In its simplest form, the difference between Residential and Commercial Building and Construction is the intended purpose of the build. Residential building and construction create spaces for people to live in. Commercial building and construction create business spaces.
The only place where this line blurs is in the realm of apartment construction. For the most part, this is considered commercial, as it’s a space intended to host the business of renting out places to live.
Residential building and construction can include any of the work listed below for a single occupancy or dual occupancy building that will be less than five storey levels high when complete:
- construction, alteration, extension, restoration, repair, demolition or dismantling of buildings, structures or works that form, or are to form, part of land (permanently or otherwise)
- maintenance undertaken on the above
- site clearance, earth-moving, excavation, site restoration, landscaping, and the provision of car parks
- installation in any building, structure or works of fittings and services.
Commercial building and construction are large-scale living complexes and privately owned public spaces that include hospitals, shopping complexes, office locations, warehouses, etc.