In the world of construction, there is a big difference between residential and commercial projects. You would no sooner hire a commercial contractor to update the kitchen in your home than you would work with a residential contractor on your commercial office space renovation. But what makes these two branches of construction so different? Construction is construction, right?

Not really.

Both residential and commercial contractors construct buildings, but there the similarities end. Here is a little more information about residential and commercial construction and why they are not one in the same.

What is residential construction?

Residential construction refers to working on building projects that are designed for the sole purpose of people living within the walls once the project is complete. Large residential projects may include condos, apartments, singly-family homes, multi-family homes, and cooperative societies. On a smaller scale, residential construction can also refer to simple home additions, kitchen renovations, and bathroom remodels. These projects usually require a single contractor and their team, or they may subcontract out to another individual, but still get the work done under their own company name. If certain skills are needed such as masonry or heavy equipment, residential contractors may hire other contractors to help complete the job.

What is commercial construction?

Commercial construction refers to working on building projects that earn for the owner. In other words, they are designed to house businesses, offices, retail stores, and for-profit companies. Large commercial projects may include factories, malls, office structures, restaurants, grocery stores, oil refineries, and car dealerships. On a smaller scale, commercial construction projects may include office renovations. Commercial contractors have to adhere to strict safety standards that address handicap accessibility, egress requirements, fire and burglar alarms, and complex mechanical systems

Some notable differences

• Most commercial construction is steel and concrete structure where residential is wood framed.
• Most commercial roofs are bitumen or TPO where residential roofs are shingle.
• Code requirements are much stricter for commercial buildings than residential buildings.
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are much more complex in commercial buildings due to the size of the building and the occupancy levels.
• Most commercial buildings require sprinklers and fireproofing, which residential buildings normally don’t have.
• Commercial construction often requires much larger and more expensive equipment (like cranes) and have greater infrastructure needs (elevators, bathrooms on each floor, and parking lots/garages).
• Residential buildings are much smaller and less expensive when it comes to materials, labor, and consultation costs.
• Commercial and residential construction projects require different permits.

Choose your contractor wisely

No matter what kind of building project you are planning, make sure that you are working with a contractor who knows the difference between residential and commercial construction. At George Rullo and Associates , we are experts in the field of commercial construction consulting and construction management. With over 20 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skills to make your next commercial project a complete success!

To find out more information about our commercial construction consulting firm, call 732-580-8668!

Sometimes the hardest part of your job has nothing to do with your work, especially when the people you work with are prone to creating conflict. You have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, brushing off their comments or overlooking their poor job performance because you don’t want to get caught up in the backlash, but your work is starting to suffer. Interpersonal conflict is not something that just disappears over time; in fact, it will continue to fester until someone steps forward.

If simply talking to your co-worker has not produced satisfactory results, then you need to take things to the next level. Here are 5 important steps you should take to effectively approach management about internal issues.

Make a 30-minute appointment with your boss

Just dropping in on your manager to deliver bad news is never a good idea. Your spur-of-the-minute conference could potentially disrupt important business or be cut short due to a previous engagement. Either way, you may not be able to adequately address the situation or reach a suitable conclusion. By making an appointment, you can catch your boss at a less hectic time and show them the respect they deserve. You also give yourself some time to let the dust settle and avoid speaking to your manager when you are angry or hurt.

Plan what you are going to say

Put some thought into how you want to address the issue and what you are going to say.

• DO NOT just go in and wing it.
• DO talk your concern over with a mentor and seek advice, if necessary.
• DO NOT discuss the issue with your coworkers, your manager’s manager, or HR unless it’s a serious violation.
• DO decide how to present the issue in a constructive, assertive, factual, and specific way.

Describe the problem

In your meeting, describe the issue you are having in a calm and collected manner. Discuss the specific behavior (not the possible intentions) and how it affects you, your work performance, or your company’s goals. Be specific.

Provide a possible solution

You should never bring a problem to management unless you have a proposed solution on how to fix it. Start off by explaining the steps you have already taken to try and solve the problem and what you have learned from these attempts. Recommend a number of specific solutions, addressing the pros and cons of each, why you think they will help, and how they will positively benefit the company. Potential solutions could include anything from sensitivity training to process improvement workshops to face-to-face meetings. Discuss with your manager and, together, determine the best course of action.

Take responsibility and take action

It’s one thing to simply suggest solutions and another to help set them in motion. Demonstrate your commitment to ensuring success by taking the necessary steps to get the ball rolling. Also, discuss additional steps you may take if things do not go according to plan. It might be a good idea to schedule a follow-up meeting in the near future to check-in. Thank your manager for their time and willingness to discuss the issue.

By bringing issues to light in the right manner, you can help create a more positive and productive work environment. For more tips on dealing with internal issues in the workplace, contact the expert commercial consultants at George Rullo and Associates today!

Need some advice about dealing with workplace issues? Call 732-580-8668!