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.