Since homebuilding is Arizona's main economic engine - and since a home is the biggest investment that most local families will make - you might assume that government officials take great pains to make sure construction here is done right. You'd be wrong. Fact is, thousands of Valley homeowners have been affected by bad soils here. This special report reveals that most of the problems that result from the soils in question are highly preventable, but builders take shortcuts that save them a few grand per house, at the most. They've learned that if they screw up a new home, the only discipline they have to face is, eventually, fixing it. And that's only if the homeowner decides to take on a fight.

1. Feature
   Cracked Houses
   Homes all over Arizona are falling apart. Blame the bad soil -- and the lousy construction
   By Sarah Fenske
   Published: March 16, 2006
2. Feature
   Soiled Hands
   It's no surprise that builders take shortcuts to make money. What might shock you: Government officials -- from regulators to legislators -- do little to stop them
   By Sarah Fenske
   Published: March 23, 2006
3. News Sidebar
   Through the Cracks
   Municipal building inspectors may not catch soil problems
   By Sarah Fenske
   Published: March 23, 2006
4. News Sidebar
   Survey Says . . .
   Are new homes shoddy? Depends who you ask
   By Sarah Fenske
   Published: March 23, 2006
5. News
   House Arrest
   A Sun City couple beat Del Webb in court. So why is their house still a mess?
   By Sarah Fenske
   Published: August 24, 2006