In everyday English, which of the following is the most accurate term for a person who builds houses as a trade?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about job titles related to construction. Many different professionals contribute to the creation of a house: architects design it, builders construct it, bricklayers handle masonry, and contractors manage projects. The question asks specifically for the person who builds houses, so we must focus on the main trade responsible for construction, not design or management alone.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The stem mentions a person who builds houses, without emphasizing design or planning.
• Architects are trained professionals who design buildings and draw plans.
• Builders coordinate and carry out the actual building of a house, often supervising the construction work.
• Bricklayers specialise in laying bricks and blocks, one part of the overall building process.
• Contractors typically manage contracts, labour, and materials but may not physically build with their own hands.

Concept / Approach:
In normal English usage, when we say someone builds houses for a living, we usually call that person a builder. This term focuses on the practical side of constructing buildings. An architect is primarily a designer, not the hands-on builder. A bricklayer works on walls and structures made of bricks but is only one of several tradespeople needed to complete a house. A contractor may oversee the project but is not necessarily the person who directly builds. Therefore, builder is the best single-word label for someone whose occupation is constructing houses.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Re-read the stem and note the key phrase builds houses.Step 2: Match this with everyday questions such as What do you do? I am a builder, I build houses.Step 3: Examine architect, which points to planning and designing rather than building itself.Step 4: Examine bricklayer, which refers to a skilled worker who lays bricks, a part but not the whole of the building process.Step 5: Examine contractor, who manages work and agreements but may employ builders instead of personally building. Conclude that builder is the most accurate and general term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think about real-life usage. People say The builder is coming to finish the house but not usually The architect is coming to build the house, although the architect might come to inspect the design. Similarly, bricklayers and electricians are different specialists hired by the builder or contractor. In job advertisements and business names, companies that construct houses often use words like builders and building contractors, which confirms builder as the straightforward occupation label.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Architect is incorrect because the central job is designing buildings, often in an office, not physically building them. Bricklayer is too narrow, describing one specific construction skill rather than the overall responsibility for building a house. Contractor describes someone who organises and manages projects, and may employ builders, but the word does not necessarily imply that the person personally builds houses with tools in hand. The question calls for the simplest, direct term, which is builder.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose architect because it sounds more prestigious or because they know architects are involved with houses. However, one-word substitution questions demand precision. Another pitfall is picking bricklayer under the impression that whoever handles bricks must be the builder; in reality, many other components (roof, wiring, plumbing) are needed and are often managed by a builder. Keeping these roles separate in your mind helps avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The most accurate everyday term for a person who builds houses as a trade is Builder, so option B is correct.