Chinese Drywall has been in the news lately. According to HomePro Inspections in northeast Florida there have been no reports of Chinese drywall in Northeast Florida by any ASHI certified home inspectors in northeast Florida.
They estimate that as many as 36,000 Florida homes may have Chinese drywall. Most of these homes are located in the Sarasota and Palm Beach areas.
How do you know if you have Chinese drywall? Here a just a few suggestions.
1) The drywall was imported from China between 2003 and 2006. Just to be sure any home built, remodeled or repaired after 2002 should be checked as there are some reports saying there may have been Chinese Drywall in Florida then.
2) Chinese/defective drywall smells like rotten eggs due to the sulfur compounds used.
3) Climb into your attic area and check the markings on the back of the drywall for “Made in China”.
4) Hire a professional inspector.
If you are selling your home and it was built after 2002, you might want to ask a home inspector to provide a Chinese/Defective Drywall Clearance Letter. If you are aware that your home has Chinese/defective drywall, you and your real estate agent must disclose it.
If you are a buyer, purchasing a home in Florida built or remodeled or repaired after 2002, please ask your real estate professional about the “Chinese/Defective Drywall Addendum for Purchase” contract addendum and the modified Seller’s Real Property Disclosure. These forms were created by the Florida Association of REALTORS® (FAR) Law and Policy Department and are designed to alert potential buyers of the possible presence of Chinese/defective drywall and provide awareness on the availability of inspections or other options to evaluate any concerns.
Not all Chinese drywall is defective and not all defective drywall is from China. Research is still being done.
Your comments and additional insights are appreciated.
Florida Department of Health: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/drywall.html | 
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