There are several different types of construction projects that can be undertaken. The four main types include residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction, but there are other types of construction as well as different ways to classify them, such as by sector, owner, occupancy or fire resistance.
Each type of construction has its own unique set of challenges and requirements. In this article, we will discuss these four types of construction, some additional ways of classifying types of construction and why categorising different types of construction matters.
Main Types of Construction Projects
The four main types of project in the construction industry can be categorised in terms of what is actually being constructed:
- Residential construction
- Commercial construction
- Industrial construction
- Infrastructure construction
Most projects in the construction industry can be classified into one of these four categories, making it easier to understand what is involved in terms of a project’s overall objective.
Residential construction
Residential construction usually refers to building work on residences, typically single occupier or family homes or small dwellings with a few units. It can involve new construction as well as renovation or restoration work. Homeowners may undertake such projects themselves, or they may hire contractors to do the work.
In some cases, local council regulations may dictate what type of construction is allowed in a particular neighbourhood. For example, an area may be zoned only for residences, or it may allow mixed use that includes both residential and commercial construction.
In either case, the work involved in constructing or renovating a home can have a major impact on the surrounding community and this needs to be taken into consideration.
Contractors specialising in residential construction will be adaptable to different homeowner requirements, following the lead of the homeowner in terms of what is required and delivering the work within shorter timelines than other types of construction.
Commercial construction
Commercial construction differs from residential in that it usually involves larger structures that serve a variety of business or industrial purposes. These buildings can include hospitals, office buildings, retail spaces, apartment buildings, and many other examples.
Commercial construction projects are usually owned by a business rather than an individual. In addition, commercial construction projects are often located in commercial corridors or industrial sites. This is due to the fact that these types of locations typically have the infrastructure and resources necessary to support a large commercial construction project.
Commercial construction projects tend to be much more costly than residential ones, and the scale of materials used is usually significantly larger.
The equipment required for commercial construction projects is also generally larger and more specialised. Large scale commercial projects may require the use of cranes, pile drivers, lifts and loaders that might be overkill for residential building works.
Construction professionals specialising in commercial construction will need to know how to manage large, complex projects. The timelines will be longer for these types of projects due to their scale as well as the need to meet more stringent legal requirements. As a result, cash flow also needs to be carefully managed.
Commercial construction projects can be complex and challenging, but the end result is a structure that can serve the community for many years to come.
Industrial construction
These projects are typically large in scope and involve a high degree of complexity. This type of construction includes the erection of factories, warehouses, power plants and other industrial buildings.
It also encompasses the construction of process piping and utility systems, as well as the installation of equipment. In many cases, industrial construction projects also involve the demolition of existing structures.
Industrial projects are some of the most complex and challenging undertakings imaginable. They typically involve a wide range of workers, including engineers, architects, tradespeople and labourers.
The scope of these projects can be vast, and the stakes are often high. Lives may depend on the successful completion of the project. That is why safety should always be the top priority on any work site.
As well as meeting all applicable safety standards, industrial construction projects must also adhere to strict deadlines and budget constraints. This often requires around the clock work and extensive coordination between all members of the team.
In addition, this kind of construction often takes place in geographically remote locations, which can pose challenges in terms of logistics and access.
As a result, industrial construction companies must have a broad range of skills and experience in order to successfully complete these types of projects. They must also be able to work closely with other contractors and vendors in order to coordinate the various phases of the building project.
An industrial construction project can literally change the landscape of a city or even a country. From hospitals and schools to factories and power plants, industrial construction projects have the potential to improve the lives of countless people.
Infrastructure construction
An infrastructure project is a project that involves the construction of facilities such as bridges, roads, power lines, public sewer systems and airports.
The purpose of an infrastructure project is to provide the basic structure necessary for the functioning of a society. This can include anything from building bridges and roads to constructing dams and power plants.
In many cases, infrastructure projects are undertaken by government agencies in order to improve the quality of life for their citizens. However, private companies may also undertake infrastructure projects in order to gain a competitive advantage or to increase their profits.
