diff --git a/library/lua/dfhack/buildings.lua b/library/lua/dfhack/buildings.lua
index 9650dc4cd..eb0a6a5b5 100644
--- a/library/lua/dfhack/buildings.lua
+++ b/library/lua/dfhack/buildings.lua
@@ -2,6 +2,336 @@ local dfhack = dfhack
 local _ENV = dfhack.BASE_G
 local buildings = dfhack.buildings
 
+local utils = require 'utils'
+
+--[[ Building input material tables. ]]
+
+local building_inputs = {
+    [df.building_type.Chair] = { { item_type=df.item_type.CHAIR, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.CHAIR } },
+    [df.building_type.Bed] = { { item_type=df.item_type.BED, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BED } },
+    [df.building_type.Table] = { { item_type=df.item_type.TABLE, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TABLE } },
+    [df.building_type.Coffin] = { { item_type=df.item_type.COFFIN, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.COFFIN } },
+    [df.building_type.FarmPlot] = { },
+    [df.building_type.Furnace] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.building_type.TradeDepot] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true }, quantity=3 } },
+    [df.building_type.Door] = { { item_type=df.item_type.DOOR, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.DOOR } },
+    [df.building_type.Floodgate] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.FLOODGATE,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.FLOODGATE
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Box] = {
+        {
+            flags1={ empty=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BOX,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BOX
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Weaponrack] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.WEAPONRACK,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WEAPONRACK
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Armorstand] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.ARMORSTAND,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ARMORSTAND
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Workshop] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.building_type.Cabinet] = {
+        { item_type=df.item_type.CABINET, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.CABINET }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Statue] = { { item_type=df.item_type.STATUE, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.STATUE } },
+    [df.building_type.WindowGlass] = { { item_type=df.item_type.WINDOW, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WINDOW } },
+    [df.building_type.WindowGem] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.SMALLGEM,
+            quantity=3,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Well] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.BLOCKS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35
+        },
+        {
+            name='bucket',
+            flags2={ lye_milk_free=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BUCKET,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BUCKET
+        },
+        {
+            name='chain',
+            item_type=df.item_type.CHAIN,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.CHAIN
+        },
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Bridge] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true }, quantity=-1 } },
+    [df.building_type.RoadDirt] = { },
+    [df.building_type.RoadPaved] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true }, quantity=-1 } },
+    [df.building_type.AnimalTrap] = {
+        {
+            flags1={ empty=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.ANIMALTRAP,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANIMALTRAP
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Support] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.building_type.ArcheryTarget] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.building_type.Chain] = { { item_type=df.item_type.CHAIN, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.CHAIN } },
+    [df.building_type.Cage] = { { item_type=df.item_type.CAGE, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.CAGE } },
+    [df.building_type.Weapon] = { { vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_SPIKE } },
+    [df.building_type.ScrewPump] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.BLOCKS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35
+        },
+        {
+            name='screw',
+            flags2={ screw=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPCOMP,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_WEAPON
+        },
+        {
+            name='pipe',
+            item_type=df.item_type.PIPE_SECTION,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.PIPE_SECTION
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Construction] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.building_type.Hatch] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.HATCH_COVER,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.HATCH_COVER
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.GrateWall] = { { item_type=df.item_type.GRATE, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.GRATE } },
+    [df.building_type.GrateFloor] = { { item_type=df.item_type.GRATE, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.GRATE } },
+    [df.building_type.BarsVertical] = {
+        { item_type=df.item_type.BAR, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35 }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.BarsFloor] = {
+        { item_type=df.item_type.BAR, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35 }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.GearAssembly] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.AxleHorizontal] = {
+        { item_type=df.item_type.WOOD, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WOOD, quantity=-1 }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.AxleVertical] = { { item_type=df.item_type.WOOD, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WOOD } },
+    [df.building_type.WaterWheel] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.WOOD,
+            quantity=3,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WOOD
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Windmill] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.WOOD,
+            quantity=4,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.WOOD
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.TractionBench] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRACTION_BENCH,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRACTION_BENCH
+        }
+    },
+    [df.building_type.Slab] = { { item_type=df.item_type.SLAB } },
+    [df.building_type.NestBox] = { { has_tool_use=df.tool_uses.NEST_BOX, item_type=df.item_type.TOOL } },
+    [df.building_type.Hive] = { { has_tool_use=df.tool_uses.HIVE, item_type=df.item_type.TOOL } }
+}
+
+local furnace_inputs = {
+    [df.furnace_type.WoodFurnace] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.Smelter] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.GlassFurnace] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.Kiln] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.MagmaSmelter] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, magma_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.MagmaGlassFurnace] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, magma_safe=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.furnace_type.MagmaKiln] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, magma_safe=true, non_economic=true } } }
+}
+
+local workshop_inputs = {
+    [df.workshop_type.Carpenters] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Farmers] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Masons] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Craftsdwarfs] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Jewelers] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.MetalsmithsForge] = {
+        {
+            name='anvil',
+            flags2={ fire_safe=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.ANVIL,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANVIL
+        },
+        { flags2={ building_material=true, fire_safe=true, non_economic=true } }
+    },
+    [df.workshop_type.MagmaForge] = {
+        {
+            name='anvil',
+            flags2={ magma_safe=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.ANVIL,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANVIL
+        },
+        { flags2={ building_material=true, magma_safe=true, non_economic=true } }
+    },
+    [df.workshop_type.Bowyers] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Mechanics] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Siege] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true }, quantity=3 } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Butchers] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Leatherworks] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Tanners] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Clothiers] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Fishery] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Still] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Loom] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Quern] = { { item_type=df.item_type.QUERN, vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.QUERN } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Kennels] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Kitchen] = { { flags2={ building_material=true, non_economic=true } } },
+    [df.workshop_type.Ashery] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.BLOCKS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_GENERIC35
+        },
+        {
+            name='barrel',
+            flags1={ empty=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BARREL,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BARREL
+        },
+        {
+            name='bucket',
+            flags2={ lye_milk_free=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BUCKET,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BUCKET
+        }
+    },
+    [df.workshop_type.Dyers] = {
+        {
+            name='barrel',
+            flags1={ empty=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BARREL,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BARREL
+        },
+        {
+            name='bucket',
+            flags2={ lye_milk_free=true },
+            item_type=df.item_type.BUCKET,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.BUCKET
+        }
+    },
+    [df.workshop_type.Millstone] = {
+        {
+            item_type=df.item_type.MILLSTONE,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.MILLSTONE
+        },
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+local trap_inputs = {
+    [df.trap_type.StoneFallTrap] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    },
+    [df.trap_type.WeaponTrap] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        },
+        { vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.ANY_WEAPON }
+    },
+    [df.trap_type.Lever] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    },
+    [df.trap_type.PressurePlate] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    },
+    [df.trap_type.CageTrap] = {
+        {
+            name='mechanism',
+            item_type=df.item_type.TRAPPARTS,
+            vector_id=df.job_item_vector_id.TRAPPARTS
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+local function get_inputs_by_type(type,subtype,custom)
+    if type == df.building_type.Workshop then
+        return workshop_inputs[subtype]
+    elseif type == df.building_type.Furnace then
+        return furnace_inputs[subtype]
+    elseif type == df.building_type.Trap then
+        return trap_inputs[subtype]
+    else
+        return building_inputs[type]
+    end
+end
+
+local function augment_input(input, argtable)
+    local rv = {}
+    local arg = argtable[input.name or 'material']
+
+    if arg then
+        utils.assign(rv, arg)
+    end
+
+    utils.assign(rv, input)
+
+    if rv.mat_index and safe_index(rv, 'flags2', 'non_economic') then
+        rv.flags2.non_economic = false
+    end
+
+    rv.new = true
+    rv.name = nil
+    return rv
+end
+
+function buildings.getFiltersByType(argtable,type,subtype,custom)
+    local inputs = get_inputs_by_type(type,subtype,custom)
+    if not inputs then
+        return nil
+    end
+    local rv = {}
+    for i,v in ipairs(inputs) do
+        rv[i] = augment_input(v, argtable)
+    end
+    return rv
+end
+
 --[[
     Wraps all steps necessary to create a building with
     a construct job into one function.
@@ -30,6 +360,10 @@ local buildings = dfhack.buildings
         filter = { { ... }, { ... }... }
       -- OR
         abstract = true
+      -- OR
+        material = { filter_properties... }
+        mechanism = { filter_properties... }
+        barrel, bucket, chain, anvil, screw, pipe
     }
 
