Simply put, commercial construction is the process of building and developing non-residential business structures. Most often commercial property owners are looking to create a new facility or venue in the private sector. Commercial buildings are built with the size and durability needed to handle high traffic and support business operations.
If you are planning a commercial construction project in the Central North Carolina area from Durham to Pittsboro, or are just curious about commercial construction projects, we’re spotlighting the seven leading types of common commercial construction projects.
7 Common Types of Commercial Construction Projects
The seven types of commercial construction vary based on what the building or land is zoned or intended to be used for. Naturally, there’s a big difference between how you might build categories below and break down the differences and nuances of each type of commercial construction project.
1. Retail & Grocery Store Construction
Retail requires large, open spaces with good lighting and space for many display shelves. Retail properties see a large amount of foot traffic inside and outside each day, which means designing for durability, flow, and efficient loading dock deliveries. Grocery and retail construction also consider the importance of both interior and exterior aesthetic design to leave a lasting positive impression on visiting customers. However, retail is also among the most flexible types of construction, which is why shopping centers are so quickly remodeled from one commercial tenant to the next.
2. Restaurant & Hospitality Venue Construction
Restaurants and hospitality venues require a unique approach, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Hospitality requires a split between a beautiful, comfortable front-of-house and a clean, efficient back-of-house. Commercial kitchens and walk-in coolers are a very important consideration if the venue will serve food, while AV and performance structure is necessary if there will be live music. Restaurants and hospitality venues must also be built with special attention to local regulations related to kitchen and food service areas.
3. Lodging Facility Construction
Hotels, motels, guest lodges, and corporate housing fall into the sector of lodging facility commercial construction. Lodgings can have a vast range of complexity, from simple motels to extravagant hotel designs. Hotel construction requires the creation of duplicate or near-duplicate guest rooms that each share a perfect balance of comfort and amenities alongside shared facilities. These can include the front desk, gym, pool, and amenities areas that tie the guest experience together.
Two important considerations for lodging facility construction are noise reduction between all sections of the property and overnight parking.
4. Office Building Construction
Office building construction is a class of its own. No other type of building project quite resembles an office building, as these are almost 100% “internal use” structures. However, office buildings (next to hotels) also have the largest range in size, from little three-office commercial buildings to towering skyscrapers.
Office buildings can also include other types of spaces inside more often than other types of commercial projects. Some office buildings have a restaurant/cafe or cafeteria inside, some can be layered with shops, restaurants, hotels, and offices all inside the same building. This is more common in dense downtown regions.
5. Industrial Building Construction
Industrial buildings are essential structures that manufacture or process the things we need and use every day. Manufacturing, assembly, and warehousing all fall under industrial building construction. In these projects, durability and safety are paramount. The space will be designed to fit large machinery and material handling equipment necessary for a specific and indented process. Due to very specific regulations and zoning policies, these buildings need to meet very specific guidelines in terms of how that space can be built to accommodate the industrial processes that they handle.
Common spaces are then added to the design to provide safe operation, offices, and break rooms for those who work at the industrial facility.
6. Medical Facility Construction
Every community needs a network of medical buildings, including both large hospitals and small clinics. Specialists, veterinarians, and local testing labs are also included under the umbrella of medical facility construction. These structures all share a need for certain features. They need lobby space, private exam rooms with sterile cabinet storage, and back offices. Easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces as well as an emergency vehicle-friendly parking lot design. They also need spaces designed to support large equipment storage in convenient and readily accessible spaces.
7. Athletic Structure Construction
Athletic commercial construction projects include both indoor and outdoor structures that facilitate the playing, training and practicing of sports. These structures include stadiums, sports facilities for high schools and community centers, and commercial fitness centers. Even children’s play areas are included in athletic structure construction.
These structures tend to include elements like bleachers and benches, shade structures, water fountains, and bathroom facilities. Sports structure construction considers the safety of both the players and the spectators.
Commercial Construction Services in Durham North Carolina
Gateway Building Company is proud to provide expert commercial construction throughout The Triangle and other regions of North Carolina. If you are looking to develop a new commercial property or are planning renovations for an existing structure, whether you are developing a luxury hotel, a local veterinary clinic, or anything in between, the Gateway Building team is ready to work hand in hand to bring your vision to life.
Book a meeting today to consult on your plans and building site.
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