Old houses, new builds
Highland's streets mix late-1800s Victorians and brick cottages, early-1900s foursquares and bungalows, and many modern duplexes and townhomes built on lots where older homes once stood. Short-term rentals here range from a carriage house behind a historic home to a garden-level suite to a new three-story townhome.
Older homes often have plaster walls, original wood trim and floors, and duct systems added long after construction. Plaster and old painted woodwork can absorb smoke residue, and unsealed wood floors take up spills. Basements may be partly finished, with foundation walls that let in moisture and floor drains that are rarely used.
New infill is tightly built, which keeps drafts out but also keeps odors in. Bathroom fans that are too small or vented into the attic instead of outside are a common reason a new unit stays stuffy.
What to know about Highland rentals
- Carriage houses
- Small detached units above garages; heat rises into the bedroom and cooking smells have nowhere to go without a vented hood.
- Garden-level suites
- Cooler walls and slabs mean more musty smells; dehumidifiers help in summer.
- Historic finishes
- Plaster and old varnish need gentle cleaning; harsh products can damage them.
- Shared systems
- Suites in owner-occupied homes often share a furnace with the main house.
Highland turnover additions
- Test cleaners on a hidden spot of plaster, painted trim and old wood before using them widely.
- Run the bath fan for twenty minutes after each turnover and check it actually pulls air.
- In carriage houses, run the hood and open the stair window during and after cleaning.
- In basement suites, run water in the floor drain and check for damp along exterior walls.
- If the host lives upstairs, avoid strong cooking or smoking in the hours before a guest arrives.
Questions for an older-home rental
- Do the bathroom fans vent to the outside?
- Has the ductwork ever been cleaned, and does it run through the basement or crawlspace?
- Are there any historic-district rules affecting exterior vents or windows?
- Is the basement dry in spring and after summer storms?
Common questions
Can smoke odor be cleaned out of old plaster?
Light residue usually washes off painted plaster. Heavy smoke may need cleaning followed by an odor-sealing primer before repainting.
Are carriage houses harder to keep fresh?
They are small and often have the bedroom right above the kitchen or garage, so smells concentrate quickly. A range hood vented outside and a good bath fan make a big difference.
General information for LoHi, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.