Infrastructure projects can be very costly and time consuming, but they are often essential for the continued growth and development of a society.
There is more to building a new highway or bridge than meets the eye. In addition to the obvious tasks of clearing the land and pouring concrete, a variety of other activities must be completed in order for a construction project to be successful.
For example, surveyors must first map out the proposed construction site, while environmental scientists assess the potential impact of the project on local ecosystems. Once construction begins, workers must constantly monitor the progress of the project, making sure that each step is completed according to plan.
Even after a project is ‘finished’, regular maintenance and repairs will be necessary to keep it in good condition.
As these examples illustrate, there is a lot of work that goes into constructing even the simplest infrastructure projects.
Building construction companies will typically use a variety of heavy machinery to complete the project, such as excavators, cranes and bulldozers. In some cases specialised equipment may also be required.
After the project is completed, it needs to be inspected to ensure that it meets all safety and quality standards. Only then can it be open for use by the public.
An infrastructure project involves a complex and time intensive construction process. There are many different factors that need to be taken into account, including the type of project, the size of the project, the location of the project and the climate.
Other Types of Construction
Sometimes it can be useful to categorise building construction projects in alternative ways, such as by:
- Project owner
- Fire resistance
- Building occupancy
Doing so may help to better understand the the legal requirements related to that project, or make it easier to evaluate the risks of a particular type of project in order to insure against them adequately.
Project owner
Categorising building construction projects based on who owns the project or property can be useful in that the requirements by law are often based on these criteria.
Construction projects can be either public or private and each of these will be treated differently by law.
Fire resistance
Fire resistance ratings are often used to classify buildings and as such can also be a useful way to categorise types of building construction.
UK Building Regulations regarding fire safety classify according to the materials used in wall and ceiling linings. This determines the surface spread of flames and is indicated by Classes.
The worst classification (the fastest spread of flames) is Class 4 and the best (least distanced and slowest spreading of flames) is Class 1. There is also Class 0 which denotes a spread of flames equivalent to Class 1 but also takes into account how much heat is released from the surface of a material.
Building occupancy
A further way to classify construction projects is by the occupancy of the end result. This will take into account both the use and the number of people that are allowed to occupy the facility.
Why the Type of Construction Project Matters
Construction contracts are legally binding agreements that are used to outline the expectations, duties and rights of all parties involved in a construction project.
Contracts typically specify the type of work to be done, the materials to be used, the start and completion dates and the payment schedule. In some cases contracts may also include provisions for dealing with delays, changes in scope or other unforeseen events.
The type of project you’re working on will often determine the type of contract, materials and specifications required. For example, residential projects will have different requirements than commercial projects.
If any construction participant fails to follow the code and safety requirements required for that building type, it can cause a building inspector to issue a correction or rejection that drags out the project completion and delays payment to everyone on the project.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure you understand the requirements of your project before you sign a contract, and the requirements are usually linked to the type of construction. Otherwise, you could end up facing costly delays and unexpected expenses, not to mention getting into trouble with the law.
Different kinds of construction projects also require different types of insurance, as the risks vary for different categories of construction.
During the construction period, contractors need to be covered by insurance, however the requirements are usually less onerous for smaller residential building works than for property developers and those dealing with large scale commercial, industrial or infrastructure construction. Insurance requirements for the latter can be very complex.
Construction Insure can help guide contractors in this regard to ensure they have the right contractors insurances in place. Please get in touch with us if you need guidance in this regard.
In conclusion, the different types of construction are important to understand not just from an industry perspective, but from a safety and legal standpoint as well.
Different types of construction will often dictate the type of contract, materials and specifications required. If any construction participant fails to follow the code and safety requirements required for that building type, it can cause a building inspector to issue a correction or rejection.
It’s therefore very important to make sure you understand the requirements of your project before you sign a contract, and these requirements are usually linked to the type of construction.