Residential Construction

Residential construction contains all of the elements of the different types of construction but they are usually on a smaller scale than the other areas of construction. Residential construction includes single-family dwellings as well as condominiums, townhouses, low-rise apartments, and high-rise apartments. These structures are designed by either architects, engineers, contractors, or owners or plans may be purchased from catalogs. Residential structures require foundation designs; excavation; concrete placing; framing; roofing; electrical; plumbing; masonry; painting; finishing; heating, ventilating, and cooling systems: and other trades. A common practice now is to use prefabricated elements, such as roof trusses, rather than building everything on site as this reduces the amount of time for construction. Construction managers are usually required for residential construction when multiple dwelling units are being built or when a development is being designed and built.