Commercial and residential construction may appear to be similar at first glance, but there are several important differences between the two. One key difference is in the planning and management of these projects. Commercial construction projects tend to be more complex and thus require more careful planning and management to be successful. Commercial construction projects often involve working with a larger team of professionals, which can present challenges.
Let’s look at these construction categories more to see how exactly they vary from each other:
Constructing Residences
Residential construction is the process of constructing homes and other living spaces. This can include everything from building new single-family homes to renovating existing structures. A small local company usually does the general contractor (GC) job and a group of workers.
Constructing Commercial Areas
On the other hand, commercial construction is constructing a building or other structure for commercial purposes. This includes office buildings, retail stores, factories, warehouses, and other structures.
Let’s look at more specific differences between the two:
- Costs: Commercial construction is generally more expensive than residential construction due to the increased complexity of the project. Commercial construction projects also take longer to complete, adding to the overall cost.
On the other hand, residential projects are typically quicker and easier to complete than commercial projects. This is because they generally involve fewer people, regulations, and structures. With a more complex project, you typically see an increased cost in labor to support the complex timelines and builds.
Based on the available size, complexity, and labor force needed to complete a commercial construction job, you may find that working with a commercial construction company is more expensive than working with a typical GC for a residential project.
- Construction Materials: Residential construction projects use lighter materials and are not as strong as those used in commercial construction projects. The weight and strength of the materials used in commercial construction projects are necessary to support the heavier loads in these types of buildings.
The materials used in construction can vary depending on the type of building. For instance, a residential home may only have a brick exterior and a stone foundation to support the structure. In contrast, a commercial building will be made with concrete or steel to withstand harsh elements and heavy traffic.
A larger foundation will also create more space for commercial buildings’ amenities such as elevators and air conditioning systems.
- Permits and Regulations: Commercial construction projects often require higher fire safety since people will work in them, while residential construction may have different energy efficiency requirements. Additionally, the size and scope of commercial construction projects are often much larger than residential projects, which can impact the type of permits and regulations required.
A commercial building is built to be used for business purposes, while a residential building is built for people to live in. The permitting and regulatory processes for these two types of buildings differ because commercial buildings have more restrictions. Commercial buildings are often larger and pose more public safety concerns than residential ones.
Contact Forza for Commercial Construction Today
Forza Construction Services comprises highly experienced commercial construction professionals with decades of experience. By focusing on building envelope and exterior finish projects, our highly-skilled team is focused on each project from planning to completion. Learn more about us by requesting information through our website!