Resource Center

Stories

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 "home remodeling" ...

  • The money pit

    This story involves an often repeated complaint by consumers concerning home renovation. Dateline NBC sent a few reporters undercover to investigate what goes on behind the scenes. Interviewing people who had been through the remodeling they revealed that most often the time the time and the cost taken to complete the project is way more than the initial estimate. They also found that many a times the contractors were over-billing their customers.

    Tags: home remodeling; construction; construction workers; contractors; home decoration; remodeling

    By Richard Greenberg;Lea Thompson;Allan Maraynes;Sam Casalino;George Suarez;Emily Chang;Kathleen Rhodes;Jennifer Popko;Marc Rosenwasser;David Carvo

    NBC News Dateline

    2003

  • Air Force Academy Superintendent Kitchen Spending

    A Gazette investigation revealed that the Air Force Academy "used military readiness money to remodel generals' homes including $308,000 spent on a kitchen.... The Air Force isn't alone in the practice. The Navy recently told Congress it had spent $5.6 million in readiness money on admirals' homes... "

    Tags: malfeasance funds misappropriation perks budgets Pentagon accountability Facilities Board public property maintenance House Military Construction subcommittee

    By John Diedrich

    Gazette Telegraph (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

    1999

  • No title (id: 12866)

    For four months, KSTP probed the home remodeling industry. Our investigation revealed how some remodelers blackmailed their customers, tearing apart their homes during Minnesota's harsh winters, then threatening to leave if they weren't paid more money. KSTP found that one company was an alleged front for drug dealing. The investigation also revealed that state regulators not only knew about these con-artist contractors, but didn't use their powers to stop them. KSTP found that state officials issued licenses to contractors they knew were crooked. (Nov. 28 - 29, 1995)

    Tags: Grover Razig Hill CAR Dreams destroyed Contest entry 10 pgs. TAPE

    By None

    KSTP-TV (Minneapolis)

    1995

  • Stolen Dreams

    KPRC-TV (Houston) reports on three unscrupulous contractors who prey on the poor and uneducated by getting them to sign inflated home remodeling contracts. The contractors then provide shoddy services and foreclose when the people can't pay.

    Tags: broadcast; bankruptcy; fraud

    By Rick Nelson; Joe Collum

    KPRC-TV (Houston)

    1984

  • No title (id: 383)

    Mesa (Ariz.) Tribune publishes article on police investigation of a construction firm accused of refusing to pay outstanding material bills and fulfilling a home remodeling contract, January 1979.

    Tags: None

    By None

    Tribune (Mesa, Ariz.)

    1979