SW Florida Real Estate Information

Many buyers are looking for newer cheap homes here in Cape Coral! The prices look great! One would have never thought of getting a home for under $60,000! But be AWARE! That cheap home may not be cheap if it has Chinese Drywall!

Who would have ever thought of it? Chinese Drywall? What is that? Well it is drywall that was imported from China during the drywall shortage and the Real Estate boom from 2004 – 2008. During those years, drywall was in short supply so large quantities of Chinese drywall were imported, largely for use in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia for new construction and remodeling.

The product releases a combination of sulfide gases when exposed to air which has caused three types of problems. First, the drywall produces an odor so foul that many South Florida homeowners have fled their homes. Second, the gasses are destructive to wiring and air conditioning, so even new homeowners have needed to have these systems repaired or replaced prematurely. Third, the chemicals have led to a surge of respiratory issues, nosebleeds, and eye problems among those with this product in their homes. The health side effects are particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly.

Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China is the company at the focus of these drywall problems. If your newer home smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, you may have defective Chinese drywall. The problem is coming from coal ash that was mixed into the gypsum drywall compound. When the drywall is exposed to moisture, such as high humidity a chemical reaction starts. The result of this reaction is the production of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfuric acid gas. This is the rotten egg smell that is present with the drywall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was investigating complaints about the Chinese-made drywall. All houses affected have shown a common symptom — blackened, scorched wiring behind switch plates, damaged A/C coils and damaged wall plugs — along with homeowner health symptoms, that's allowed research to proceed.

Lawsuits against the product are underway. Lennar Homes, one of Florida's largest builders, has sued the manufacturers Knauf Plasterboard Co. Ltd of China and Tashan Gypsum for manufacturing and distributing defective drywall. The company has also sued 12 subcontractors who installed the product for breach of contract and breach of express and implied warranty, on the grounds it was unaware that Chinese drywall was being used. Lennar reported to the South Florida Business times that so far, it had replaced plumbing, electrical, and air systems in 80 homes and is investigating 40 more. Lennar Homes also filed a class action suit in January, 2009.

If you are looking for a newer cheaper home built or remodeled between 2004and 2008 get a home inspection done that includes a Chinese drywall inspection! There are a few ways to get a good idea if the home has Chinese drywall! First is presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors Second examine the reverse side for labeling indicating Chinese manufacture. Third observed copper corrosion, indicated by black, sooty coating of un-insulated copper pipe leading to the air-handling unit present in the garage or mechanical closet of home or by checking the oultlets. Fourth failure of air conditioner evaporator coil (located inside the air-handling unit)

If the home has Chinese Drywall it can become very costly to have this problem fixed and now that great newer cheaper home is not so cheap anymore!

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