As readers dive into the internet in the hopes of finding information that will set them in the right direction of their dream construction project, doubts arise regarding the differences, requirements and regulations of every type of construction.
Commercial and residential constructions are usually the most common projects. In both cases, they are private construction infrastructures, but the main differences reside in their financing, the construction equipment, and the sizes.
Residential Construction covers the development of houses, townhomes, condos etc., belong to this category. These buildings, once completed, are used for residential living and their design and features are oriented to this purpose. This type of construction is funded by homeowners or by developers, and they usually require small to medium-size equipment to be completed.
The construction materials vary, as well. While commercial constructions, especially restaurants, hospitals or industrial facilities, are built using non-combustible materials, residential projects usually use wood for smaller structures and steel beams for condominiums.
Commercial infrastructures imply a wider range of buildings: hospitals, offices, lodging, retail, athletic structures, just to name a few. In these cases the funding comes from private investors or commercial construction developers. The worksites can vary from small to large in size and the equipment required is usually heavier.
These buildings usually have to meet more strict regulations, which has an impact on the materials chosen for their construction. They are built from non-combustible materials and, depending on the type of building, can offer a 2-to-3 hour window of fire resistance. Poured concrete and steel framing are commonly used in this type of construction, which are often very large.
Budgets are usually bigger and city regulations are more rigorous. Depending on the building’s ultimate purpose, they may require fire inspection, food permissions, and special equipment to be taken into account in the initial design.