The five volume series, Barry's Construction of Buildings, has been established as a standard text on building technology for many years. However, a substantial update has long been required, and while doing this the opportunity has been taken to reduce five volumes to two in a more user-friendly format.

The introductory volume covers domestic construction and brings together material from volumes 1, 2 and part of 5. The extensive revision includes modern concepts on site assembly, environmental issues and safety, and features further reading.