Construction works arose around every major building site, employing stonemasons, carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, freight haulers, stone cutters, ropers, pillar makers, coopers, and so on. Stone or wooden elements and auxiliary structures were made directly on site and the place where the construction was being worked on was called a courtyard. Artisans often use specialized tools such as wooden lifting machines, winches, hoists and cranes powered by hand or by means of large tread wheels.
Construction works assembled a great many workers, who became bonded together by natural and informal ties. The community of workers also provided ample custom for the surrounding merchants and innkeepers, and most of the workers would live in the vicinity for the duration of the building project, which often lasted years depending on the work they had to do.