TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Identifies the type of materials utilized for constructing the building or structure and classifies
the level of combustibility and fire resistance associated with its elements (including primary
structural frame, exterior and interior load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, floor and roof).

Type 1: Fire-Resistive

Type 1 structures are high-rises, and they’re the stoutest of all construction types when
exposed to fire. High-rises are usually defined as buildings more than 75 feet tall, with some
agencies making amendments for buildings that are 35–55 feet tall.

Type 1 structures are constructed of concrete and protected steel (steel coated with a fire-
resistant material, most often a concrete mixture), and are designed to hold fire for an
extended amount of time in order to keep the fire at bay in the room and/or floor of origin.

Type 2: Non-Combustible

Type 2 construction is typically found in new buildings and remodels of commercial structures.
The walls and roofs are constructed of non-combustible materials. Specifically, walls are usually
reinforced masonry or tilt slab, while roofs have metal structural members and decking. The top
of these roofs are often covered with lightweight concrete, foam, an insulated membrane or a
combination of these materials.
Type 3: Ordinary

Type 3 buildings can be of either new or old construction, and they have non-combustible walls
and a wood roof. Older construction buildings may consist of unreinforced masonry and have a
conventionally framed roof, while newer buildings will have lightweight roof systems supported
by reinforced masonry or tilt slab. The most common types of roof systems in a commercial
setting of Type 3 construction include parallel cord truss and panelized roof systems.
Type 4: Heavy Timber

Type 4 construction is found in older buildings and utilizes large dimensional lumber for
structural members and interior elements. These buildings hold up well under fire conditions,
but it’s critical that firefighters not feel a false sense of security, as these buildings are often
poorly maintained, or have termites and/or weathering issues that can contribute to an earlier-
than-expected collapse.

Type 5: Wood-Framed

Type 5 construction is found in many modern homes. The walls and roofs are made of
combustible materials—most commonly wood. If the walls are wood-framed, the roof usually is
as well. Rooftops are ceramic tile or asphalt shingles placed over lightweight trusses and OSB.
Both UL and NIST studies have found that lightweight construction will fail within minutes of
direct fire impingement.
Protected - Protected means that all structural members of a building or structure has an
additional fire rated coating or cover by means of sheetrock, spray on, or other approved
method. This additional fire rated coating or cover extends the fire resistance rating of
structural members at least 1 hour.

Unprotected – Unprotected means that all structural members of a building or structure has no
additional fire rated coating or cover. Exposed members are only fire resistant according to
their natural ability and characteristics.

Sprinkled – A building or structure is fully installed / protected by a complete fire sprinkler

system in accordance with NFPA 13 or NFPA 13 R. This system shall be maintained according to
NFPA 25.

Unsprinkled – A building or structure that is not protected by a fire sprinkler system.

CHANGES IN CONSTRUCTION

Change order for construction contracts

In project management, a change order (or variation order) is a component of the change
management process in which changes in the scope of work (or project brief) agreed to by the
client, contractor and architect are implemented.

A change order is work that is added to or deleted from the original scope of work of a contract,
which alters the original contract amount and/or completion date. A change order may force a
new project to handle significant changes to the current project.

Common causes for change orders to be created are:

 The project's work was incorrectly estimated.

 The client or project team discovers obstacles or possible efficiencies that require them
to deviate from the original plan.
 The client or project team are inefficient or incapable of completing their required
deliverables within budget, and additional money, time, or resources must be added to
the project
 During the course of the project, additional features or options are perceived and
requested.
 The contractor looks for work items to add to the original scope of work at a later time
in order to achieve the lowest possible base bid price, but then add work items and fee
back on once they have been appointed. This is an exploitative practice.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

To ensure that construction has the minimum amount of impact on surrounding properties,

Here are some building aspects to be considered:

Light & Ventilation , Measurement of Size, Ceiling Height, Air Space, Window Opening, and
Ventilation Shaft.