Through these materials, one is able to form what’s known as the foundation for the house. The addition of flooring, walls, and a roof are the next steps as the project begins to come together. Most foundations are made from concrete, though, with the ground excavated to ensure this foundation is built on level and solid ground. The thickness of the foundation will depend on the load the building has to withstand. With this foundation now set, the flooring can begin to be introduced. The structural component of flooring is known as the subfloor – with the materials used to develop the subfloor dependant on the function of the building. For example, an airline hangar will evidently have a more solid foundation than the floor of an office.

The layer that lies on top of the subfloor is known as the decking. This is usually composed of plywood attached to the beams of the foundation. On top of the decking we’ll find the aesthetic part of the floor – the part we decide to decorate the home with. This is typically composed of tile, carpet, or vinyl, depending on the individual tastes of the property owner. On top of this flooring foundation, we will find the skeleton of the rest of the house – known as its “framing”. This framing usually consists of wooden beams and columns, forming a logical pattern to cater for the needs of the property. More complex buildings, instead, will use steel and concrete instead of wood to cater for that particular load. The design of the house is constructed in a way where the weight will bear down on the foundation – ensuring a consistent standing of the property in question.

After the framing has been completed, it is now time to add materials such as insulation and electrical wiring. The insulation tends to be present between the inside and outside of walls, meaning the house remains sufficiently warm at all times as well as reducing the level of noise experienced in the building. In addition, now would be the appropriate time to form the basis of the walls themselves, covering them up with plywood. Once this basic frame has been completed, decorative materials can then be added to the walls, such as paint or wallpaper. Upon completion, the roof can now be tackled. The roof can take two forms: flat, or sloped (“pitched”).

The underlying structural component of the roof is made with either wooden or steel trusses, with plywood sheeting attached, as before, to these beams. The covering of the roof depends on individual preference, but is typically asphalt, wood, tile, or metal.