Main Types of Construction

Main Types of Construction 

The 4 main types of construction vary depending on the project. Engineers and architects use these categories to prepare designs, specifications, and material requirements.

Knowing the type of construction helps ensure the right design, planning, and building materials are used.

The four primary types are: 

• Residential construction, 
• Commercial construction,
• Industrial construction,
• Infrastructure construction.

Residential Construction 

Residential construction focuses on creating spaces where people live. This includes everything from single-family homes to large apartment complexes. 

This Condo towers, even when they include multiple levels of underground parking, are still considered residential construction because their primary purpose is housing. In mixed-use projects (e.g., retail or office space on the lower levels with condos above), the residential portion is classified as residential, while the commercial space is classified separately as commercial construction.

Projects must balance comfort, durability, and efficiency, while meeting local building codes.

Examples:

• Single-family houses, 
• Duplexes and townhouses,
• Condominiums and apartments,
• High-rise condo towers (often with underground parking)

Commercial Construction 

Commercial construction involves creating buildings and spaces intended for business use. This includes everything from office spaces and retail stores to warehouses, storage facilities, and hotels. Projects often require strict building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility standards.

Examples:

• Shopping malls,
• restaurants,
• condo towers,
• office towers,
• warehouses.

Industrial Construction 

Industrial construction is highly specialized and focuses on facilities that produce goods or provide essential services. These structures must meet strict safety and efficiency standards to support heavy machinery, large-scale production, and complex systems.

Examples:

• factories,
• power plants,
• refineries,
• large warehouses,
• processing facilities.

Infrastructure Construction 

This includes transportation networks, utilities, and public works that keep cities and towns running smoothly.

Examples:

• Highways,
• bridges,
• railways,
• pipelines,
• water supply systems,
• tunnels, and dams.

 

SUPERSEAL Waterproof Coatings, SUPERSEAL Double Drain with Geo, and Dimpled Foundation Membrane, provide drainage and waterproofing for all four types of construction.