Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall

The Florida Realtors website recently reported on a Miami family that was awarded $2.4 million because of having defective Chinese drywall installed in their home. Defective Chinese drywall can smell like sulfur and corrodes appliances, wiring and other metal. Research is ongoing to determine health hazards and risks of exposure to the drywall.

A potential home buyer concerned with buying a home which may have drywall problems should take the precautionary steps needed to reduce the possibility of discovering the bad drywall after closing. Selling homes in the Orlando-Kissimmee area require that the owner disclose the existence of Chinese drywall and a strong recommendation that the buyer obtain a full and complete home inspection that includes inspecting for defective Chinese drywall.

Seller disclosure

Buyer should ask the owner of the house that they are thinking of buying for a written property disclosure. The seller can alert the buyer of any mechanical, structural or related issues with the home including the existence of Chinese drywall.

In addition to a detailed seller property disclosure, both buyer and seller can complete the Chinese/Defective Drywall Addendum to Contract. This addendum asks the seller to indicate in writing any knowledge they have pertaining to Chinese Drywall in the home. Equally as important, the addendum makes it clear to the buyer that they have the right to conduct an inspection or risk assessment of the property for Chinese drywall prior to closing of the contract.

Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall benefits all parties in the transaction. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing a home in the Central Florida area and would like more information on the home buying process.

More studies needed to determine connection between Chinese Drywall and health problems

A Task Force consisting of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and several other government agencies report that additional studies are needed to determine connection between Chinese Drywall and health problems. The Interagency Task Force on Chinese Drywall draft reports states:

"While the studies have discovered certain differences between Chinese and non-Chinese drywall, further studies must be completed to determine the nexus between the drywall and the reported health and corrosion issues."

Related blog posts on Chinese Drywall

Researchers to present their Chinese Drywall findings

Researchers are scheduled to present their Chinese Drywall findings at an upcoming symposium to be held in Tampa in November. Findings should include information on:

• Analysis of materials
• Emissions Testing
• Exposure Assessment and Toxicology
• Remediation/Repair
• Disposal

Hopefully there will be additional details and information available about Chinese Drywall after the symposium.

We present buyers and sellers with addendum that alert them to the importance of inspecting for and disclosing any know Chinese Drywall issues. We encourage home buyers to obtain all of the inspections they deem necessary before closing.

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Florida Environmental Protection Memo on Disposal of Chinese Drywall

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection released a memo concerning the disposal of Chinese Drywall found in Florida. The memo notes that it is estimated that 35,000 homes or more in Florida were constructed with Chinese drywall.


Related Florida real estate views:

How do I know if my home was built using Chinese drywall?

Radon Inspection Clause of Purchase Contract

Florida real estate association Chinese drywall addendum

The Florida Association of Realtors® has created an addendum dealing with the Chinese drywall issue. The addendum allows the seller to disclose any known Chinese drywall issues and alerts the buyer to their rights of an inspection to determine the presence of Chinese drywall.

Related Florida real estate views:

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Hiring a home inspector

Was my home built with Chinese Drywall?

Search for homes

Q: I am hearing about homes being built with Chinese drywall, how do I know if my home was built using Chinese drywall?

Having your home assessed by a a qualified inspection company is strongly recommended if you are concerned or believe your home may have Chinese drywall. As a result of the building material shortages that began in 2003, many builders throughout the State of Florida used Chinese imported drywall . This type of drywall may cause the release of sulfur and other materials which may pose health risks. These fumes may cause air-conditioning evaporator coils to corrode and fail, and pipes and wiring to deteriorate. You can also find more information about Chinese drywall by searching Google.


Related Florida real estate views:

Home sellers watch out for home inspection scam

Does Florida require a written home disclosure form?

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