floor quickly | Drainage fixes, remove damp materials, dry out |
| Garage odors | Garage is a large share of the property | Clear out, clean floor, ventilate |
| Old carpet and pad | Covers most of the floor area | Remove, check subfloor, replace or refinish wood floors |
| Kitchen grease | Kitchens are often open to living space | Degrease cabinets, hood, ceiling |
Living room carpet drying with an air scrubber and air movers. Used to illustrate this step; it is not a photo of a job connected to this site.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.