Designing the structural elements of a home involves determining the loads that the building The structural engineer will calculate the expected loads on the home, such as the weight of the building itself, the weight of the occupants and their belongings, and any additional loads such as snow, wind, and earthquakes. Based on the loads and other factors such as cost, availability, and durability, the engineer will choose the appropriate materials for the various structural components, such as the foundation, walls, floors, and roof. Common materials include wood, steel, concrete, and masonry.