Types of Construction & Construction Projects, Explained
Construction is a way of life for all of us. We see it on the road, in our cities, suburbs and neighborhoods. The industry plays an important role in the U.S. economy and contributes more than a trillion dollars each year. According to some estimates, it’s responsible for as much as 4.5% of the United States' GDP. From new home builds to city infrastructure improvements, a massive number of projects are underway each day; in June 2025 alone, spending exceeded $2.2 billion.
Not all construction types are the same, though. In fact, there are at least seven different construction project types. Knowing the different types and their classification can help you understand exactly what goes into each build. It also highlights where SERVPRO® steps in if fire, water, or storm damage impacts your project.
Key Takeaways
- The construction industry drives the U.S. economy, contributing over a trillion dollars annually and accounting for a significant share of GDP.
- There are seven main types of construction projects: residential, commercial, heavy civil, institutional, industrial, specialized, and mixed-use. Each has its own unique requirements.
- Buildings are also classified into five construction categories (Types 1–5) that measure fire resistance and materials used.
- Understanding these classifications helps property owners, architects, and builders plan budgets, meet safety codes, and avoid costly setbacks.
- SERVPRO assists with cleanup, restoration, and post-construction cleaning services when fire, water, mold, or storm damage disrupts progress.
Understanding the Different Types of Construction
Construction is more than just putting up walls or laying foundations. Each project brings unique challenges, skills, and approaches. Before a project begins, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the differences. These classifications also help plan budgets, timelines, and ensure all local laws are followed.
What Are the Seven Types of Construction Projects?
Construction projects are typically grouped into seven main categories. Materials and equipment can also vary based on the type of project. The categories are as follows:
1. Residential Construction Projects
Residential construction focuses on the places people live, like single-family homes, condos, duplexes, townhouses, and multi-unit apartment complexes.
Builders of residential projects must pay close attention to community planning and energy efficiency as they develop safe living environments. When these projects hit snags or difficulties due to water leaks, storm damage, or fires, residential construction services from SERVPRO can help reduce the disruptions and get things back on track.
2. Commercial Construction Projects
Commercial construction includes shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, office towers, and entertainment venues. These projects typically emphasize function, accessibility, energy efficiency, and more modern design elements.
Unlike residential builds, commercial projects often have high foot traffic and must follow guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including strict accessibility requirements. Commercial builders focus on sustainability and energy savings, especially in new builds.
When disaster strikes these building projects, SERVPRO’s commercial construction services can support builders and businesses and help them return to business as usual.
3. Heavy Civil Construction Projects
Heavy civil construction projects often cover large-scale infrastructure: highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, or dams. These projects typically require government approval and funding. That puts public safety and durability at the top of the list of priorities.
Because of their scale, delays or damage to civil construction can impact entire communities. Flooding, storm events, and environmental damage pose common challenges during and after construction. SERVPRO often assists with cleanup or restoration to help recover from unexpected setbacks.
4. Institutional and Educational Construction Projects
Institutional construction focuses on spaces that serve the public; hospitals, universities, schools, libraries, museums, and government buildings fall under this umbrella.
Because of their civic nature, institutional construction projects balance accessibility with durability. Rigorous safety standards help these buildings or facilities house large groups of people and some of our most vulnerable populations. Any downtime can disrupt essential services, which is why fast recovery is critical if fire or water damage occurs. SERVPRO helps these facilities restore their operations quickly and safely.
5. Industrial Construction Projects
Industrial construction includes factories, refineries, power plants, warehouses, and processing facilities. These projects must comply strictly with OSHA requirements or other industry-specific rules.
Industrial projects often involve hazardous materials or heavy machinery, making safety a top concern. SERVPRO works with industrial facilities when unexpected fire, water, or mold damage interrupts operations. This helps limit costly downtime and return these facilities to safe operations.
6. Specialized Construction Projects (Green, Modular, etc.)
Green and specialized construction projects are on the rise. These projects involve new technologies or processes, including LEED certification, modular housing, renewable energy, and toxin-free developments.
Many green construction projects aim to reduce waste and conserve resources, creating a more sustainable environment for the community and surrounding area. Green construction relies on recycled materials, renewable energy, and low-VOC finishes to protect people and the planet. When damage threatens these efforts, SERVPRO’s cleanup and restoration teams work to preserve their eco-friendly standards and materials.
7. Mixed-Use Construction Projects
Mixed-use projects combine residential, commercial, and sometimes transit-oriented spaces into one development. They may be vertical, like towers with shops, offices, and apartments. Sometimes they’re a horizontally planned community with multiple single-story facilities.
