Renovating the Workroom: A Battle with Ventilation and Odor

Intro

Before starting renovations or building projects, we knew a functional workroom was essential. Therefore, we began our renovations by prioritizing improving its conditions.

The previous owner used this space as a workshop before subleasing the property. Before they subleased the property, they had tightly insulated the room, which left virtually no ventilation. As a result, the air quality in the room was poor, and a lingering odour made it uncomfortable to spend any time there. The room remained in this state for more than a decade.

The Importance of Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in any space where people frequently work or live for comfort and health. Without adequate airflow, a room's air quality will drastically deteriorate, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe health conditions. In addition, poor ventilation can cause structural damage and create a generally unpleasant environment.

The lack of ventilation in this workroom allowed dust, mould and other items we were not informed about from past projects to settle. While good at keeping out drafts, the insulation also traps moisture and odours, creating a perfect storm for air quality issues.

Initial Assessments and Challenges

One of the first tasks on my to-do list was to assess the state of the windows. Windows are typically the easiest way to introduce fresh air into a room, but only if they function correctly. Unfortunately, the windows in this workroom had been neglected for years. There were two pressing issues at the time. One was trying to figure out how to get the windows open. The second issue was that this style of architecture was totally new to me and required me to investigate how to remove the framing around the window to examine the structure's condition.

External window for the work room

I also noticed a ventilation port in the room. After some investigation, I realized minimal air movement through it by a simple feel test with the back of my hand from inside the room. It was unclear whether it was an intake or exhaust port, but it was insufficient, given how little air movement was going through. Even though attempts were made to open the air vents fully, the air remained stagnant, and the room remained stuffy and uncomfortable.

Taking Action: Removing Obstructions

After assessing the air quality, the next step was to remove any obstructions contributing to the problem. The room was filled with old wooden flooring and other materials left behind by the previous owner. The years of lack of ventilation and cleaning resulted in a build-up of dust, moisture, and other items in these materials, likely deepening the odour issue.

North shot of the work room before major reno

South shot of the work room before major reno

It should also be noted that an expert had inspected the house. The report indicated that the kitchen flooring was not done correctly. The previous owners had inadvertently sealed the floor to trap moisture build-up. When the flooring was removed in the work room, it looked like a layer had been added that was trapping the moisture in the floor and resulting in the odour.

North shot of the work room after removing all the wood floor framing and wooden tiles

South shot of the work room after removing all the wood floor wooden tiles

Shot of the horse waste found under the flooring

As the old contents of the room cleared out, an immediate improvement in the air quality was detected through the less stuffy and odour smell. The dust that had settled was finally being removed, and with each piece of debris removed, the room began to feel a little less cumbersome. This initial cleanup indicated a positive improvement in the room quality and decluttering.

The Window Dilemma

With the room cleared out, attention returned to the windows. It was clear that the windows needed to be opened to allow more airflow. After some effort, I knocked out one of the windows. When it was removed, a rush of fresh air flooded the room, and it was felt through the window opening.

External window with the framing removed

Removing the window revealed a new set of challenges. Upon closer inspection, the window sill needed to be rebuilt with attention to preventing water from getting into the framing. The sill comprised several vertical planks pieced together, leaving gaps where rainwater could easily seep. This not only compromised the integrity of the window but also contributed to moisture issues within the room. Water had been leaking in, and combined with the lack of ventilation, this had likely contributed to the odour problem.

Side shot of the window sill

If I had more time, I would have re-engineered the window sills. Ideally, I would extend the sill underneath the frame to create a more seamless and weather-resistant design. This would prevent water from getting in and help protect the room's interior from the elements. Unfortunately, I worked under a tight deadline and had to prioritize other tasks.

Alternatively, we could use sheet metal formed to the window sill around the bottom and the sides to help funnel water away from the window.

Addressing the Odor

With the window removed and the room partially ventilated, the next step was to tackle the odour. The air quality had initially improved significantly, but this wasn't a permanent fix. The odour likely penetrated the walls, floor, and concrete foundation, and simply opening the windows wasn't enough to eliminate it entirely.

I decided to fully clear the room of all wooden frames on the floor. After clearing the room, I hit the problem areas with a bleach solution. The bleach solutions helped disinfect and neutralize odours caused by organic materials like mould, mildew, or, in this case, horse manure. We discovered that horse manure had been buried underneath them. We are unsure how much this contributed to the foul smell in the room.

Applying bleach to these areas helped but didn't fully resolve the odour issues. The smell persisted, and I realized the concrete floor might be part of the problem. The concrete had been covered by some flooring membrane and wooden tiles trapping the air underneath, possibly causing the concrete to absorb moisture and odours over time. In a room like this, where ventilation was already poor, the concrete had likely absorbed years of humidity and organic materials, which were now releasing odours back into the air.

The Smell Returns

After letting the room air out for a day, I returned the next morning, hoping to find a fresh, odour-free space. Unfortunately, the smell had returned. It was a reminder that every renovation project has challenges and setbacks to overcome.

Given the odour's recurring nature, I knew the best course of action would be to install a vent port on one of the walls, coupled with a mechanical air system. This system would continuously exhaust stale air and bring in fresh air, helping to keep the room ventilated even when the windows were closed. This long-term solution would ensure a consistently healthy and comfortable environment in the workroom.

The Bigger Picture: Renovation and Restoration

This workroom renovation is just one part of a larger project—restoring and modernizing the countryside property. Each room, each space, presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. In this workroom, the challenge was primarily about air quality and ventilation.

The workroom is essential in this renovation journey as I plan to use it for various DIY projects, from woodworking to small-scale electronics. Anticipating these future projects in a healthy, comfortable environment is a driving force behind our renovation efforts.

This renovation has been a learning experience. The previous owner's choices, while practical for their needs, needed to account for long-term sustainability or comfort. I aim to correct these oversights and create a functional space for modern use.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through this process is the importance of patience and adaptability. Renovating an old property like this is full of surprises—some pleasant, others less so. But each challenge presents an opportunity to learn, improve, and ultimately create a space that's truly my own.

As I continue to work on this room and other areas of the property, I'll focus on finding the right balance between preserving the space's rustic charm and integrating modern conveniences. Whether re-engineering a window sill or installing a state-of-the-art ventilation system, I aim to enhance the space's functionality without losing its character.

What's Next for the Workroom

Moving forward, I have a few critical objectives for the workroom:

1. Complete the Ventilation System: The next step is to install the mechanical ventilation system I mentioned earlier. This will involve cutting into the wall to install a vent port and setting up a system that continuously cycles air through the room.
2. Repair and Restore the Windows: While I've removed one window, the others still need attention. I plan to repair the sills and ensure that all windows are functional and can be opened easily to allow for natural ventilation.
3. Test and Monitor: I'll need to test and monitor the space once the major renovations are complete. This will involve checking air quality, humidity levels, and overall comfort to ensure the room is ready for use.
4. Furnishing and Setting Up the Workroom: Finally, once the space is clean, ventilated, and comfortable, I'll begin setting it up as a functional workroom. This will involve using tools, workbenches, and other equipment for my planned projects.

Conclusion

Renovating this workroom has been a challenging but rewarding experience. The room is already vastly improved from when I first walked in, and with a little more effort, it will become a functional, comfortable space that I can use for years to come.

I'll continue to document this journey, sharing the ups and downs of the renovation process. Whether you're a fellow DIY enthusiast, a fan of restoration projects, or just curious about the challenges of renovating an old property, I hope you find value in these updates.

Stay tuned for more as I transform this countryside property into a home that blends the best of the past and the present.