My first encounter with Chinese drywall was actually on the Internet. I was shopping for a home in Cape Coral Florida on a real estate website I noticed some three bedroom two bath homes that would normally sell for at least $90,000 in today's market price at $52,000. As I could not believe the price I immediately call the real estate agent to set up an appointment to view the homes.
While talking to her on the phone she informed me that most of the lower-priced homes in the $50,000 dollar range were built with Chinese drywall and would have to be completely redone inside because of the toxic fumes produced by this drywall. She informed me that it would cost at least $30,000 to repair the homes.
Chinese drywall was shipped to the United States around 2001 because of a shortage due to the building boom of those years. There was also a shortage created by hurricane Katrina. This drywall from China contained more than the legal amount of sulfur allowed. It is so toxic that it will make you sick if you live in the houses. One of the ways you can tell about Chinese drywall if you check your hot water heater you will see that the copper pipes have probably turned black and the entire house would smell like rotten eggs therefore making it unlivable. The drywall will eventually affect the electrical and plumbing in your home.
The state most affected by this drywall number one Florida with over 59% next Alabama and Mississippi also Louisiana. In most states laws have been past that the seller must inform you of the drywall problems. The best way to protect yourself against purchasing a home with this toxic drywall is with a good home inspector that is trained to detect this problem.
I guess we will never learn about purchasing items made in China if you remember they are the ones who gave us lead based paint used in children's toys. You get what you pay the safest way to protect yourself is to not buy or build a home unless the drywall is made in America.
While talking to her on the phone she informed me that most of the lower-priced homes in the $50,000 dollar range were built with Chinese drywall and would have to be completely redone inside because of the toxic fumes produced by this drywall. She informed me that it would cost at least $30,000 to repair the homes.
Chinese drywall was shipped to the United States around 2001 because of a shortage due to the building boom of those years. There was also a shortage created by hurricane Katrina. This drywall from China contained more than the legal amount of sulfur allowed. It is so toxic that it will make you sick if you live in the houses. One of the ways you can tell about Chinese drywall if you check your hot water heater you will see that the copper pipes have probably turned black and the entire house would smell like rotten eggs therefore making it unlivable. The drywall will eventually affect the electrical and plumbing in your home.
The state most affected by this drywall number one Florida with over 59% next Alabama and Mississippi also Louisiana. In most states laws have been past that the seller must inform you of the drywall problems. The best way to protect yourself against purchasing a home with this toxic drywall is with a good home inspector that is trained to detect this problem.
I guess we will never learn about purchasing items made in China if you remember they are the ones who gave us lead based paint used in children's toys. You get what you pay the safest way to protect yourself is to not buy or build a home unless the drywall is made in America.