What the new-space smell is

Carpet, carpet adhesive, paint, sealants, resilient flooring, wall coverings and engineered wood products can all give off volatile compounds as they cure and dry. In a suite that has just been finished, those compounds add up. People describe the smell as chemical, sharp or sweet. Some people notice it more and may get headaches or irritation.

The odor often peaks in the first days and fades over weeks, but the pace depends on the materials, how much outside air the suite gets and how warm the space is. A suite finished in cold weather with the ventilation set low can hold the smell longer than the same suite finished in a milder month.

Two schedules for the same suite

Move in right after finish

  • Staff are exposed during peak off-gassing
  • Soft furnishings absorb vapors and re-release them
  • Complaints often start in the first week

Allow a ventilation period

  • Heaviest vapors leave before furniture arrives
  • Fabric and ceiling tile stay cleaner
  • Little extra cost when planned into the schedule

Sequencing the work

During design
Ask about lower-emitting products and cure times for adhesives and coatings.
During construction
Finish wet trades first and keep the HVAC protected from dust.
At completion
Run the ventilation system with as much outside air as the building allows.
Before furniture
Give the suite time to air out, and smell it at the end of the day when it has been closed up.
After move-in
Keep ventilation steady and note any remaining odor and where it is strongest.

Planning checklist for a tenant improvement

  • Request the finish schedule and product list before work starts
  • Ask whether sealed or low-odor adhesives are practical for the flooring chosen
  • Confirm who sets the HVAC schedule during and after construction
  • Plan an airing-out period before furniture and staff arrive
  • Keep an eye on drains and cabinets for moisture introduced during the work
  • Document any remaining odor with dates and locations

Common questions

Can a fragrance or neutralizer hide new-space smell?
It can add another odor. Fresh air and time are the main tools, and anyone sensitive to smell should be consulted before products are added.
Who is responsible if finishes cause complaints?
That depends on the lease and the construction contract. Keep records of the products used and the dates.

General information for Westminster, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.