Building in this article is used as a noun as "...that which is built; a structure, edifice….". The distinction between a building and a non-building structure is not always clear but is sometimes determined if the structure has walls or by its size or use. The Oxford English Dictionary includes that structure may be used for a large or imposing building. Construction is a very general term meanin
g the art and science to form material or immaterial objects, systems or organizations, and comes from Latin constructionem (from com- "together" andstruere "to pile up") and Old French construction. Construction is used as a verb: the act of building, and a noun: how a building was built, the nature of its structure. Construction is often used as a synonym with building in its verb tense. As a noun, Russell Sturgis distinguished between architecture as being artistic structure, where a building is unadorned and can be "...poor...commonplace, ugly, insufficient, or otherwise of small importance; " and the use of the word construction as meaning built using scientific principles in a highly skillful way. Residential construction
Typical construction steps for a single-family or small multi-family house are:
• Develop floor plans and obtain government building approval if necessary
• Clear the building site
• Pour a foundation with concrete
• Build the main load-bearing structure out of thick pieces of wood and possibly metal I-beams for large spans with few supports.
• Add floor and ceiling joists and install subfloor panels
• Cover outer walls and roof in particleboard or plywood and vapor barrier.
• Install roof shingles or other covering for flat roof
• Cover the walls with siding, typically vinyl or wood, but possibly stone or other materials
• Install windows
• Frame out interior walls with wooden 2x4s
• Add internal plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and natural gas utilities
• Building inspector visits if necessary to approve utilities and framing
• Install interior drywall panels and fiberglass insulation to make walls and ceilings
• Install bathroom fixtures
• Spackle, prime, and paint interior walls and ceilings
• Additional tiling on top of drywall for wet areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen backsplash
• Install final floor covering, such as floor tile, carpet, or wood flooring
• Install major appliances
• Unless the original owners are building the house, at this point it is typically sold or rented.
• Move in furniture, decor, personal items, and any appliances not originally supplied
