6 Types of Builders and Their Differences

In the construction industry, there are many different types of builders who work together on large projects or to create the smallest details on homes and businesses. When you’re working with new home builders in Australia, it’s helpful to know the differences between them so you can best communicate with each one during your construction project. This guide will help you better understand the differences between three different types of builders: general contractors, sub-contractors and specialty contractors. Each type will have their own set of skills and specialties that can either make your project easier or more complicated, depending on what you’re looking for in a contractor.

1.       Designer Builder

Designer Builder takes a hands-on approach to design and construction, where they focus on collaborating with clients to create architectural solutions that match their lifestyle. The process typically begins with Design phase, where ideas are iterated and discussed until the client has an evolved understanding of their final vision. After, these sketches are created into full-scale renderings so that the client can visualise what it will look like when it’s done. Builder then partners with contractors and subcontractors who work together to ensure the design comes to life. At the start of Construction phase, builders sit down with clients once again to discuss finishing touches and finalise any budget adjustments needed before they commence construction.

2.       General Contractor

In a world of development, it’s hard to know the difference between all of the types of builders. General contractors are typically hired when an owner wants to invest in land or a property and construct something there. Typically, general contractors bring in other specialists as needed, such as engineers, architects, subcontractors, and any other help that may be required for the job. The general contractor might also do some or all of the work themselves.

3.       Residential Builders

Residential construction is where most people think of when they think of building projects. Residential builders build homes, single-family dwellings and multi-unit developments from the ground up – everything from foundation to roofline to interior design. Residential builders are also responsible for other aspects of these projects such as landscape design, home automation systems and more.

4.       Commercial Builders

Commercial construction differs from residential in that it involves commercial buildings like hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Commercial builders also build schools, universities and hospitals but they tend to specialise in larger projects with multiple phases or phases at different levels of completion – like a hospital with an emergency room on one floor and intensive care on another.

5.       The Project Builder

This type of builder is hired by a developer or other business owner to build one or more buildings on their land or property. The project builder usually works with an architect to develop a plan for the building or buildings and then submits that plan to a building inspector for approval prior to starting construction on the project site.

6.       The Specialty Builder

These builders are primarily concerned with creating custom homes or commercial buildings that require unique specifications or construction methods that traditional builders might not understand or be able to handle easily or economically (such as building an entirely new home rather than just adapting an existing structure).