The Wilmoth Group Blog

The process of what is to be done with homes identified to contain drywall manufactured in China, and considered defective here in the US, has taken another step forward.  The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) new Drywall Information Center offers a new resource in the ever growing discussion of this issue.  The website indicates there have been only 1,046 reports from residents in 24 states (I say “only” because this seems surprizingly small) who believe they have experienced the symptons commonly associated with this drywall.  The site offers a way to submit your home to the suspected list, a page with a number of pictures of homes with the suspected materials , the affects on materials in the home, a FAQ page, and a page devoted to the CPSC’s drywall investigation.

The investigation indicates that the health affects of this drywall are unknown.  In addition, no reports of electrical or safety problems have been revealed, despite the corrosion of the wires  conductors, and circuits.  It is acknowledged though there is likely reason to be concerned about the long term affect of this deterioration.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a report in May of this year confirming what anybody who has been in one of these suspected homes can attest.  The presense of sulfer in high quantities makes it impossible to habitate one of these homes.  Yet, we continue to test and sample because, frankly, nobody really knows what to do.  Insurers do not feel this is covered in a owners homeowners policy, builders (who by the way have struggled mightily in the last few years) do not have the resources to tear up these homes.   Class action suits may not go far as the builders may not even exist anymore who would be sued. 

Where will this all end?  My prediction is that once all the tests are in, and ample data has been collected that a conclusion can be reached; our federal government will create some type of recovery fund that will be loosely built between the insurance companies, home builders and Uncle Sam.  These funds will be used to determine the best mediation steps. Last week I reported on one possible mediation method that had reported positive results involving chlorinated gas..I suspect there will be more.   Ultimately, after quite a bit of time and loss of homes by owners who feel abandoned by the whole process, a govenment plan will be approved and the process of remediation will begin.

The time this is going to take is significant,  In some cases, banks with foreclosures may sell these homes for a substantial discount to rid themselves of the liability.  Investors may end up profiting by purchasing these homes and mediating the problem themselves.  A homeowner would be wise to report their suspicions at this new website as soon as possible so at least the government has it recorded for the final outcome. 

At least by the company doing the testing.  Sabre Technical Services of Singerlands NY applied its chlorine gas treatment to a North Fort Myers house.  The company pumps a infected house full of chlorine dioxide gas in order to eliminate the sulfer compounds in the air, drywall and other parts of the home.  The chlorine gas, per the company, is not harmful to the home.  It apparently only destroys the harmful elements.  The estimated cost for this process is approximately $15-$20/sq foot.  That equals $30,000-$40,000 for a 2000 square foot home.  Of course, this is less expensive than tearing out and replacing all drwall and framing elements.  Read More…

Optimistic that a solution may be at hand..the question of the day will be who will be able to pay this expense?  Either an insurance or government option will have to be provided.  It is certain neither will act quickly to fund this or any possible resolution.  More testing will need to be completed.  It is good to know a possible option may have been discovered.