Commercial construction is actually fundamentally different from residential, even down to building materials.
Most people that aren’t too involved with the construction industry probably think of it all as one sort of blanket– you commission an architect or general contractor for the design, the construction crew comes out and builds the desired project, and then a few months later there is a shiny new building ready for use. But construction is nowhere near that simple in reality. In fact, residential and commercial construction are two entirely different processes. Are you interested in learning the key differences between residential and commercial construction projects? This blog is here to help!
Use of Construction
The first main difference is probably the most obvious– what the eventual building will be used for. A residential project is going to be built specifically for everyday dwelling use and includes rooms for sleeping, cooking, and leisure. However, a commercial construction project is an umbrella term for any building not intended to be lived in by a single person or family. Examples include office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, and factories.
Differing Permits and Codes
One of the more specifically different parts of commercial construction is the completely different zoning permit and code requirements from residential. In general, residential construction does not require as many building codes or permits as commercial construction. Commercial properties must abide by the rules and restrictions of many permits, such as building safety, accessibility, elevators, and electrical permits. This makes commercial construction a much more complicated process, which is why contacting a professional is highly recommended when looking to build a commercial property.
Commercial Construction Materials are Distinctive
Most houses and homes are usually made primarily of wood, maybe with a facade of brick or terra-cotta. However, most commercial construction projects are going to be made of stronger material meant to withstand long-lasting daily use, such as concrete and steel. Steel and concrete-based buildings are much more durable but are also much more expensive, meaning the average home buyer or owner will not be able to afford them.
Equipment Required
It’s rare to see a home so large that it requires a crane or a bulldozer outside of demolition. This is because most commercial construction projects are much larger than residential projects. Even when building a smaller-sized project, such as a restaurant, due to the heavier materials, there will need to be more construction crew and machinery on-site to get the job done quickly and efficiently, as opposed to residential. Therefore, it’s important to know the differences between residential and commercial construction project requirements when requesting machinery and crew.
Work With Encore Construction
As a premier commercial general contractor, Encore Construction is proud to provide interior and exterior services throughout Maryland and beyond. We have an impeccable track record, an impressive portfolio, and an experienced team that is ready to tackle your next big project. Our results speak for themselves, and we’re proud of the work we continue to produce for our clients.
Our office is located in Annapolis, MD and we are happy to serve Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, Rockville, Washington DC, Tysons Corner VA, Northern VA, and surrounding areas. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for news and updates! Do you want to discuss your project with a member of our team? Visit our website, and call us at (410) 573-5050. We look forward to hearing from you!