The buildings erected nowadays can be divided into two general classes: buildings for housing and industrial buildings.
As far as material is concerned buildings can be divided into brick, wood, concrete, and steel buildings. Brick is an artificial building material made of clay which is then burnt for hardening. Natural stone (rubble masonry) is used for footing and foundations for external walls carrying the load.
Buildings made of stone are durable and fire-resisting.
The floors divide a building into stories. They may be either of timber or, in brick buildings, of reinforced concrete details of big and small sizes.
The coverings or upper parts of buildings meant to keep out rain and wind and to preserve the interior from exposure to weather are called roofs. They tie the walls and give the construction strength and firmness.
Every building must have a beautiful appearance. The interior should be planned to suit the requirements of the occupants while the exterior must be simple with nothing superfluous.
Every building should be provided with water, electricity, ventilation and heating systems. The water supply and sewerage systems are called plumbing.
Careful consideration must be given to the amount of money which is going to be spent in building the house. An estimate depending upon the design of the building must be calculated after which work on the building can be started.