We're in a pickle and I don't know what to do / can't decide if I'm being overly neurotic.
The house we bought knowing it was a renovation project (only house we could afford in a decent catchment area round here but based on survey we thought it was manageable) has turned out to be much more work. Think bath coming through ceiling, black mould, joist issues etc .All can be resolved...but not all easily with us plus 2 v active small children in the property.
Because the work is so over what we originally expected, our finances are going to be crippled. Meaning we can't possibly afford a B&B or even caravan whilst the work is done.
My mum incredibly kindly offered us her 1 bed flat for the duration of the works, she's moving in with her long-term bf whilst we are there. This would be a godsend...except she is a huge chain smoker, inside the flat. I can't even describe how much it smells. We had all windows open, sprays, spent all night scrubbing and cleaning but it seems completely ingrained into the place. Our hair and clothes reek and I can feel my throat / chest full of it. It's in every room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, the lot.
It's bad enough for me and DH but I'm so worried what damage it could do to the kids. We are looking to be there 3 weeks max whilst the most invasive work is done, then move home.
What would you do / think? :(