Purpose <p>Classical continuous models available in the literature, traditionally used for the structural analysis of buildings, exhibit significant inconsistencies when their accuracy and precision are evaluated against the finite element method. These inconsistencies have been recently addressed, as summarized in this review article, which reports on the proposal of three generalized continuous models incorporating additional kinematic fields and a new deformation mechanism due to the local shear of walls, enabling a more accurate representation of building behavior. However, no studies currently integrate the collective application of these generalized continuous models in the static, dynamic, and stability analysis of buildings. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of their range of applicability, validity, and accuracy has not been conducted to justify their safe use in structural engineering practice.</p> Methodology <p>To this end, a systematic literature review was carried out to understand how researchers have approached these issues. Due to the similarity of their differential equations, the systematic review suggests classifying the proposed generalized continuous models into three groups: MSB, GCTB, and GSB. Analytical solutions are presented to compute global control parameters such as horizontal deflection, fundamental vibration period, and global critical buckling load of regular buildings.</p> Results and Conclusions <p>The results of the parametric analysis indicate that the serial coupling of the classical sandwich beam and the local shear beam (GSB) outperforms the other two models, with errors on the side of structural safety, stable error profiles, and a rapid error reduction as wall length, coupling beam height, and building height increase. Since the new deformation mechanism due to the local shear of walls has been recently introduced into the classical formulation, future research directions are suggested to address the extensive gap in the existing literature.</p>