What is the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Construction?

Residential Construction Building Materials:

For residential homes differ in many ways in being build than commercial businesses. For instance, homes are primarily built by timber, which is framed by residential contractors. Timber is used typically because steel framing is not ideal. Wood framing is a more affordable design and approach for a home. Home designs are also much simpler and require less time. Typically, homes are much smaller than a commercial business. In general, a home is at least two floors in height. They generally require less materials for the job than commercial due to the small size and simplicity of the project. Overall, the building materials for residential construction projects are cheaper.

Commercial Construction Building Materials:

For commercial businesses, a commercial contractor frames the building in steel. Often, this is more ideal for commercial businesses because it sturdier and more durable, however it may be more expensive. In addition, steel framing work is much more complex the wood framing. It will require more effort and time from an architect or designer of the project. Commercial projects in general, require more materials for the job than residential due to the large size and complexity of the project. Commercial buildings can be huge in square footage and height. Which emphasizes the importance of steel and stronger building products than residential project. Ultimately, building materials for commercial projects are more expensive.

Codes and Permits:

Some construction projects require permits, and some do not. Every construction project needs to follow building codes, fire codes, and local municipal codes. With, commercial and residential codes and permits vary. Certain codes are specifically designed for residential and others for commercial. This is because they are two different types of structures built for different purposes. For example, you would not exactly build an elevator or install a parking lot for your home. Therefore, some codes are limited to certain sectors.

Permits are required depending on the project and industry sector. For instance, if you were a commercial business and you are doing construction for multiple properties, more than likely you will have to get similar permits over an over. Likewise, if you are house flipper doing multiple home remodels. For example, in commercial buildings there needs to be fire sprinklers installed. Which leads to a permit and inspection of those fire sprinklers.

Ultimately, codes and permits depend on the project. Depending on the industry you are more than likely to deal with certain codes and permits.

Residential Construction Equipment

Going back to the small size and simplicity of residential projects, contractors servicing homeowners needs the simplest equipment to carry out their duties. In addition, they need minimal equipment compared to commercial contractors. Residential contractors have less of a safety concern on their jobs since, they are not operating out of a live parking lot like a mall or hospital.

Commercial Construction Equipment

Commercial contractors need more equipment and need to take more safety measures during construction projects. Larger projects amount to larger and more equipment. In addition, the variety of equipment due to the complexity of these projects. Commercial contractors need to be proactive with safety vest, when operating in parking lots. Commercial environments involve the construction team to be more aware of their whereabouts.

Residential Construction Cost

Residential construction projects are far lower than commercial projects. Thinking of supply and demand, homeowners do not have a huge demand for upgrades, expansion, alterations, or improvements for their property like businesses. Residential construction is cheaper in building materials, equipment, labor, and other construction related cost. Usually involves less laborers, subcontractors, materials, and equipment.

Construction projects in the residential sector are funded by homeowners. Not every homeowner has the luxury of paying cash for construction services on their projects. Here is a list of ways that homeowners pay for contractors:

• Insurance – fire, water, smoke, vehicle, or vandalism damage. The construction project is funded by an insurance agency.
• Bank loan – homeowners go to a bank and seek funds.
• Cash – the homeowners pay the project straight out of their pocket.
• Government or non-profit assistance programs

Commercial Construction Cost

Commercial construction projects are more costly than residential projects. The size and scale requires more skilled labor, more advanced equipment, quality materials, and more involvement in building compliance. These projects are typically funded by a business owner or property manager from a property management firm. Here is a list ways a commercial construction project is funded:

• Cash
• Bank Loan
• Investor funded
• Insurance – fire, water, smoke, vehicle, or vandalism damage. The construction project is funded by an insurance agency.
• Government program

Summary of the Differences of Residential and Commercial Construction

Residential and commercial construction are in the same industry but differ as far the type of projects, service, materials, labor, equipment, and regulations. Here is a quick rundown on how they differ: