Trust your local building department and its expert building inspectors.
[cnn.com]
My stepfather was a contractor in Broward County, Florida. One summer in my college years I supervised the construction of a small building in Southern Dade County, and I saw first hand the corner cutting and other dangerous practices of subcontractors in Dade County, Florida. My heart goes out to those who are left guessing the welfare of their friends, neighbors and relatives.
I expect to see buildings collapse in China or India. It's a normal occurrence there, but a shocking occurrence here.