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Building Components

Interior Design · Level 6  ·  7 Chapters

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What Building Components covers

In this unit, you will be able to confidently select, install, and supervise the fitting of interior doors, windows, staircases, and walls, ensuring each component meets both project requirements and industry standards. You'll gain practical skills in identifying and applying the latest trends and materials, as well as designing and decorating staircases to create functional and attractive spaces. By the end, you'll be ready to bring modern, high-quality building components to life in any real-world project, making a lasting impact with your expertise.

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Careers after Building Components

Understanding and mastering building components like interior doors and windows opens up a world of opportunities for you in Kenya’s fast-growing construction and renovation sectors. These skills are not just about technical knowledge—they are your ticket to a dynamic, rewarding career where your work shapes homes, offices, schools, hotels, and more.

  • Construction Sites & Real Estate Development: Skilled door and window installers are in high demand on building sites across Kenya, from Nairobi’s high-rise apartments to county government projects for schools and hospitals.
  • Jua Kali Sector: Many artisans in the jua kali industry produce, repair, and install doors and windows for homes and businesses. With expertise, you can run your own workshop or offer mobile installation services.
  • Hospitality & Tourism: Hotels, lodges, and resorts (from the Coast to Maasai Mara) regularly upgrade interiors—your knowledge of modern trends and materials can land you jobs or contracts in this sector.
  • Matatu & Public Transport Industry: Customizing vehicle interiors often includes specialized doors and windows—your skills can be applied in matatu body-building workshops.
  • KTDA & Agribusiness Facilities: Tea factories and farm offices need secure, efficient doors and windows; you can be part of maintenance teams or offer installation services.
  • Self-employment & Entrepreneurship: Start your own installation business, supply materials, or consult on renovation projects. Many Kenyans earn a good living by specializing in modern, secure, and stylish doors and windows.
  • County Works & Government Projects: Counties often hire skilled personnel for public infrastructure upgrades—schools, clinics, and offices all require quality interior fittings.

By mastering these skills, you become a trusted expert—someone who brings safety, comfort, and style to Kenyan spaces. Your hands can build the future, and your knowledge can set you apart in a thriving industry. Believe in your ability to create, innovate, and earn with confidence!

Chapters

1
Determine interior doors
24 topics
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2
Determine interior windows
11 topics
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3
Decorate interior staircases
9 topics
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4
Determine interior walls
9 topics
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5
Determine interior beams and columns
8 topics
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6
Determine interior ceiling
9 topics
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7
Decorate interior fireplaces
13 topics
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What Building Components covers: 69 main topics in 7 chapters

1. Determine interior doors

  1. 1.1 Introduction to building elements and components
  2. 1.2 Emerging trends in building elements and components
  3. 1.3 AI and smart building component writing
  4. 1.4 Modular and prefabricated building systems
  5. 1.5 High-performance and energy-efficient elements
  6. 1.6 Resilient and disaster-resistant components
  7. 1.7 Functional requirements of doors
  8. 1.8 Purposes of doors
  9. 1.9 Types of doors
  10. 1.10 Construction details
  11. 1.11 Materials for interior doors
  12. 1.12 Door finishes
  13. 1.13 Fitting doors
  14. 1.14 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

2. Determine interior windows

  1. 2.1 Introduction to interior windows writing
  2. 2.2 Emerging trends on windows
  3. 2.3 Functional requirements windows
  4. 2.4 Purposes of windows
  5. 2.5 Types of windows
  6. 2.6 Window movements
  7. 2.7 Construction details
  8. 2.8 Materials used to make windows
  9. 2.9 Window finishes
  10. 2.10 Fitting windows
  11. 2.11 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

3. Decorate interior staircases

  1. 3.1 Introduction to staircases
  2. 3.2 Functional requirements
  3. 3.3 Functions of staircases
  4. 3.4 Types of staircases
  5. 3.5 Staircase designs
  6. 3.6 Decoration materials for staircase writing
  7. 3.7 Construction details
  8. 3.8 Staircases decoration techniques
  9. 3.9 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

4. Determine interior walls

  1. 4.1 Introduction to interior walls writing
  2. 4.2 Functional requirements of walls
  3. 4.3 Functions of walls
  4. 4.4 Types of walls
  5. 4.5 Wall construction materials
  6. 4.6 Walls construction details
  7. 4.7 Walls construction
  8. 4.8 Interior partitions
  9. 4.9 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

5. Determine interior beams and columns

  1. 5.1 Introduction to beams and columns
  2. 5.2 Functional requirements of interior beams and columns writing
  3. 5.3 Types of interior beams and columns
  4. 5.4 Construction materials
  5. 5.5 Interior beams and columns construction materials
  6. 5.6 Interior beams and columns construction details
  7. 5.7 Interior beams and columns decoration techniques
  8. 5.8 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

6. Determine interior ceiling

  1. 6.1 Introduction to ceilings writing
  2. 6.2 Functional requirements of ceilings
  3. 6.3 Functions of ceilings
  4. 6.4 Ceiling designs
  5. 6.5 Types of ceilings
  6. 6.6 Ceiling materials
  7. 6.7 Ceiling construction details
  8. 6.8 Ceiling installation
  9. 6.9 Safety precautions and use of PPEs

7. Decorate interior fireplaces

  1. 7.1 Introduction to fireplaces
  2. 7.2 Types of fire places
  3. 7.3 Firebox materials properties
  4. 7.4 Firebox materials selection based on sustainability and green design
  5. 7.5 Fireplace construction details
  6. 7.6 Design fireplace
  7. 7.7 Fireplace finishes
  8. 7.8 Decorative elements and detailing applications
  9. 7.9 Fireplace finishing, cleaning and inspection

Practise this unit

The practical 78 The assessment itself: tools, materials and the marks Step-by-step guide 78 PPE, each step, what good looks like, common mistakes

Revise this unit

Exam-style questions 98 Written to CDACC standard, with answers Test yourself 279 Multiple-choice, one at a time Practise questions 127 Quick recall — check you know the facts
3 more for this unit
Oral exam preparation 67 What the assessor asks, and how to answer out loud Worked calculations 28 Step-by-step maths with the common mistakes Quick cards 1,387 Myth busters, skill tips and scenarios

Beyond the syllabus

Decision simulator 7 On site, what would you do? Workplace scenarios 101 Real site situations — what would you do? Turn this into income 48 Where this skill earns — what to charge, how to find clients

Other units in Module V