Construction vs. Building — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 8, 2024
Construction is the process of creating structures, while a building is a result, typically a structure with a roof and walls.
Difference Between Construction and Building
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Construction refers to the comprehensive process that encompasses the planning, design, and assembly of infrastructure or structures, which involves a series of tasks from the initial concept to the completion of a project. On the other hand, a building is a specific outcome of the construction process, characterized as a structure with a roof and walls, designed for permanent or semi-permanent occupancy.
While construction can apply to a wide range of projects, including roads, bridges, and dams, buildings are specifically designed for purposes like residential, commercial, or industrial occupancy. This distinction highlights that all buildings are products of construction, but not all construction projects result in buildings.
The term "construction" also implies the involvement of various professionals and workers, including architects, engineers, construction managers, and laborers, each contributing their expertise to the realization of the project. In contrast, the term "building" focuses more on the physical edifice and its intended use, such as housing, office work, manufacturing, or entertainment.
Construction projects require adherence to codes, standards, and regulations to ensure safety, functionality, and sustainability. These considerations include materials, structural integrity, and environmental impact. Meanwhile, buildings are evaluated based on their design, efficiency, and how well they serve their intended purpose, which could range from providing shelter and comfort in a residential building to facilitating productivity and commerce in an office building.
The lifecycle of a building extends beyond its construction, encompassing maintenance, renovation, and sometimes demolition, reflecting the changing needs and uses over time. In contrast, construction is a finite process that concludes once the project is completed and the structure is ready for use.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of creating structures or infrastructure.
A structure with a roof and walls for occupancy.
Scope
Can include various types of projects beyond buildings, such as roads and bridges.
Specifically refers to structures like houses, offices, and factories.
Involvement
Requires a wide range of professionals from architects to laborers.
Focuses on the end result and its use or functionality.
Regulations
Must adhere to building codes, safety standards, and environmental considerations.
Evaluated based on design, utility, and compliance with regulations.
Lifecycle
A finite process from planning to completion.
Extends beyond construction, including maintenance and renovation.
Compare with Definitions
Construction
Involves various stages from design to completion.
Construction of the high-rise involved meticulous planning and execution.
Building
A structure with a roof and walls.
The new office building downtown is twenty stories tall.
Construction
Requires adherence to specific codes and standards.
The construction project followed strict safety regulations.
Building
Can serve various purposes.
The building was repurposed as a community center for local residents.
Construction
The act or process of building something.
The construction of the new bridge will start this spring.
Building
Subject to maintenance and renovation.
The historic building underwent extensive renovation to preserve its heritage.
Construction
Can apply to a wide range of projects.
Road construction has increased in the city to improve traffic flow.
Building
Designed for permanent or semi-permanent occupancy.
The apartment building houses over fifty families.
Construction
Concludes once the structure is ready for use.
The construction phase ended, and the building was inaugurated.
Building
Evaluated based on efficiency and design.
The building received an award for its innovative and sustainable design.
Construction
The act or process of constructing.
Building
A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory.
Construction
Construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations, and comes from Latin constructio (from com- "together" and struere "to pile up") and Old French construction. To construct is the verb: the act of building, and the noun is construction: how something is built, the nature of its structure.
Building
A building, or edifice, is a structure with a roof and walls standing more or less permanently in one place, such as a house or factory. Buildings come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and functions, and have been adapted throughout history for a wide number of factors, from building materials available, to weather conditions, land prices, ground conditions, specific uses, and aesthetic reasons.
Construction
The art, trade, or work of building
An engineer trained in highway construction.
Worked in construction for seven years.
Building
The action or trade of constructing something
The building of motorways
Building materials
Construction
A structure, such as a building, framework, or model.
Building
A flock of rooks
A picture of her standing amongst a building of rooks
Construction
Something fashioned or devised systematically
A nation that was glorious in its historical construction.
Building
Something that is built, as for human habitation; a structure.
Construction
An artistic composition using various materials; an assemblage or a collage.
Building
The act, process, art, or occupation of constructing.
Construction
The way in which something is built or put together
A shelter of simple construction.
Building
(uncountable) The act or process by which something is built; construction.
The building of the bridge will be completed in a couple of weeks.
Construction
The interpretation or explanation given to an expression or a statement
I was inclined to put a favorable construction on his reply.
Building
(countable) A closed structure with walls and a roof.
My sister lives in that apartment building.
Construction
(Grammar) An arrangement of words forming a grammatical phrase, clause, or sentence.
Building
Present participle of build
Construction
The process of constructing.
Construction is underway on the new bridge.
Building
The act of constructing, erecting, or establishing.
Hence it is that the building of our Sion rises no faster.
Construction
Anything that has been constructed.
The engineer marvelled at his construction.
Building
The art of constructing edifices, or the practice of civil architecture.
