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Learn what residential construction is all about, know how it is different from commercial construction, get to know some examples, and be aware of some considerations when working on one.
Published 25 Aug 2023
Residential construction is a process that involves the expansion, renovation, or construction of a new home or spaces intended to be occupied for residential purposes. Residential construction can be a complex process, with a lot of phases and stakeholders involved. That's why it's important to work with a contractor who has experience in this field and knows how to handle all the challenges that come with it.
So what’s the difference between residential and commercial construction? In a nutshell, commercial construction is all about making structures that are going to used for business enterprises think office buildings, malls, retail establishments, and factories.
Residential construction, on the other hand, is all about creating homes or spaces intended for people to live in. This can be anything from rental spaces, condominiums, multi-million dollar mansions, to single-family housing projects.
Commercial projects can also have more specialized tradespeople working on them, like electricians for complex energy needs, dedicated specialists for elevator installment and maintenance, and HVAC technicians for centralized cooling and heating.
There are various types of Residential constructions. These includes:
Residences that are not attached to any other residences and have their own private land are known as single-family homes. Usually, single-family homes have more privacy and space than other types of residences, as well as their own front and back yards.
With this style of home, you are able to express yourself with any type of home design since you do not have to share the land with anyone else. Although, this style of home requires more maintenance and the homeowner is responsible for all the costs.
Condominiums are separate units that are part of a larger complex or community. Condos typically have a wall or two in common with other apartments and are subject to homeowners’ associations, which charge monthly or yearly dues. They are popular in high-density metropolitan areas with many restaurants and businesses.
A townhouse is a type of housing that is a combination between a condominium and a single-family residence. As townhomes are typically multi-story buildings, they often come with one or two common walls and a small yard or roof deck. In comparison to a condo, a townhouse provides greater privacy; however, they are usually less expensive than a single-family home. Townhomes don’t normally come with common amenities like a gym or a pool, but they also aren’t as private as a single-family house.
The hotel is privately managed by different trusts through a single management. The hotel acts as a lodging house, providing accommodation on a temporary basis. This type of residential home includes inns and hotels.
When it comes to residential construction, there are three main types: wood-frame, masonry, and steel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
When you’re thinking about residential construction, there are a few factors you need to take into account.
Location is one, as you’ll want to choose a spot that’s accessible and fits with your lifestyle. Also, make sure that the area is safe and flood free.
You’ll also need to think about your budget and what you can afford. Remember that quality is better than quantity. Meaning, that not all high priced materials have great quality so make sure to do your research for your money’s worth.
And then there are the architectural plans to consider. You’ll need to find a builder who can bring your vision to life, and who has a good track record of delivering quality homes.
It’s also important to consider the materials used in the construction process. Precast concrete is a great option because it’s durable, consistent, and fireproof. Plus, it doesn’t warp, rot, twist or sag, making it a great choice for buildings, bridges, and other structures that need to stand the test of time.
Securing permits is also a must when constructing a house. Before you start any construction, you will need to get the proper permits from your local government.
You also need to make sure that the residential construction you’re planning is in compliance with your local zoning regulations.
It’s important to have a realistic timeline for your project so that you can stay on track and avoid any delays. This will save you not only time but also unwanted cost for labor.
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
You need to maintain a high level of safety when working on residential construction sites. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
The most common type of residential construction are Single-family residential homes.
Construction usually starts between 7 am- 8 am and ends at between 8 pm-9 am from Monday to Friday. However, the time will still depend on your city’s local laws depending what time they will permit it to begin.
The NAICS, a.k.a. North American Industry Classification System, code for Residential building construction is NAICS 23611.
The SIC, stands for Standard Industrial Classification, code for residential construction is SIC Code 152.
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is an app that helps residential construction crews perform safety audits, inspections, and many more. Trusted in the construction industry, SafetyCulture can be used to track and document hazards, Near Misses, and incidents. The app also allows users to create and share reports with other members of the crew.
Check out other featured templates you might find useful: Construction Safety Inspection Checklists
Shella Marie Ang
Shella Marie Ang is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. Cultivating her experience in social media marketing, virtual assistance, and SEO has helped her create compelling content for websites and blogs. Her medical background also has given her an edge when it comes to writing medical and health-related content. She loves reading in her free time and being around other creatives.
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