     Returns: the created building, or 'nil, error'
@@ -39,14 +373,18 @@ function buildings.constructBuilding(info)
     local btype = info.type
     local subtype = info.subtype or -1
     local custom = info.custom or -1
+    local filters = info.filters
 
     if not (info.pos or info.x) then
         error('position is required')
     end
-    if not (info.abstract or info.items or info.filters) then
-        error('one of items, filters or abstract are required')
-    elseif info.filters then
-        for _,v in ipairs(info.filters) do
+    if not (info.abstract or info.items or filters) then
+        filters = buildings.getFiltersByType(info,btype,subtype,custom)
+        if not filters then
+            error('one of items, filters or abstract is required')
+        end
+    elseif filters then
+        for _,v in ipairs(filters) do
             v.new = true
         end
     end
@@ -84,7 +422,7 @@ function buildings.constructBuilding(info)
             elseif info.items then
                 ok = buildings.constructWithItems(instance, info.items)
             else
-                ok = buildings.constructWithFilters(instance, info.filters)
+                ok = buildings.constructWithFilters(instance, filters)
             end
             if not ok then
                 return nil, "could not construct the building"
diff --git a/library/lua/utils.lua b/library/lua/utils.lua
index 00e42f9da..3eeb0cc6f 100644
--- a/library/lua/utils.lua
+++ b/library/lua/utils.lua
@@ -111,4 +111,29 @@ function make_sort_order(data,ordering)
     return index
 end
 
+--[[
+    Recursively assign data into a table.
+--]]
+function assign(tgt,src)
+    if df.isvalid(tgt) == 'ref' then
+        df.assign(tgt, src)
+    elseif type(tgt) == 'table' then
+        for k,v in pairs(src) do
+            if type(v) == 'table' or df.isvalid(v) == 'ref' then
+                local cv = tgt[k]
+                if cv == nil then
+                    cv = {}
+                    tgt[k] = cv
+                end
+                assign(cv, v)
+            else
+                tgt[k] = v
+            end
+        end
+    else
+        error('Invalid assign target type: '..tostring(tgt))
+    end
+    return tgt
+end
+
 return _ENV
\ No newline at end of file