Eliminate Pet Urine Odors and remediate pet odors before they turn off potential buyers.

Home inspectors have seen some crazy cover up efforts by sellers.

Because of the high incidence of asthma, allergies and other indoor-air-related health problems, many buyers will not even consider a home that has pet odor problems. Furthermore, it is common for sellers who own pets not to realize their pets have urinated in overlooked areas. They can become accustomed to the gradual buildup of odors, while potential buyers find the odors offensive. Sellers are often surprised when hidden damage and remedial costs are presented during real estate transactions.

Consequences
First, pet urine can cause property damage ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars to remediate. Second, urine residue can affect indoor air quality and cause health problems.

Urine odors won¹t just disappear
Due to the biological nature of pet urine, odors can recur even if they are currently undetectable. The reason for this is that when you smell these odors, you do not actually smell urine, but rather the gasses created from bacteria feeding on urine. Once dry, bacteria can lay dormant until moist conditions return, such as during humid weather or after carpet cleaning. If carpet is left damp, the odor can not only return, but can be much worse due to many areas being reactivated at the same time.

Consider a urine inspection
Some home inspectors offer urine inspections. If the home you are buying or selling has had pets, particularly if pet odors are apparent, it is best to have the house professionally analyzed to determine the locations and severity of urine damage.

Don¹t cover up urine damage
It is always best for sellers to either disclose urine damage or properly remediate pet urine in advance. As with any home defect, a seller should never attempt to conceal urine damage. Replacing carpet, painting over urine, or using cover-up sprays or plug-in devices to conceal the presence of urine damage could subject a seller to liability after the sale.

Eliminating urine problems is the best approach and could help a home sell faster and easier.

Do it right
There are many strategies for eliminating pet urine odors, depending on the locations and severity of contamination. Solutions include strategic cleaning and sanitizing; encapsulation; enzyme or ozone treatments; and replacement of carpet, wallboard or sub-flooring. If pet urine is of concern, it may be best to consult a professional.

This article is copyrighted and reprinted with permission by Dan Schilling and Home Resource Magazine. To receive a copy of Home Resource, contact Sarah Schilling at publisherhr@gmail.com.

This article is intended to be general in nature and is not intended to address all potential issues. Specific determinations must be obtained by qualified experts.