Building construction is at a high as the economy increases and more folks need resources such as homes, stores and other conveniences.
Knowing the basics of a building structure is a great way to appreciate some of the technologies we use in our everyday lives and have a more profound understanding of structural fundamentals keeping us safe.
What are the main components of a building?
Even though many of the structures we use on a daily basis such as grocery stores, shopping centers, and other buildings are simplistic at first glance, there are many components making these designs safe and functional for everyday use. The main basic components of a building include but are not limited to:
- Roof
- Beams
- Columns
- Parapet
- Lintels
- Damp proof course (DPC)
- Stairs
- Walls
- Floor
- Plinth
- Foundation
- Plinth beam
How are structural members classified?
Structural members are components of a building used to strengthen and stabilize for optimal safety. These particular building components include:
- Beams
- Frames
- Columns
- Tension structures
- Etc.
What is the function of structural members?
Structural members of a building include all the systems that act as the “bones” and help to strengthen a structure. For example, slabs are used to create flat surfaces used to carry the load of other structures, such as roof slab or flooring and may be reinforced with concrete beams or walls.
Footing is another vital component which acts as a tool to transmit the weight and loads from building columns to the soil.
Everything from the ground floor to the top of the roof serves a vital function, and with the aforementioned basics, you get a better picture of the components making up your home.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
