A building constructed with load-bearing exterior walls of brick or concrete block would be classified as which construction type?
Correct Answer
C) Masonry construction
Masonry construction is characterized by load-bearing exterior walls made of brick, concrete block, stone, or other masonry materials. The walls themselves support the structural loads of the building.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Masonry construction is correctly identified because the defining characteristic is load-bearing exterior walls made of brick, concrete block, stone, or similar masonry materials. In this construction type, the masonry walls themselves carry the structural loads of floors, roof, and other building components, rather than relying on an internal frame system. The materials mentioned (brick and concrete block) are classic examples of masonry construction materials. This construction type is common in older commercial buildings, some residential structures, and institutional buildings.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Wood frame construction
Wood frame construction uses a structural framework of wood studs, beams, and joists to carry loads, with exterior walls typically being non-load-bearing curtain walls or wood siding that provides weather protection but not structural support.
Option B: Steel frame construction
Steel frame construction relies on a skeleton of steel beams and columns to support structural loads, with exterior walls serving as curtain walls rather than load-bearing elements, even if they happen to be made of masonry materials.
Option D: Mixed construction
Mixed construction would involve a combination of different structural systems within the same building, such as masonry walls on lower floors with wood frame construction above, which is not described in this scenario.
WALL-BEARS Memory Method
Remember 'WALL-BEARS' - When Actual Load-bearing Lies - Brick/Block Exterior Assumes Responsibility for Structure. If the walls themselves (especially exterior masonry walls) are doing the heavy lifting structurally, it's masonry construction.
How to use: When you see a question about construction type, immediately ask 'What's bearing the load?' If it's the exterior walls made of brick/block/stone, think WALL-BEARS and choose masonry construction.
Exam Tip
Focus on the phrase 'load-bearing exterior walls' - this is the key identifier. Don't be distracted by the materials alone; the critical factor is that these masonry walls are carrying structural loads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing masonry veneer (decorative brick over frame construction) with true masonry construction
- -Assuming any building with brick exterior is masonry construction without considering whether walls are load-bearing
- -Overlooking the 'load-bearing' qualifier and focusing only on exterior wall materials
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of building construction classification systems used in real estate appraisal. Construction type classification is fundamental to property valuation as it affects durability, maintenance costs, insurance rates, and overall market value. The key distinguishing factor is identifying what structural elements bear the building's load - in this case, the exterior walls made of masonry materials are the primary load-bearing components. Understanding construction types helps appraisers assess quality, estimate remaining economic life, and make appropriate comparisons with similar properties.
Background Knowledge
Construction classification systems categorize buildings based on their primary structural load-bearing system, which directly impacts property durability, maintenance requirements, and valuation. The main types include wood frame, steel frame, masonry, reinforced concrete, and mixed construction, each with distinct characteristics affecting appraisal analysis.
Real-World Application
When appraising an older downtown commercial building with thick brick exterior walls, an appraiser must recognize this as masonry construction to properly estimate remaining economic life (typically 75-100 years), assess maintenance costs for mortar pointing and brick repair, and select appropriate comparable properties with similar construction quality and characteristics.
More Property Description Questions
Property zoned as R-2 typically allows for:
In the rectangular survey system, a section contains how many acres?
Which property right includes the right to receive rental income from a tenant-occupied property?
A property is located in a 100-year flood zone. This means the property has what probability of flooding in any given year?
In a metes and bounds description, the term 'metes' refers to:
People Also Study
Valuation Principles & Procedures
25% of exam
Market Analysis & Highest/Best Use
15% of exam
Appraisal Math & Statistics
15% of exam
USPAP (Ethics & Standards)
15% of exam
Report Writing & Compliance
10% of exam