This Handbook is made to provide simple information to house owners, house designers and builders, and building monitors to teach principles of good design and good construction in natural hazard-prone areas. Thoroughly studied, they will also guide on whether to repair or rebuild damaged houses. The descriptions are followed by a code of minimum standards for the construction of houses to ensure quality and a sustainable building. In an area that is prone to earthquakes and other significant natural hazards, not only principles of design are important, but also principles of construction, since the best-designed house which has been well covered and painted, may hide serious structural defects in the construction. These defects may lead to serious injury and death, and loss of property when the forces of nature strike the house.