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Chinese Drywall and You

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Crown Realty

I would like to begin by saying this is my very first Blog.  With this blog I intend to give you a blow by blow account of the process of dealing with Chinese drywall.  I feel I can speak to you about this as I have it n my personal home.

 

I bought my house in 2006 brand new.  I noticed an odd smell, but was reassured that it was probably the glue from the carpet and other construction materials and it would dissipate.  After a few month I no longer noticed the smell.  We did, however have a few strange things happen.  We had to replace our Microwave after about 6 months, the key pad no longer worked; it also seemed like we changed alot of lightbulbs. 

 

On July 4, 2009 my A/C was not cooling.  I waited until Monday to call.  They determined that the evaporator coil was leaking and was covered with black soot. The repairman was trained to start looking for these signs of defective drywall while doing repairs.

 

I had the builder and the Drywall Sub-Contractor look at the house the next day.  They both agreed that it seemed to meet the criteria set forth by the state of Florida for determing a home may contain defective drywall. I found a home inspector, expereinced with the product to verify the symptoms. The State of Florida says to look for these 5 factors in determining if a home contains defective drywall:

First, determine the date of construction

To meet the current case definition (03-30-09) homes constructed after 2003 (2004 to present) must meet two or more conditions; and those built prior to 2004 must meet three or more of the conditions specified below.

  1. There is presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors
  2. Confirmed presence of Chinese manufactured drywall in the home (Presence pictures)
  3. 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 (Corrosion pictures)
  4. Documented failure of air conditioner evaporator coil (located inside the air handling unit) (Coil pictures)
  5. Confirmation by an outside expert or professional for the presence of premature copper corrosion on Un-insulated copper wires and/or air conditioner evaporator coils (inside the air handling unit) (Wiring pictures)

I will continue to relate my story over the next few weeks.

Thanks,

Sean Prescott

RE/MAX Crown Realty

772-413-1320

 

Comments(5)

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Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

There is also a state website that notifieds registrants of new developments with Chinese drywall. Let me know if you'd like me to share it.

Sep 03, 2009 06:12 AM
John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Sean - Welcome to AR and congratulations on your first post.  Sorry your post had to detail such a terrible problem.  From what I know of the problem, it will take years to solve and many attorneys will get rich.  Keep us posted on progress with your home.

Sep 03, 2009 06:12 AM
Real Estate Broker Cape Cod Heath Coker Falmouth
https://capegroup.com - Falmouth, MA
Heath Coker

Wow. I had heard it was complex. You've simplified a big problem for many.

Sep 03, 2009 06:12 AM
John Occhi
AZ Veteran Notary Services - Marana, AZ
Mobile Notary Public/Certified Loan Signing Agent

Welcome aboard to AdctiveRain - this very well become a lifestyle choice, if you let it.  AR is an encridible platform to grow your business and expand your relationships.  There are many great resources - I'd start by looking through the GROUPS - join one of the Newbie Groups and 2 or 3 others that may be of interest.  Don't get overwhelmed and join a whole bunch all at once - just focus on what is the most interesting to you.  Then after 10 or so posts, look around a little further...and son on.

Again welcome and thank you for the timely information on the drywall.

Sep 03, 2009 06:16 AM
Sean Prescott
RE/MAX Crown Realty - Sebastian, FL
Thanks for the encouragement. I will keep you informed as things progress.
Sep 04, 2009 11:34 AM