This book is intended as guidance for students pursuing any elementary building course. Its illustrative text commends its application as a useful preliminary reader for degree, diploma and professional studies in building and a complementary reference to all first and second-year BTEC construction courses. There are ideas and suggestions which will appeal to practical householders with intentions to maintain or improve their property by enlargement or general refurbishment. The content acknowledges the processes involved at preconstruction stage in addition to the principles and controls applied throughout the construction programme. These include most aspects of elementary construction with an insight into techniques applied in larger-scale development using standard steel sections and reinforced concrete. Superficial and structural defects are revealed, with details of remedial treatment plus guidance for the procedure undertaken in a structural survey. Current legislation and standards receive appropriate reference, with particular attention to safety and correct use of materials.