___________ construction refers to residential homes and apartments of up to four stories that are principally constructed of wood or light steel.

• A. Balloon Frame
• B. Heavy Timber
• C. Light Frame
• D. Brick Veneer

Answer: (C)

Light-frame construction refers to residential buildings up to about four stories that are built mainly with wood or light-gauge steel framing. In this system, the structure carries most loads with lightweight members such as studs and joists, and the walls may be load-bearing or non-loadbearing, depending on the design. This approach is the standard for most houses and low-rise apartments, which is why it fits the description: the emphasis is on wood or light steel framing rather than heavy masonry or large timber.

Balloon frame is a historical form of light-frame construction where the studs run from foundation to roof, but modern practice has largely moved toward other light-frame methods like platform framing. Heavy timber involves large timber members and is used in different, often taller, structural styles. Brick veneer is a wood- or steel-framed building with brick on the exterior, so the primary construction isn't wood or light steel throughout.