Ohio High Court Considers Case of Magnetic Homes

The Ohio Supreme Court has been drawn into the case of two central Ohio couples who say their homes became giant magnets that hampered their TVs, phones and computers.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the problem was traced to steel joists that had become magnetized. Lower courts agreed with builder Centex Homes that the problem was not covered under the limited warranty that the homeowners signed off on, so their lawsuit was dismissed before it ever went to trial.

The state’s highest court is considering an appeal from the Canal Winchester homeowners. Their attorney told the justices during Tuesday’s oral arguments that builders have a responsibility to construct homes in a “workmanlike manner.”

The lawyer for Centex says home buyers need to read what they’re signing. He also called the two homes’ magnetic problem unique.