This textbook describes and examines the basic constructional techniques, choice and use of materials and the statutory requirements for domestic buildings. Continued developments in materials and techniques together with syllabus changes have made this fifth edition necessary. It contains many new and replacement diagrams, which now occupy more than 80 pages, compared with 65 in the fourth edition. New topics included are: environmentally friendly buildings and radon - free-standing walls - more extensive cavity wall details and their insulation - more solid and joisted floor detailing including insulation - sound insulation of partitions - prevention of condensation in pitched roofs - warm deck and cold deck roofing details - aluminium / timber and PVC-U windows and doors - GRP interceptors, septic tanks, cesspools and sewage treatment plant. The book is suitable for the following courses: building, built environment, quantity surveying, building surveying, estate management, architecture, housing management, environmental health, structural and civil engineering. It is aimed at undergraduates, BTEC HND, Diploma, GNVQ Advanced, RICS, and CIOB students and is suitable for the professional exams of: Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioners, Architects' and Surveyors Institute, Institute of Clerks of Works.