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If it smells like damp...

4 replies

biggreenboat · 20/11/2023 17:02

Viewed a property today. Part of a big house that was split a long time ago, it's mainly the downstairs. Same family have been there over 30 years and are downsizing. The Home Report (we're in Scotland) showed damp in the living room. They're having a proper damp report carried out this week but the owner said he thought it might've been a leaky gutter and that they've had the same wallpaper up for 30 years and that if the walls were damp the wallpaper would've been peeling. I'd have believed him except when entering the property theyre was a strong musty smell that I associate with damp. Is there anything else that could be making that smell? It is single glazed and has been very wet the last few days. The decor was dated and the owner confirmed that it hadn't been decorated in 30 years. Could it just be that everything is ancient and musty? Clutching at straws. It had so much potential but I'm feeling a bit more risk averse now with interest rates and two kids to worry about too. Obviously will await the damp report but the smell was bothering me.

OP posts:
Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 20/11/2023 17:13

Could be that old dirt smell when things really are beyond cleaning and need skipping - iykyk. Maybe he’s been drying washing in there and has ventilated the room daily?
I would also say I’m assuming that as it’s not been decorated in 30years it’s an elderly seller? - there is a certain smell that happens to associated with senior citizens - google nonenal, that might be part of what you smelt.

biggreenboat · 20/11/2023 17:20

Thanks @Alphabet1spaghetti2 they were probably mid 60s so not ancient but he spoke of how the kitchen units had been there when they moved in and you could tell that was the general vibe throughout. Still such a brilliant size and had so so much potential! I had never heard of nonenal - very interesting to know that's a thing! It needs new carpet/flooring throughout, I would hope that might shift the smell... and hopefully not reveal damp

OP posts:
ColourByNumbers88 · 20/11/2023 17:39

You could commission your own damp report which might give you peace of mind?

Headwig · 20/11/2023 17:44

I've just binned an ancient piano and I am so overjoyed - the space, but also I think it made the room smell musty.

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