Differences Between Commercial & Residential Remodeling Projects

The many differences between commercial and residential construction aren’t always obvious. But if you’re planning a remodeling project for your family home or your business office, understanding what the terms “commercial” and “residential” entail will help you hire the best people for the job.

Don’t make the mistake assuming that construction is a one-size-fits-all type of service. Commercial remodeling is not the same as remodeling for residential real estate, so keep that in mind when you’re browsing for available service providers. Not all of them are equipped for both types of projects.

Without further ado, these are the key differences between commercial and residential remodeling:

For Private or Business Purposes

Commercial construction is focused on building functional spaces for professionals to work in. In addition to office buildings, this includes industrial facilities like plants and additional establishments and amenities. Residential construction, on the other hand, is in service of homeowners and tenants.

A residential remodeling project requires an agreement between a constructor and a homeowner, while a commercial remodeling project must take into account the needs of all business owners that reside and work within the same building.

Remodeling Codes and Permits

Building codes and permits apply to construction and remodeling projects alike. The only difference is, they’re less strict in residential scenarios than when commercial buildings are in question. This is because commercial projects include many moving elements and are more complex than residential.

In comparison to residential projects, which are more often the size of a family home than they are as high as residential skyscrapers, commercial buildings can be much bigger and complex. They come with special safety requirements and infrastructural needs (IT, electricity, parking space).

Common Materials & Equipment

Like commercial construction itself, remodeling in this market relies on steel. In residential projects, the material of choice is usually wood. The two are actually interchangeable, with steel being significantly more durable and resistant. Wood is thus used in residential projects because steel is more expensive.

Being taller and generally larger, commercial buildings require special building and remodeling equipment. Not only is a commercial remodeling project without a crane highly unusual but it’s also that this special equipment requires trained professionals to operate it without any safety risk.

The Scope of the Remodeling Project

Remodeling projects should not be rushed. Be they commercial or residential, they usually require weeks or even months to complete, depending on the size of the building and the complexity of the client’s demands. If rushed, they usually end up as botched jobs and cost a lot of money in the long run.

However, most businesses cannot wait that long for a commercial remodeling project to be completed. Time is money in the business world, where every second wasted equals financial loss. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to hire only the best commercial constructors, no matter the price.

Whether you’re interested in residential or commercial remodeling services, the rule of thumb for hiring the best company for the job is pretty much the same – look at their success rates, not their prices. And thereby lies another difference between commercial and residential remodeling – the former is usually a much bigger investment.

For electrical assistance with your next commercial remodeling project, reach out to MSC Electrical today!