The execution of works of architecture necessarily includes building; but building is frequently employed when the result is not architectural.
Construction
The trade of building structures.
He had worked in construction all his life.
Building
That which is built; a fabric or edifice constructed, as a house, a church, etc.
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attireHave cost a mass of public treasury.
Construction
A building, model or some other structure.
The office was a construction of steel and glass.
Building
A structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place;
There was a three-story building on the corner
It was an imposing edifice
Construction
(arts) A (usually non-representational) structure, such as a collage etc.
"Construction in string and clockwork" took first prize.
Building
The act of constructing or building something;
During the construction we had to take a detour
His hobby was the building of boats
Construction
The manner in which something is built.
A thing of simple construction.
Building
The commercial activity involved in constructing buildings;
Their main business is home construction
Workers in the building trades
Construction
(grammar) A group of words arranged to form a meaningful phrase.
Building
The occupants of a building;
The entire building complained about the noise
Construction
The act or result of construing the meaning of something.
American conservatives tend to favor strict construction of the Constitution.
Construction
The meaning or interpretation of a text, action etc.; the way something is viewed by an observer or onlooker.
Construction
(geometry) A geometric figure of arcs and line segments that is drawable with a straightedge and compass.
Construction
The process or art of constructing; the act of building; erection; the act of devising and forming; fabrication; composition.
Construction
The form or manner of building or putting together the parts of anything; structure; arrangement.
An astrolabe of peculiar construction.
Construction
The arrangement and connection of words in a sentence; syntactical arrangement.
Some particles . . . in certain constructions have the sense of a whole sentence contained in them.
Construction
The method of construing, interpreting, or explaining a declaration or fact; an attributed sense or meaning; understanding; explanation; interpretation; sense.
Any person . . . might, by the sort of construction that would be put on this act, become liable to the penalties of treason.
Strictly, the term [construction] signifies determining the meaning and proper effect of language by a consideration of the subject matter and attendant circumstances in connection with the words employed.
Interpretation properly precedes construction, but it does not go beyond the written text.
Construction
The act of constructing or building something;
During the construction we had to take a detour
His hobby was the building of boats
Construction
The commercial activity involved in constructing buildings;
Their main business is home construction
Workers in the building trades
Construction
A thing constructed; a complex construction or entity;
The structure consisted of a series of arches
She wore her hair in an amazing construction of whirls and ribbons
Construction
A group of words that form a constituent of a sentence and are considered as a single unit;
I concluded from his awkward constructions that he was a foreigner
Construction
The creation of a construct; the process of combining ideas into a congruous object of thought
Construction
An interpretation of a text or action;
They put an unsympathetic construction on his conduct
Construction
Drawing a figure satisfying certain conditions as part of solving a problem or proving a theorem;
The assignment was to make a construction that could be used in proving the Pythagorean theorem
Common Curiosities
What roles do professionals play in construction?
Professionals in construction range from architects and engineers to construction managers and laborers, each contributing to different phases of the project.
What is the lifecycle of a building?
The lifecycle of a building extends from its construction to its use, maintenance, possible renovation, and eventual demolition or repurposing.
How are buildings evaluated?
Buildings are evaluated based on their design, utility, compliance with regulations, and how well they serve their intended purpose.
Are all construction projects large scale?
No, construction projects can vary greatly in size, from small home renovations to massive infrastructure projects.
Is every building a result of construction?
Yes, every building is a result of the construction process, which includes planning, design, and assembly.
How do building codes affect construction?
Building codes set standards for construction to ensure safety, functionality, and sustainability, guiding materials, methods, and designs used.
What is the significance of maintenance in the lifecycle of a building?
Maintenance is crucial to ensure the building remains safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, extending its usability and lifespan.
Can a single construction project include multiple buildings?
Yes, a single construction project can encompass multiple buildings, such as a residential complex or a campus.
How does renovation fit into the lifecycle of a building?
Renovation allows a building to be updated, repurposed, or improved to meet new standards or needs, reflecting changes in use or advancements in building technology.
How does the purpose of a building influence its construction?
The intended use of a building influences its design, materials, and construction methods to ensure it meets the specific requirements and functions of its occupants.
Can construction occur without resulting in a building?
Yes, construction can involve projects like roads, bridges, and dams that do not result in buildings.
Can the construction process be sustainable?
Yes, sustainable construction focuses on minimizing environmental impact, using eco-friendly materials, and designing for energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
What distinguishes construction from other types of manufacturing?
Construction is distinct in its focus on large-scale projects that are typically stationary, such as buildings and infrastructure, and requires a wide range of specialized skills.
How do environmental considerations impact construction?
Environmental considerations can dictate the choice of materials, construction methods, and project design to minimize ecological impact and ensure sustainability.
What is the role of a construction manager?
A construction manager oversees the project from start to finish, coordinating tasks, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with codes and safety standards.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
