A Quick Overview of Building Types

Examples, approximate typical costs, and square footage range

Photo by Josh Couch on Unsplash

There is an extensive variety of building types designed and used for various purposes. Here’s a semi-exhaustive list of some of them along with brief descriptions. Estimating the square footage, cost, and construction time for building types is highly variable and depends on a wide range of factors including location, design, materials, labor costs, and more. These values are approximate and can vary significantly based on the above factors. These numbers were generated based on the U.S. market and aim to provide a wide range to capture regional fluctuations as well as yearly inflation from the years 2020–2024.

1. Residential Buildings: These are structures in which people live. Examples include houses, apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Typically 1,000–2,500 sq ft. Costs can range from $100 to $500 per sq ft. Construction time may range from 6 months to 2 years.
2. Commercial Buildings: These are used for commercial activities like businesses, shops, and offices. Examples include office buildings, shopping malls, and stores. Often 5,000–50,000 sq ft for small to medium buildings. Costs can range from $150 to $600 per sq ft. Construction time may range from 1 to 3 years.
3. Industrial Buildings: These are…