From Commercial to Residential: 5 Different Types of Construction Projects
In the construction industry, projects are often classified based on their distinct objectives and purposes. Understanding these classifications is essential for effectively planning and executing construction projects.
(Photo : Unsplash/Jan Huber )
1. Commercial Projects
Many different kinds of commercial buildings fall under a broad category of commercial construction type, which is an extensive topic. Establishments such as offices, retail stores, shopping centers, hotels, and other establishments designed for commercial usage are included in this classification.
The level of complexity involved in commercial construction projects is tenfold higher than that of residential development. As mentioned, those responsible for the development and design of commercial buildings are required to consider a wide variety of requirements, some of which include accessibility, safety, environment, energy efficiency, and function.
Regarding prequalification, the price tags on commercial projects typically demand suppliers and subcontractors to meet more stringent standards than residential contractors. Commercial standards include the bonding ability to back the contract amounts.
2. Residential Projects
Buildings intended for habitation are referred to as residential construction projects. The construction of single-family homes and multi-family homes are two other subcategories that can comprise this category. Nevertheless, even in this case, the term 'multi-family' is frequently an overly broad category that fails to effectively express a project's requirements and implications.
Accordingly, the architectural designs of duplexes and condominium buildings are significantly different. Although they are both officially multi-family apartments, they differ substantially in scale, cost, construction materials, and engineering requirements. When comparing high-density residential projects such as highrise apartment buildings to different residential projects, there are generally more similarities regarding what owners and contractors perceive.
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3. Institutional Projects
Institutional construction encompasses projects intended for use by the general public, such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and similar institutions. The purpose of this kind of project is to provide a version of a commercial product that is available to the general population. Instead of being sponsored by a public agency, private contractors might conceive, manage, and operate institutional initiatives. As a result, design specifications, building materials, and equipment for institutional and commercial construction experience substantial overlap.
4. Mixed-Use Projects
Mixed-use construction initiatives integrate land use and construction types into a unified development or vicinity. Through the provision of a variety of functions that are located near one another, mixed-use complexes are intended to build communities that are more connected and efficient. To generate lively and practical suburban or urban settings, these environments frequently comprise a combination of commercial and residential components, recreational establishments, verdant areas, and public facilities.
Moreover, mixed-use complexes are becoming increasingly popular among developers as a way to decrease financial risk by allowing developers to diversify their portfolios within the same building. With the residential and retail units, the owner can reduce their losses if there is a decrease in demand for office space, such as during a pandemic. Hence, integrating various intended purposes into a single construction site results in heightened operational risk and project complexity throughout nearly every stage.
5. Heavy Civil Projects
Heavy civil construction refers to extensive engineering undertakings commonly linked to public works or infrastructure development. These initiatives encompass utilities such as water and drainage systems, communication networks, and power distribution systems. Also, transportation infrastructure includes highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, and airports.
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