Different projects for different needs: Types of commercial construction

More than 35 years of experience in the Facility Repair services industry have given ProTech’s experts and technicians a vast scope of work and an extensive portfolio of projects to work with. Not one project is like the other. Budget, location, target, needs and objectives require expertise and a well-prepared team to achieve success in every new project.

According to the International Building Code, there are five types of buildings, categorized by the materials used in their structure. This code is primarily concerned with whether the structure of the building is combustible or not in order to establish its level of safety for the occupants. 

Type V Buildings

Type V buildings have the least rigorous criteria. In these constructions, wood is typically used in both interior and exterior walls and offers the least amount of protection to both occupants and adjacent properties. It is a budget-friendly option, though not without some setbacks: they tend to be smaller than other types of constructions, therefore installing fire sprinklers and other barriers to protect nearby buildings is always recommended.

Type I Buildings

Type I buildings, on the other hand, are built from non-combustible materials and offer a 2-to-3 hour window of fire resistance. Poured concrete and steel framing are commonly used in this type of building, which are often very large. 

Types II, III and IV

Combine a variety of materials in the outer and inner structure of the building which will allow for more or less fire resistance and will determine the fire safety of the building. Your desired project will fall under one of these five categories depending on its intended use and, of course, the desired budget. 

That leads us to the type of commercial construction project that you’re aiming for. Different purposes call for different necessities, which need to be addressed in the project planning and will require very different elements from the contractor team. Below is a list of building types with a description of some of their requirements:

• Grocery Stores: aisle planning and refrigeration areas are key. These stores are visited frequently, so providing a visually attractive experience for the customer is important.
• Retail Stores: fluid movement and an inviting look are the main concerns in this type of construction. The design of this type of building has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and sales.
• Restaurants: oftentimes there are guidelines set out by the company that aim to project a determined brand experience for the customer. The atmosphere becomes as important as the product. The construction must comply with local safety regulations, especially regarding the kitchen area.
• Lodging facilities: comfort and privacy are the main focus, along with accessibility (fire escapes and elevators are crucial).
• Office buildings: from small facilities to corporate skyscrapers, these buildings can require a vast range of requirements, such as medical facilities, food and retail stores and more. 
• Industrial buildings: storage areas must comply with certain ambient conditions and production facilities require high ceilings. Some of these buildings might require shipping docks and the use of heavy machinery. Industrial buildings must stick to stringent safety regulations.
• Medical facilities: these are often type I buildings that must comply with both strict safety regulations according to the area and be able to comprise a lot of different needs: storage facilities, equipment areas, patient wards, personnel dormitories and more. They require critical equipment, and electrical planning and plumbing are especially important, along with accessibility. 
• Athletic structures: stadiums, high school courts, fitness centers and everything in between. In some of these buildings, seating is key. 

A reliable contractor is key to ensure the success of the new project you’re about to embark on. ProTech technicians are trained and certified, tackling issues for several locations.

Call us now to schedule an appointment and discuss your project. Trust the best commercial construction service in Houston, Texas!