After purchasing a new condo we have a pervasive animal urine tye odor that drifts throughout our house. We have had multiple inspectors in to no avail. No Urine traces anywhere, we've used blacklight, infared, moisture readers, cut into our floor to look around and a number of other things. We're at a loss as to what it is.

We've had it for a little over a month and have yet to move in. I have a kid on the way in 7 months and am getting tired of living in hotels.

I'm am now doubtful that it is in fact urine, but an odor very similar.

The things we know:
-Our condo is from 1912, subfloor is the flooring & we have plaster walls.
-The odor builds during the day, fading down in the mouring hours.
-There is no smell outside, above us, below us or even next door... we've checked!
-We don't have any crawlspaces, nor attics.
-We've brought in gas, animal control, mold and air quality people. No one has a clue but say it is a Urine type smell.

There are four rooms (1,2,3,4) and a hallway that smell, while the other side never has an odor.

The odor also seemingly skips our middle room (3) only smelling in number in the second and back rooms (2 & 4).

Things I'm uncertain about:
The previous tenant did electrical work - can that smell like urine?
The previous tenant also replastered some walls - can that smell?
Can the odor be trapped in plaster?
Can the odor go through plaster?
Could a mix of paint cause the smell?


I'm looking to find the odor to solve it, not just cover it up.

Suggestion are more than welcome!

Thanks.

The urine type odor you are experiencing could be amonia which is used in caulking, I am thinking caulking used for soundproofing, in the bathroom, etc. Even though this may not be the complete answer it may be food for though for someone else here who would have a better suggestion. Good luck.