Jan 26 2009
Americas Watchdog's Homeowners Consumer Center is launching a nationwide investigation into U.S. homebuilders using Chinese made sheet rock or dry wall in new home construction in 2005 and 2006. The group has numerous concerns about sheet rock made in China including possible healthcare issues, environmental quality and the ability it resell the home, if it is discovered that Chinese made sheet rock poses a health or economic risk to the affected homeowners. While the product has been discovered in Florida, the Homeowners Consumer Center thinks in all likelihood the Chinese made dry wall products were sold nationwide.
According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina there was a severe shortage of sheet rock throughout the U.S. We lived in New Orleans before, during, and after Katrina, and specifically recall being told there was no sheet rock nationwide, or that it was now selling for triple what it was before."
Homeowners in Florida, or nationwide who purchased a new home between 2005 and 2007 should call the Homeowners Consumer Center, if their home or condominium unit has a sulfur or a rotten egg type smell at 866-714-6466 or contact them via their Web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.
Background on the Chinese drywall issue:
On January 21, 2009, the South Florida Business Journal reported: "Miami-based homebuilder Lennar Corp. said it has identified about 80 homes in Southwest Florida that are believed to have been built using Chinese drywall. The issue is a concern because the drywall apparently emits chemicals that purportedly cause health concerns. Many homeowners have complained about a sulfur odor. The homes were built in 2005 and 2006, during the real estate boom years. Lennar discovered the drywall issue through routine monitoring of home repair requests. "When we noticed that a number of our homes in Southwest Florida were experiencing problems with air-conditioning systems, we began taking a closer look," the company said in a news release.
At this time the Homeowners Consumer Center's investigation is limited to U.S. homes or condominiums, that were built between 2005 and 2006 in Florida, or in any other State with Chinese sheet rock, dry wall or gypsum board. Any homeowner in Florida or in any other State should contact the Homeowners Consumers Center if they have detected the following issues with their new home:
- The homeowner knows that Chinese made sheet rock or dry wall was used in their home.
- The home or condominium has a noticeable smell of sulfur or rotten eggs.
- If a homeowner in a home built between 2005 & 2007 has developed respiratory issues.
- If the homeowner has noticed air conditioning issues, or an odd smell, when the air conditioning, or HVAC is on.
- Any homeowner in Florida or any other State with these issues should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466, or contact them via their Web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com
According to the Homeowners Consumer Center, "After going through Hurricane Katrina, all someone has to do is mention construction defect, or construction, or building material problem and we are on it. We are also worried Chinese sheet rock may have been used in New Orleans and other Gulf States after Katrina."
Note: The Homeowners Consumer Center would also like to hear from dry wall contractors who have knowledge of national homebuilders using Chinese dry wall or sheet rock type products.
Americas Watchdog created the Homeowners Consumer Center to be the premier homeowner advocacy group in the United States. The Homeowners Consumer Center earlier this year launched a national construction defect initiative for 2009. A homeowner with questions about Chinese made dry wall, or any other construction defect issue, in a newer U.S. home are always welcome to call the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can visit their Web site at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.