A commercial building has steel frame construction with masonry veneer exterior walls. How should this construction type be classified?
Correct Answer
B) Steel frame construction
Construction type is classified by the structural frame material, not the exterior finish. Since the steel frame provides the structural support, this is steel frame construction with masonry veneer as an exterior finish material.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Steel frame construction is correct because the steel frame provides the primary structural support for the building. The masonry veneer is merely an exterior cladding system attached to the steel frame structure. Construction classification follows the load-bearing structural system, and since steel carries all structural loads in this scenario, it must be classified as steel frame construction regardless of the exterior finish materials.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Masonry construction
Masonry construction would require the masonry to be load-bearing and provide the primary structural support. In this case, the masonry is only veneer (a thin exterior covering) attached to the steel frame, not structural masonry that bears loads.
Option C: Mixed construction
Mixed construction typically refers to buildings with different structural systems in different areas (like concrete lower floors with steel upper floors). Having steel structure with masonry veneer doesn't create mixed construction since only one structural system exists.
Option D: Fire-resistant construction
Fire-resistant construction describes a performance characteristic, not a construction type classification. While steel frame buildings may have fire-resistant features, this doesn't define the construction type category.
Skeleton Rule
Think of the building's 'skeleton' - what holds it up? The skeleton (structural frame) determines the construction type, while the 'skin' (exterior materials) is just clothing that doesn't change what's underneath.
How to use: When you see construction classification questions, immediately ask 'What's the skeleton?' Ignore exterior finishes, veneer, or cladding materials and focus only on what provides structural support.
Exam Tip
Look for key words like 'veneer,' 'cladding,' or 'exterior finish' which indicate non-structural materials that don't determine construction type classification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Classifying based on exterior appearance rather than structural system
- -Confusing masonry veneer with structural masonry construction
- -Thinking mixed construction applies whenever two different materials are present
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests understanding of construction classification systems used in real estate appraisal. Construction type classification is based on the primary structural system that bears the building's load, not the exterior materials or finishes. The structural frame determines the building's fundamental characteristics including load-bearing capacity, fire resistance, and overall structural integrity. Exterior materials like masonry veneer are considered cladding or finish materials that provide weather protection and aesthetics but do not carry structural loads.
Background Knowledge
Construction classification systems categorize buildings based on their primary structural framework materials such as wood frame, steel frame, concrete, or masonry. Appraisers must distinguish between structural elements (load-bearing components) and non-structural elements (exterior finishes, veneer, cladding) when determining construction type.
Real-World Application
In practice, appraisers encounter many buildings with steel or wood frames covered by brick veneer. These must be classified and compared to other frame buildings, not masonry buildings, because their structural characteristics, costs, and performance match frame construction despite the brick appearance.
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