While the implosion of the real estate market and a cascade of bank foreclosures on financially stressed homeowners provided a dramatic conclusion to the first decade of the 21st century, Chinese drywall remains an issue that won’t go away; in fact, it may yet eclipse the current market woes as the biggest ongoing real estate concern of this century. At this point, no-one seems certain of how many homes will ultimately be affected, although estimates are in the range of 100,000. If you suspect that your home might be affected, a Chinese drywall attorney is the best option to make certain your interests are protected.

You wouldn’t be alone if you haven’t heard anything about Chinese drywall and the problems it’s causing. With hurricanes, a war, an election, swine flu and the great recession dominating the news and preoccupying Americans, the issue has not been widely covered in the news. That doesn’t make it any less problematic. Law firms like Reich & Binstock that have a specialized Chinese drywall attorney on staff have been overwhelmed by inquiries from affected consumers.

Ironically it was the housing boom (that preceded the current bust) and hurricane damage that led to the need to import Chinese drywall between 2004 and 2006 in the first place. With the boom in new home starts, a trend to bigger than ever new houses and drywall replacement in existing homes driven by nine hurricanes in Florida and Katrina in New Orleans, American drywall producers were unable to keep up with the unprecedented demand for drywall. Home builders turned to Chinese suppliers and, as a result, Chinese drywall was installed in homes in upwards of 41 states. Homeowners began complaining of issues, and states where humidity is high (like Florida) have proved especially prone to drywall issues. Sulfur compounds used in Chinese drywall can corrode copper, causing electrical and equipment failures, as well as having potential adverse health effects such as respiratory ailments. The sulfur can also cause an unpleasant odor.

If your home was built or renovated between 2004 and 2006 and you notice any of these issues, you should contact a Chinese drywall attorney.

Ian Keller is an analyst with one of the largest real estate firms in the US, with a responsibility for tracking issues of significance like foreclosure statistics, insurance rates, natural disasters and incidences of Chinese Drywall installation in buildings. Ian’s reports show that the real estate market meltdown and rash of foreclosures had a huge impact on the industry over the past year, but he’s expecting a rebound; the issue of toxic drywall in homes is something that he considers a ticking liability time bomb that has the potential to seriously impact home sales and homeowner health in affected areas for years to come. “I expect that tens of thousands of homeowners will be contacting a Chinese Drywall Attorney in the years to come,” says Keller, “and that number might only represent the tip of the iceberg.”

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