In the 1970’s ”Made in America” was all the rage in the world. In the 1980’s “Made in Japan” was the hit of the decade. 1990’s was the bigger the better decade and the 2000’s were the decade of the Dragon. The Red Dragon. Yes Walmart, Apple and Talking Elmo had already brought in a sea of red to America. Next was to come construction materials. And boy did they come. They came in ship by ship, box car by box car and 18 wheelers by 18 wheelers.
Most materials used in remodeling and construction are made in America, but with the building boom earlier this decade, hurricanes Wilma & Katrina along with the midwest flooding came a shortage of building materials.
Enter the Dragon!
The Dragon brought in drywall that has a problem, bad breath (sulfur gasses). This sulfur emission can be found in many ways. The easiest I have found is to inspect the electrical wiring by removing the face place and retaining screws from the outlet and gently/carefully pulling out the outlet and looking at exposed copper (as on the ground wire). Normally this should remain copper colored, even when aged, like a penny. If it appears black, it’s a preliminary indicator that something might be amiss.
Here are a couple of other things to know:
1. This problem has been idenified in homes built between 2004 and 2007.
2. Knauf brand drywall is now at the center of several lawsuits, but they were not the only ones to deliver the product.
3. Sulfur gases smell like “rotten eggs”. You will know it when you smell it.
4. The Air Conditioning unit is a place where you can see the coils (inside the panel). A greenish tinge is normal, but black is a sign of trouble.
5. Black looking soot on the plugs of your washer and dryer is also an indicator.
6. If you can find an unfinished spot in your basement or attic, you may be able to see the brand or stamp where the drywall was made or manufactured.
7. Major home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowes say they never sold Chinese drywall. In most cases it was sold in bulk to national builders.
One last note, don’t go looking to your homeowners insurance or your home warrnty provider to cover this problem. Your policy will not cover a this product defect.
Don’t get caught up in the Red Dragon’s Ying & Yang. At Advantage Inspection we have been trained to look for these indicators and we provide this service with every home we inspect. Professional, Licensed and Insured, we provide ”Peace of Mind” and that is your Advantage!
Leigh Carsen, a legal expert in Real Estate transactions states “the right inspector will be experienced, meticulous, plainspoken and ideally have a proven track record in your area.” Ask your agent for a recommendation or check for local members of the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.NCLHIA.org) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.nachi.org).
Maverick Rules!
Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry.
For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors. Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
Advantage Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
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