Thus far, most news about Chinese Drywall litigation concerns class action suits and large building outfits like WCI or Lennar Co. In North Carolina, however, one news station is reporting a different type of claim, and a claim that we’ve foreshadowed here at the Chinese Drywall Blog.

A local couple in North Carolina has brought a direct action against its builder, Stafford Custom Homes, Inc., for the Chinese Drywall damages. The suit is one of the first – if not the firsts – publicized lawsuits whereby a homeowner has directly brought suit against their builder.

Stafford Custom Homes, Inc. is a local N.C. builder like many builders across the country who may be victims of the Chinese Drywall crisis. On its website, it describes its business as follows:

A developer and builder who values family and creates quality communities that enrich the family lifestyle

It’s nearly certain that Stafford Custom Homes – like so many other local builders – innocently installed this Chinese Drywall. Today, however, they are facing complicated litigation and a potential hefty liability to the homeowners.

It will be interesting to watch this case unfold, and especially to see whether the builder’s GL insurance covers the claim or asserts non-coverage under the policy’s pollution exclusions.

Read a copy of the complaint here: Flannigan v. Stafford Custom Homes, Inc.