Take a look at the buildings in your town. Some are built as a place for someone to live in and call home, while others are designed for commerce and industry. That second category of buildings exists thanks to commercial construction. Commercial construction is the process of building spaces where businesses can operate and serve their customers, and it’s very different from residential construction.
But what is commercial construction, exactly? And how does it differ from residential construction? Learn more about this critical part of the building industry and how to find a suitable builder for your next commercial construction project.
What Is Commercial Construction?
Commercial construction refers to the planning, design, and physical construction of buildings for commerce and industry. The buildings might be used for buying, selling, manufacturing, or storing merchandise, providing services to the public, or housing office space for different business sectors.
Commercial construction projects often have very unique needs, making them fairly complex. For example, a restaurant might need a specialized kitchen, or a warehouse might need to handle heavy loads. Everything must meet strict federal guidelines along with local building regulations to ensure the safety of everyone who visits or works in the commercial building.
How Does it Differ From Residential Construction?
Commercial and residential construction share a lot of common ground, especially regarding construction principles and materials. However, there are some significant differences.
Building Codes
Commercial buildings must adhere to stricter building codes and regulations compared to residential construction. These codes affect occupancy loads, fire safety, accessibility, and signage requirements.
Complexity
Commercial projects are often larger and more intricate than residential projects. They may include features like loading docks, large open floor plans, or complex technical needs.
Permits
Obtaining permits for commercial construction projects is often more complicated than getting residential permits. It involves additional considerations and may take a lot longer to obtain approval.
Examples of Commercial Construction
You’ll see examples of commercial construction everywhere as you drive around town. Common examples of commercial construction include:
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Industrial warehouses
- Schools
- Hotels
- Healthcare facilities
- Entertainment venues
What Makes for a Good Commercial Construction Contractor?
Commercial construction projects are generally more complex and demanding than residential ones. You’ll need to partner with a good commercial construction contractor to ensure your project is completed successfully.
Here are some qualities to look for when searching for a commercial contractor:
Experience
Look for a contractor with a proven track record of delivering projects of a similar scale and scope to your own. They’ll also need expertise in juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and subcontractors.
Communication Skills
The contractor should be able to clearly explain complex concepts and keep you informed through every stage of the project. They should be available to answer your questions and collaboratively address your concerns.
Safety Focused
You’ll need a contractor who prioritizes safety on the project. They should have a strong safety record and follow all safety protocols. That means having the correct licenses and insurance in place, too.
VPC Builders Handles Your Commercial Construction Needs
VPC Builders knows what it takes to create stunning commercial buildings. We’re a leading commercial construction building contractor in the Carolinas with a long history of delivering high-quality, beautiful, and functional spaces on time and within budget. We’d love to do the same for your next commercial construction project.
Browse our online commercial construction portfolio to see what we’ve been working on for businesses like yours. Then, contact our team to start a conversation about your project. We want to hear about your vision and tell you how we can make it a reality.