Questions from a new builder

[Lyric Wind]

I've been on SL since 2006 but have just started tackling the building aspect, and man is it quite the task.

I have a question on something basic. When you rez, say, a cube, you can only stretch it so far. In fact, you can't stretch it all that much at all. I was wondering how I can make it stretch more?

Every building I see has bigger floors and walls than how far objects will stretch, do I have to buy something that will allow me to do this, or is it just linking? It really does seem like all one object, which is why I ask.

I also remember someone pulling out a huge platform to begin to build with, but I forget what it is and I don't know how to get it.

Sorry for the lame question, I appreciate every answer. 

[Ry0ta Exonar]

You can use mega prims. https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Super-MegaPrim-Pack/797232

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/7000-Mega-Prims/797231

[Griffin Ceawlin]

Unless you're using an outdated viewer, you should be able to stretch prims up to 64m.

For the rest, use megaprims, as Ry0ta says. One drawback is that you can't adjust their size, though (they'll shrink down to 10m if you try).

[Peggy Paperdoll]

And, if you need your build to be even larger than the 64 meters that you can stretch a prim then you can link them........you can over an entire sim by linking prims (that's 256 by 256 meters).

[Morgaine Christensen]

Welcome to the wonderful, and often frustrating world of SL building. No question is ever lame!  Ask, and someone will surely try to help you. 

Personally, I don't like to use megaprims since they require some special handling and I can never find the right size I need, but I know a number of builders that still use them....if it all seems one wall it is probably a megaprim.  There are some on  on Marketplace and I believe Builder's Brewery has some for Free in their main building.

If it is not a mega, it is probably linked pieces with an excellent texturing job.

Me, I build nothing over 50 x 50 meters. I try to build my buildings realistically speaking (or, as best as you can in SL) and per floor is never over 6 meters tall (okay a bit taller if doing cathedral ceilings)  nor 50 meters long/wide....generally nothing over 30 meters.  But, this is my personal preference.  You will develop your own style as you go along.

[Victoria Paule]

If you are starting out in building you need to learn proper techniques as 'tricks'.  Join a Building School like HHBS (Happy Hippo Building School or Builders Brewery.   You can ask your questions in group chat and get immediate help.