Over time, as a result of the many buildings constructed over the generations, building methods have evolved. Using a rug to keep the floor warm has turned into full blown under floor heating. Single pane windows, which used to be a luxury, are now double or triple glazed windows. In general, functionality has improved a great deal over time.

The speed of construction and use of materials has also drastically improved. In bygone days, a home would of been constructed out of a great deal of wood, with a lot of that wood being wasted. Now buildings can be created from weaker wood and using less, to do the same job to the same standard. All because of the evolution of building methods.

This drastic improvement has seen many traditional methods phase out of existence. Traditional masonry is far less commonly used in construction along with old plastering techniques which traditionally left the walls thicker with better sound insulation.