The housing stock
Country Club is one of central Denver's older and more established neighborhoods, with large brick and stucco homes from roughly the first decades of the twentieth century in Tudor, Mediterranean, Colonial Revival and other period styles, set on tree-lined streets and parkways. Many retain original plaster walls, quarter-sawn oak or fir floors, stained woodwork, libraries with built-in bookcases, sunrooms, finished third floors and carriage houses or detached garages.
Those features make smoke odor work slower and more careful. Original millwork and finishes cannot be replaced like builder-grade trim, and many houses are still heated by boilers and radiators. Where air conditioning was added later, it is often a separate system serving the upper floors, with ductwork running through closets and attics.
Parts of the neighborhood fall within a designated Denver historic district. Interior odor work is usually unaffected, but exterior changes such as replacing windows may require review. Confirm with Denver Landmark Preservation before changing anything outside.
Old-house terms that come up in odor work
- Plaster and lath
- Wall construction of plaster troweled over wood strips. Painted plaster can be cleaned and sealed; cracked areas and wallpaper need extra care.
- Radiator
- A cast-iron heater fed by hot water or steam. The wall and dust behind it heat up every winter and release odor.
- Picture rail
- A molding near the ceiling for hanging art. Residue collects on its top edge, out of sight.
- High-velocity system
- A retrofit cooling or heating system with small flexible ducts, common in older homes without room for standard ducts. Its ducts and air handler need cleaning too.
- Carriage house
- An original outbuilding, sometimes converted to a garage, studio or living space. Often a favorite smoking spot.
- Original finish
- The varnish, shellac or oil applied when the woodwork was installed. Worth identifying before any cleaning.
Matching the plan to the house
- IfRadiator heat, no ducts on the main floorsThenSpend effort on radiators, the walls behind them, drapes and ceilings rather than duct cleaning.
- IfRetrofit cooling with small ducts upstairsThenAsk the HVAC contractor how those ducts and the attic air handler can be cleaned.
- IfOriginal stained woodwork in the smoking roomThenGet a refinisher's opinion on the finish before choosing cleaners.
- IfCarriage house or detached garage used for smokingThenTreat it as a separate project so it does not delay the main house.
- IfWallpaper in bedrooms or hallsThenDecide whether it stays before any treatment; smoke-soaked paper usually keeps the smell.
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.