At first, glance, choosing a building contractor might seem like it is going to be simple. For the lucky few, this might be the case. The building, however, is an extremely broad field. Many projects require specialist expertise and experience.
It is crucial to get things right and in order from the beginning of a building project. Don’t settle for a contractor who is a jack of all trades when a specialist is needed. It might seem like a money-saving idea, but any mistakes can cause spiraling costs further down the line.
Luckily, where there is a job, there is a specialist. Here is our guide to the most prominent building contractor types, and when you should get in contact with each one.
Green
The World Green Building Council describes a green building as “a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life”.
Specialist green building contractors have sprung up, filling an ever-increasing demand for environmentally-friendly architecture. Green builders often have experience in the use of advanced materials for insulation, water systems, and power generation.
Residential
Residential building contractors have to have a bit of everything. Often, a residential client will not have the budget to call in multiple companies. A residential specialist will get the job done and have a team of assistants ready to take on any task.
A good residential builder will try and impact your life minimally. They will be realistic about your budget and the timescale of the project so that you can plan your life around the work.
Industrial
Industrial specialists are necessary when constructing marine environments, installing heavy machinery, reformatting factory floors, and building workshops. Within this field, there are several further specializations.
Industrial builders often work in large teams and have highly honed engineering capabilities. Their services are often quite pricey. Large industrial projects are the only real justification for hiring specialists of this kind.
Commercial
The commercial building industry is huge and has seen a compound annual growth rate of around 6% from 2015 to 2019. Consulting with a commercial building contractor before renovating, expanding, or building your business is crucial.
In Canada, JAX builders are a specialist in commercial building outfit. Creating a bespoke plan for your commercial building project involves an architectural consideration of how changes will affect your operations and your workforce. A commercial building contractor will (hopefully) have experience in this and be able to advise you soundly.
Heritage
Thatching a roof? Repointing a stone barn? You are going to need to consult a heritage specialist. Heritage building contractors are often trained in traditional crafts and have conservation expertise.
They will also have knowledge of local heritage building codes and practices that you will need to adhere to when doing any work on an old building. Any mistake in adherence to building codes can be absolutely disastrous and lead to long-lasting sanctions.
