TAMPA - Sinus infections and corroded air-conditioning coils led Zoran Krekicto to test his New Tampa home for tainted drywall imported from China.

When the tests came back positive in March, he didn't know what to do. The warranty on his home in Heritage Isle had expired, and his builder was no longer in business.

He called Lennar, the company that purchased his previous builder's business, and was stunned with the reply: "We'll take care of it."

"There is so much bad news coming out of the Chinese drywall story that I just can't believe they're taking care of us like this," Krekic said. "I'm very fortunate that my investment isn't going in the garbage can."

Lennar is one of a few builders replacing bad drywall for customers. Some builders are doing nothing, and others are waiting on more tests to determine the extent of the problem.

More than 2,000 homeowners nationwide have complained to the government that their drywall emits a gas that smells of rotten eggs and corrodes wiring and appliances. Some also complain of headaches, bloody noses and breathing problems.

Krekic said he is mostly impressed with Lennar that it is replacing his drywall for free even though it didn't construct his home.

"They could try to get out of this, but they're not," he said. "I've looked into this and know that their insurance company does not pay for this. They're paying for this out of their own pockets."

At least two of Krekic's neighbors are getting similar help, he said.

Lennar has spent nearly $180,000 tearing out all of the drywall in Krekic's home and replacing wiring and appliances. (He paid nearly $400,000 for the home in 2006.)

In addition, the company is paying his mortgage and monthly expenses, such as pest control and gardening, until he's back in the house.

Krekic is one of the lucky ones affected by the bad drywall.

Some experts estimate as many as 100,000 homes across the country have the Chinese-made drywall. Some builders used it during the housing boom because of a domestic drywall shortage. There are complaints in 32 states, with the majority from Florida.

The investigation into the drywall is the largest ever for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency has said more testing is needed to determine whether there is a link between the drywall and health or safety issues.

Government officials say they're looking for a way to help homeowners pay for repairs, but so far it is unclear where the money would come from.

Some homeowners are turning to the courts. Class-action lawsuits are pending against builders and manufacturers.

Krekic is thankful he won't have to go that far to get back into his house. The repairs are supposed to be finished in January.

Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.