South Florida and Parkland Chinese Drywall Estimates and Repairs

Homeowners in Heron Bay, Parkland Golf and Country Club, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, and elsewhere in South Florida where homes were built or remodeled predominantly between 2005 and 2007 are facing a major dilemma in defective Chinese drywall. How much will remediation cost? If considering buying an existing home as is, how much should be set aside for remediation efforts? If tackling the project, should an investment be made in new cabinetry and appliances, or should what’s in the house be thoroughly cleansed and reused?

As a second-generation South Florida builder specializing in Chinese drywall remediation and repairs since 2008, we’ve seen how renovations have challenged homeowners and homebuyers financially and emotionally. The finances can be daunting. In our estimation, homeowners or prospective buyers of homes affected by Chinese drywall should expect to spend $35 to $45 per square foot for remediation efforts for interior work and then another $2 for repairs to landscaping and driveways from the impact of Dumpsters and Pods. A number of factors can affect estimates. They can vary by market and neighborhood. Prices can change based on the finishes used throughout the home. Factors also can include the materials used on the staircase, and whether one-, two- or three-piece crown molding was used. If the homeowner chooses to reuse cabinets, molding or even the air conditioner (assuming its copper and other metal components weren’t damaged beyond repair), prices can be kept lower. But for those homeowners looking to upgrade materials, remediation presents the ideal opportunity to do so. Many will find a moderate investment in higher-grade materials can deliver a finer appearance to the home’s interior and greater resale value down the road. Also, increasing the energy efficiency of the home will qualify the owner for federal tax rebates – and lower energy bills.

Prices also can be affected by the level of remediation the homeowner seeks. Various, deeper cleaning alternatives include AbissoCleanse, Nanoscale, thermal heat and other options. These can raise the cost of the clean-up job. Kogen Construction offers such options on remediation as well as when working with custom clients on new projects. In the end, how much is spent on drywall remediation depends on the extent of the contamination. If looking to buy an existing home that’s been contaminated with defective drywall, adjust the offer based on the cost of remediation. Again, at upward of $45 a square foot, remediation could top $200,000 on a 4,500 square foot home. If looking to purchase a home out of foreclosure or short sale, these numbers must be part of the calculation. Also, conduct a mold inspection; the presence of mold will increase the cost of repair work. Work closely with a Realtor, as well as a licensed general contractor, to best assess the cost of the project and work the figures into the negotiations.

Since 2008, Kogen Construction has submitted dozens of estimates on various model homes in Heron Bay, Parkland Golf and Country Club, Cobblestone Creek in Boynton Beach, and The Oaks of Boca Raton. We know the emotional and financial challenges homeowners and prospective home-buyers face. Our advice: Know your numbers. Work with a contractor experienced in your community like Kogen Construction. Your offer will be backed up with an estimate to remediate the house that you can present to a bank or homeowner. And you’ll find greater peace of mind in knowing you’ve worked to keep costs – and emotional stress – in check. About the Author: Julie Miller is President of Kogen Constuction Inc. (www.KogenConstruction.com). The South Florida-based licensed general contractor is FAU and BESI certified contractor and delivers expert, turn-key removal and remediation of defective Chinese drywall. Free consultations and estimates are available by appointment. Contact Miller at KogenConstruction@gmail.com or on the owner’s cell at 561-577-2619.