Inspections are carried out to ensure good quality design and code, primarily by detection of defects.

Smoke testing may not be done after rain or when ground water is unusually high as this may also prevent detection of defects.

Detection of Defects Neural tube defects can be detected prenatally because a fetal protein pours out of the opening of the spinal cord and enters the mother's blood.

Family planning experts say it is still nearly impossible to obtain amniocentesis - the medical procedure that can trace fetal abnormalities - because detection of defects could lead to a woman seeking an abortion.

Despite three years of delays and the detection of defects that became apparent only after they took up occupancy, Mr. Russell said jubilantly, "We own a brownstone in Manhattan, and I don't know one other person who does."