Disturbing reports about defective drywall from China has finally hit the spotlight of the news media.
Apparently, between the years 2004 and 2007, there was a domestic shortage of drywall in the United States. So...about 6,000,000 slabs were acquired from China and were used in Florida, Louisiana, Virginia and approximately 21 other states. From what I've read, I'm unaware of builder use of Chinese drywall related to any properties of Colorado Springs Real Estate. However, distribution reports about defective Chinese drywall are preliminary.
So far, the possible damages from defective Chinese drywall include repugnant sulfuric odors in homes, coupled with physical disrepair, such as corrosive damage to wiring and electrical appliances, just to mention a few. The visible signs are black spots in bath tubs, sinks, and around hot-water heaters.
The imagined costs to mitigate Chinese drywall problems are staggering to say the least. The costs are estimated to be tens of thousands of dollars per home. It's similar to the hazardous results found with extensive mold. The opinions vary about appropriate treatment options and the testing remains unsubstantiated and unreliable in many cases.
Some companies proclaim the use of chemical solutions to counteract the dangerous effects of sulfuric emissions, while others insist that homes with Chinese drywall must be entirely gutted in order to mitigate the problem fully. The debate remains about the lingering effects of the hazardous emissions from Chinese drywall, even though houses might be gutted.
Lawsuits and further immersing into this problem are forthcoming. As a Colorado Springs Realtor, what can I personally do to get involved with this potential problem? Simply, it begins with education, followed by interdependence with the experts in the field, including inspectors and Colorado Springs homebuilders.
Our group of Colorado Springs Realtors will continue to keep abreast of this information, as well as plans to acquire the National Association of Realtors Green Designation in 2010. According to the NAR statistics, "residential green building is expected to increase 100% over the next five years, and 70% of homebuyers said they were more inclined to buy a green home in a down economy than a non-green home."
Being thoroughly involved within the entire Colorado Springs Real Estate process not only sharpens our skills as Colorado Springs Realtors, but also helps you to safely purchase a home without worry of potential Chinese drywall problems. This particular problem will eventually be solved incrementally. There will not be a one-stop solution of guarantee. Selley Group plans to be part of the solution along the way, especially if Colorado Springs Real Estate properties have been affected.
Comments(4)