Commercial vs Residential Construction

The world of construction is a pretty big one, with all sorts of different types of projects, contracts, and terms to remember. While some of it is pretty simple and straight-forward, there is always more to learn about specific parts of the construction industry. If you’re just starting out and want to understand a little better some of the basics, this definitive guide to commercial and residential architecture and their differences will help out a lot!

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Types Of Construction Projects

There are two main industries when it comes to architecture.

What Is Residential Construction

source:torocon.com

Like the name suggests, this kind of project is when a home is being created. This is not limited only to the actual building phase, but it includes the consultation, the design, and the maintenance that goes into a building.

Projects that are considered residential construction are when the building being built or remodeled is intended for a person or family to live there long term. Hotels, hospitals, and other places where short-term residential services are offered will fall into the commercial architecture project list.

What Is Commercial Construction

source:torocon.com

Put in the simplest way, this type of architecture is the consulting, designing, and building, as well as the constructive maintenance, done for non-residential buildings. This includes places such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Warehouses and factories
  • Retail shops
  • Restaurants
  • Grocery markets
  • Schools
  • Office buildings

And any other type of communal building that does not include permanent living conditions.

The Major Differences Between The Two

source:torocon.com

Commercial contractors in Denver work a little differently from residential contractors. More private, smaller companies are used for residential building, while bigger businesses have their services used for design/build and profitable contracts. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the differences between the two types of construction, however. For more information on commercial contractors click here.

A few of the other main differences between the two project types include:

  • Residential type is more affordable, especially for investment purposes
  • Mortgages and property costs are higher on profitable buildings, too
  • Commercial type companies usually have more services to offer their clients
  • Bidding for profitable manufacture projects is much more intense
  • Commercial brokerage firms can help find the best real estate in the area for profitable projects
  • Time frame estimates are usually longer for commercial type
  • The rules for plumbing, electrical work, and other parts of architecture differ greatly
  • Special accommodations or changes may be made during commercial building to fit the retail area it’s in
  • Differences in safety codes to follow, such as fire hazards and exit sign visibility
  • The clientele within each project will greatly differ, as will the budgets

source:the-builders.com

Though both very big parts of the construction industry, you can see that both project types are vastly different. While some residential construction projects can get away with a more DIY approach, or private contractors, it’s always best to go with professionals who truly understand all the differences and requirements for commercial construction VS residential. Digging into the details of the differences is a big lesson!