Construction is an overall term denoting the science and art of assembling systems, objects, or organisms, and comes from two Latin terms: construction and capitatum. To construct is also the verb: to build, and the nouns are construction: what is being built, its exact nature, and its construction. The science of construction is also an exact science, meaning that every construction is definite and repeatable. There are many different types of construction. Simple constructions are those that merely unite objects with adhesives (such as nails, staples, or glue), while complex constructions involve bonding materials together. A perfect example of a complex construction is that of the Grand Canyon.
One of the important questions when considering construction is, what is it made of? There are many kinds of materials used in construction, and each one has unique characteristics that lend itself to specific construction needs. To begin with, there are four major types of material used in construction: iron, steel, wood, and concrete. Each of these types has different properties that need to be considered when working on a construction project.
Steel is perhaps the most flexible material used in construction. Its ability to bend and expand without much effort makes it ideal for structures such as skyscrapers. Wood, on the other hand, is more rigid than steel but less malleable. Concrete is another very popular material used in construction, due to its strength and ability to last longer than most of the other types of construction materials. Concrete also does not dent or chip, which is especially useful when building a commercial building in wet and moist conditions.
The next question then becomes what kind of structure would best fit my needs, budget, as well as the timeline I have allotted for this task. Obviously, each type of construction has a certain degree of pros and cons associated with them. For example, steel constructions tend to be a bit more costly because of their durability. If my building should become damaged beyond repair, I can throw it away and purchase another. However, I must also think about how long will it take for me to sell or rent the property if my original plan was to construct a high-rise apartment complex?
On the other hand, wood is an ideal material for residential housing construction. Wood is extremely resilient and I do not have to worry about structural damage because of it. However, I cannot just make any kind of house from wood because it would require too much work. If I opt for a composite construction, it will be cheaper, but I might have to compromise on the amount of flexibility and durability for the sake of efficiency.
The total cost of a construction project will depend on the size and materials chosen. If I am constructing a residential complex, I have to look at each detail carefully. This is where four major types of construction come into play. Residential construction includes buildings such as homes, townhouses, condominiums, duplexes, etc. Commercial construction includes structures used for office buildings, hospitals, stores, industrial facilities, etc. All four of these types have pros and cons attached to them and I must evaluate each of these before making a decision.
