Broward Home First In Nation To Be Rid Of Chinese Drywall
LAUDERHILL (CBS4) - A home in Lauderhill is one of the first in the nation to have its Chinese drywall removed as part of a new pilot program underway in several states, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
The three story townhouse, owned by Eleanor Aguilar, 48, has sat vacant for 2 ½ years after the toxic drywall was discovered.
Aguilar was the first to swing the sledgehammer into the tainted substance.
"I put a huge hole in the wall," said Aquilar. "It felt phenomenal. There were a lot of tears."
Aguilar's home is one of an estimated 300 that will be repaired in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana under a pilot program by China-based drywall maker Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin.
Knauf agreed to repair the homes of anyone who participates in a nationwide lawsuit in Louisiana against the company. Additionally, a majority of the home's tainted drywall must be manufactured by Knauf.
Roughly 30 homes in Broward and Palm Beach County are scheduled for repairs, including a third of the homes in Aguilar's housing development.
Workers will tear out the interior of the homes down to the slats. They will also remove and replace all building materials that have been damaged by the drywall, including insulation and electric wiring.
In addition to the repairs, the Knauf will also pay homeowners $8.50 a square foot to use for moving expenses, temporary housing and other costs.
