Lennar Homes replacing drywall in nine Woodfield homes in Vero Beach

October 16, 2009 by root

As reports of Chinese drywall continue to increase in the Treasure Coast, one home builder has started replacing it while compensating homeowners.

About nine residents on Coverty Place in the Woodfield neighborhood off 26th Street in Vero Beach are having their homes redone by their homes' builder, Lennar Homes, to get rid of toxic Chinese drywall.

Martha Eramo, who lives on Coverty Place, realized her 2006 home had Chinese drywall about two months ago after she checked her home's air conditioning coils and found them to be corroding, she said.

Now, Lennar Homes is moving her and other residents out of their homes for about four to six months while the homes are gutted and replaced with new appliances — including new air conditioning units, wiring, plumbing, ceiling fans and doors, said Eramo.

"They said each house is costing them $100,000 to $150,000 in order to redo it and take care of the rent of the other home," said Eramo.

Lennar released a statement regarding the Chinese drywall.

"Our first concern is our homeowners," Lennar Division President Darin McMurray said in a prepared statement. "Lennar will continue to stand by our homes and work closely with homeowners to resolve their concerns."

Fred Hanwell, who is moving out of his home April 15 so it can be renovated, said he heard about 40 homes in his community tested positive for Chinese drywall.

Meanwhile, the number of reported complaints of the Chinese drywall has more than tripled on the Treasure Coast.

In early March there were 15 complaints on the Treasure Coast. Now, there are 48 with the biggest increase in St. Lucie County, according to the Florida Department of Health's complaint list.

"A lot of people are calling and meeting the case definition of the drywall but they are choosing not to go on the health survey," said Jim Moses, St. Lucie County Environmental Health Department director. "The main concern from people is if their property value is going to come down."

In late March, the state Health Department confirmed Chinese drywall has higher levels of "strontium sulfide" compared to American manufactured drywall and that it gives off a sulfur odor when exposed to heat and moisture.

The testing did not reveal an imminent health hazard, although more testing is needed.

Some residents with the drywall have complained of respiratory problems.

"Once I walk into my home I feel like I'm choking. I get an instant headache, dizziness, everything," said Port St. Lucie resident Helen Penkosky, who said she sometimes sleeps in her car because of her symptoms.

Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/apr/11/Lennar-homes-replacing-drywall-in...