Smoke damage from neighbours house - advice on insurance

rich20112

6 weeks ago, our neighbors had a major fire that resulted in their house being un-inhabitable.

Our house is the semi adjoining (built about 1930), and while it didn't fortunately catch fire, it did receive severe smoke damage throughout. Initially there was a sticky tar-like residue over everything. Wooden floors were stained and it was a huge mess to say the least.

We've been going through the insurance claim. The house has been cleaned by a services company, mattresses and fabrics have been replaced, a building contractor has been assigned to redecorate and re-varnish our wooden floors and replace loft insulation etc.

We thought that the smell may have subsided by now because of all the above activity (the house is actually still empty while all of this work is ongoing) but it is almost as strong as the first day.

They have tried "fogging" underneath the floors but I think this only masks the smell for a day or two, as it comes back shortly after.

Does anyone know, or has anyone had a similar experience ? I'm wondering if the floors will actually need to be replaced completely. I was even wondering about the wooden joists that may need the same. I now feel that the loss-adjuster and building contractor are trying to push us into accepting the house as is.

Any advice on what else needs to be looked at?

Thanks

InsideInsurance

To be honest this is more of a building issue than actually insurance (that'll be the next bit on if the insurer will pay it or not). You may be better posting somewhere like the Home & DIY section on how to remove a smell

rich20112

thanks, have posted in that section instead