What Is Commercial Construction?
Constructing a commercial building can be done in several ways, depending upon the intended use of that building. Methods and materials used in the construction process must follow local building codes and the work itself carried out by licensed contractors.
Structural, functional, and utility requirements for most commercial buildings are more complex and durable than those used in residential construction. Commercial projects expand beyond offices, lobbies, and meeting rooms. They also include unique operations like commercial kitchens, manufacturing floors, healthcare facilities, cold storage warehouses, as well as the more traditional, multi-floored office buildings people tend to think of.
Whatever the features or structural design of your structural plans, a trusted professional team of builders will bring your vision of steel, concrete, and finishing materials into reality.
What Are the Common Types of Commercial Construction?
If you are not yet sure which type of commercial property to build, take the time to consider the many options you have for your commercial construction project. Some commercial buildings are constructed to serve multiple purposes across a single space, sometimes that means multiple tenants with one tenant taking up multiple floors. Other buildings may be single-occupancy, custom-built for the unique business model of the client.
Types of Commercial Construction
- Office Buildings
- Restaurants
- Retail Stores
- Hotels
- Medical Facilities
- Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
- Athletic Buildings
The Differences Between Commercial & Residential Construction
Those planning commercial projects for the first time may wonder what is different about building for the commercial market. To start, these stakeholders should consider the difference in usage levels between commercial and smaller residential properties. Commercial construction requires a higher grade of durability for materials, fittings, and appliances.
Building Materials
Most residential homes are built primarily with timber and gypsum wallboard. Commercial structures are built on a grander scale. Timber is simply insufficient to bear the loads required in these larger, heavier structures. Commercial construction requires steel frames and concrete reinforcement. Internal finishes are not subject to these limitations, however, design professionals recommend choosing finishes suitable that adapt more readily to the scale of larger, heavily trafficked spaces.
Appliance and Utility Installation
Installing the plumbing and utility connections in a home differs widely from commercial construction. For residential construction, each home (or unit) must be individually livable – and private. In commercial construction, the focus tends to be reconfigurable shared spaces like public bathrooms and kitchens, conference rooms, and lobbies.
Permits and Regulations
The codes and regulations for commercial construction are often different and more strict than residential construction. Robust materials and heavy-duty construction frames make buildings more attractive and insurable for business insurance providers. However, it is important to keep in mind that acquiring building permits for plans may also be more involved.
Budget and Funding
The budget for a commercial construction must be significantly larger than a new residential building. Due to the heavier grade of building materials and often the much larger final structure, it’s understandable that both budgeting and acquiring funding for commercial construction will differ from residential and possibly take more time. Give yourself some wiggle room ahead of the curve. It will eliminate stress.
Architectural Potential
Finally, a commercial construction can have far greater long-term potential for use than a residential building. A new commercial structure, while built for an initial purpose may also be remodeled dozens of times in its lifetime.
