The Construction Community Overview

Specialized trades include Plumbers, Electricians, Heating & Air, Drywall Finishers, Painters, Framers, Trim Carpenters, Masons, Roofers, Landscapers, Tile Installers, Carpet Installers, Cabinet Installers, and Countertop Installers.
A Builder constructs buildings for sale without an initial owner contract.
A Contractor enters into a legal relationship with an owner to construct a home.
Speculative builders procure land, arrange construction financing, obtain designs, and sell completed dwellings.
Contract builders work under contract with an owner, with profits dependent on completing projects on time and on budget.
Builder specializations include New construction, Remodeling, Custom, and Large volume construction.

A General contractor is responsible for all construction work from start to finish.
Subcontractors are hired to complete specific phases of construction.
In most states, contractors and subcontractors must:
- Pass an exam to become licensed.
- Be bonded to protect owners against nonperformance or fraud.
- Provide general liability insurance to protect against damage to property or owners.
- Provide workers compensation insurance for employees.

Competitive Bidding: Contractors evaluate plans, secure subcontractor bids, and submit comprehensive bids covering labor, materials, subcontractors, profit, and overhead.
Direct Hiring: Used for small jobs, undefined work, contractor reputation, or when quality and schedule take precedence over cost.
Stipulated sum (fixed fee) Contract: Contractor agrees to build for a fixed amount, utilizing signed change orders for scope modifications.
Cost-plus Contract: Owner pays the actual cost of work plus a fixed or percentage-based contractor fee.

Contractor duties include scheduling construction, purchasing and installing materials, complying with building codes, securing inspections, maintaining cost records, and warranting work against defects.
Residential Developers procure land, divide it into building lots, install roads and utilities, and establish deed restrictions to ensure continuity and quality.
Financing for developers and speculative builders requires seed money and short-term construction loans.
Marketing and sales are handled through dedicated real estate subsidiaries for large developer/builders, or local real estate firms for small developers.

Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training for licensed and unlicensed trades, typically taking 3-5 years.
Trade schools teach practical skills alongside theory and are commonly incorporated into community colleges.
Key industry organizations include the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and The Associated General Contractors of America.
Prominent industry publications include Concrete International (April 2006 Vol. 28 No. 4), Builder (July 2005), Rural Builder, and Professional Builder.
Green building expanded due to increased zoning and building regulations alongside growing environmental awareness among owners and buyers.