Mixed-use developments require careful planning to balance several concerns. Parking, green spaces, and community integration are essential, especially when building in established neighborhoods. SERVPRO offers restoration services that protect the structures and the people who rely on them.
Five Types of Building Construction
Beyond project types, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies types of building construction based on their combustibility and fire resistance. These categories guide safety codes, insurance requirements, and construction methods. Below, we’ll guide you through each one:
Type 1: Fire-Resistive Construction
Type 1 buildings are built to withstand the most extreme conditions. Made from reinforced concrete and protected steel, they are designed to resist fire for long periods. This type of construction is common among high-rise office towers, hospitals, and multi-story residential complexes.
Type 1 construction’s strength makes it one of the safest categories, especially in dense urban environments where evacuation can be difficult. However, these projects are often expensive and time-consuming. They also need special maintenance, as cracks in concrete or steel fatigue can affect performance over time.
Type 2: Non-Combustible Construction
Type 2 buildings use non-combustible materials like steel and concrete but often lack the additional fireproofing of Type 1 structures. They are typically used as warehouses, shopping malls, or “big box” retailers.
This type’s primary advantage is cost. Type 2 structures are less expensive than Type 1 but offer strong fire resistance. However, the steel in these structures is vulnerable to high heat. Without fireproofing, it may warp or collapse more quickly than reinforced concrete. Safety codes often require added fire suppression systems like sprinklers for Type 2 builds.
Type 3: Ordinary Construction
“Brick and joist” construction with Type 3 combines non-combustible exterior walls like brick or block with wood-framed interiors. They’re a common fixture of older downtowns or mixed-use neighborhoods, where stores and apartments often share a single structure.
Type 3 construction strikes a balance between affordability and fire resistance. Non-combustible exterior walls add protection, but the wood framing inside creates risk if fire spreads. Renovations and retrofits for this category often focus on fire suppression measures and updated sprinkler systems. These buildings also require regular inspection for aging wood or masonry deterioration.
Type 4: Heavy Timber Construction
Type 4 construction uses large, solid wood beams and columns. This gives buildings a distinct look and impressive strength. This style was popular in factories and warehouses during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Loft apartments and adaptive reuse projects are typical modern examples of this type.
One advantage of heavy timber is that massive wood timbers char on the outside while retaining their interior structural strength, slowing collapse. But if fire suppression systems fail, these structures are at significant risk. Type 4 construction has made a recent comeback with “mass timber” projects that combine sustainability with architectural appeal.
Type 5: Wood-Framed Construction
Type 5 construction is the most common for residential homes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings. It relies heavily on wood framing: inexpensive, flexible, and easy to work with. Builders can construct Type 5 projects quickly, making it a practical choice for housing developments.
Its main drawback is fire risk. Wood-framed structures can collapse rapidly if flames spread unchecked. Building codes now require fire-rated drywall, sprinklers, and fire-stopping measures to reduce this vulnerability. Despite the risks, Type 5 construction remains popular for its affordability and versatility, especially in suburban and rural housing markets.
How SERVPRO Can Help With Your Construction Project
Every construction project carries risk. A burst pipe can stall residential work. Small fires can delay commercial operations. Severe weather can damage heavy civil or mixed-use projects. A trusted restoration partner can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
SERVPRO provides nationwide support for cleanup and restoration during and after construction. From water damage restoration to fire damage cleanup and mold remediation to storm recovery, our teams respond quickly to help protect your progress. We offer detailed post-construction cleaning, roof tarping, and board-up services to secure properties while the work goes on.
You can trust our uniquely trained professionals to oversee your project from start to finish. We even contact and manage the multiple crews needed for the entire project and work with your insurance company to help you navigate the claims process for an easier experience. Providing 24-hour emergency services, SERVPRO is available around the clock, including weekends and holidays, and always Here to Help®.
To learn more, call any of our 2320 SERVPRO locations to speak to a professional.
FAQs
What’s the difference between commercial and residential construction?
Residential construction covers homes, apartments, and private living spaces. Commercial construction focuses on properties like offices, hotels, and malls.
How do construction categories differ from project types?
Project types (residential, industrial, institutional, etc.) define the purpose of a build. Construction categories (Types 1–5) classify structures by fire resistance and building materials.
What factors determine the type of construction a project falls under?
Key factors include project size, purpose, zoning laws, and required safety standards. Building codes also affect classification.
How does SERVPRO support construction cleanup and restoration?
We provide water, fire, storm, and mold cleanup during or after projects. Your projects stay on track with our minimal downtime, safety measures, and fast progress.
Can SERVPRO help after construction projects are complete?
Yes. We provide detailed post-construction cleaning services and restoration support to ensure properties are move-in ready and protected for the long term.