The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Toll Brothers" ...
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Shoddy Home Construction
A Boston Globe investigation reveals that "Toll Brothers, the country's largest builder of luxury homes, is plagued by lax supervision, sloppy construction methods and the use of inferior materials, generating substantial ill will among buyers nationwide." The stories focus mainly on problems in Hopkinton Highlands, and report that some luxurious homes built by Toll Brothers have foundation cracks, faulty framing and improperly secured walls. The series also reports that substandard home construction is becoming a national problem, and that the government admits serious lapses in overseeing the performance of home building companies.
Tags: building code violations; architecture; homeowners; building permits; resale value; land development; warranty claims
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Luxury by Design, Quality by Chance
Some of the big builders of luxury homes have cut corners in their rush to earn profits during the construction boom of the 1990s. New owners and building inspectors note walls that are unsecured to foundations, fake stucco, water-soaked wood that warped upon drying, sloping floors, uncompacted ground, and other kinds of building mistakes. Homeowners also charge Toll Brothers, one of the nation's most successful building corporations, with misrepresentation, sloppy siting, and building floor models that were far better built than the homes they later purchased. Further, the "major builders will not sell homes to buyers unless they sign away in advance their right to bring lawsuits."
Tags: home building; construction; developments; real estate; Toll Brothers; Pulte Corp.; semi-custom homes; architect; safety; energy efficiency; building plans; Anderson windows; water heaters; building codes; oversight; baby boomers