Family blames illness on mold infested home

January 20, 2008

NBC 2 Fort Myers*

Last updated on: 1/18/2008 by Adam Freeman

COLLIER COUNTY: A Naples family says mold is growing in their home

and now it's making them sick. But the company that built the home

says it's not their fault.

For and Diane Mathieu, their brand new dream home turned into a

nightmare.

" I don't want anybody else to go through what I have. I am fighting

for my life because of that home, " said Diane.

The Mathieus say their home was built without proper water-proofing,

which led to mold growing in the pillars.

" It was basically like 10 or 12 columns with mold just feeding into

the house everyday, " said .

says he and his wife, who is battling cancer, as well as their

two young kids are now sick because of the mold.

" One thing led to another and it just devastated a family, " said

.

In a lawsuit, the couple blames the builder Assaad-Corace of Naples,

along with several other companies, for the moldy mess. But

officials with Assaad-Corace say they are not responsible.

" We're a reputable company and we haven't had issues like this in

the past. We stand by our product and we feel these claims are

inaccurate. We look forward to proving so in court, " said Mike Assad

of the Assaad-Corace Construction Company.

The Mathieus say they didn't even know about anything wrong with the

home until it was too late. They warn the same could happen to you.

" We are able to fight this. But how many other families are going

through this that can't fight it? " asked Diane.

While they aren't going back in the house, the Mathieus say you

should make sure yours is built properly before moving in so your

dream home doesn't turn out like theirs.

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