This sector is divided into three subsectors of construction activities: (1) building construction and land subdivision and land development; (2) heavy construction (except buildings), such as highways, power plants, and pipelines; and (3) construction activity by special trade contractors.
Establishments classified in Subsector 233, Building, Developing, and General Contracting and Subsector 234, Heavy Construction, usually assume responsibility for an entire construction project, and may subcontract some or all of the actual construction work. Operative builders who build on their own account for sale, and land subdividers and land developers, who engage in subdividing real property into lots for sale, are included in Subsector 233, Building, Developing, and General Contracting. (Special trade contractors are included in Subsector 234, Heavy Construction, if they are engaged in activities primarily relating to heavy construction, such as grading for highways.) Establishments included in these subsectors operate as general contractors, design-builders, engineer-constructors, joint-venture contractors, and turnkey construction contractors. Establishments identified as construction management firms are also included.
Establishments classified in Subsector 235, Special Trade Contractors, are primarily engaged in specialized construction activities, such as plumbing, painting, and electrical work, and work for builders and general contractors under subcontract or directly for project owners. Establishments engaged in demolition or wrecking of buildings and other structures, dismantling of machinery, excavating, shoring and underpinning, anchored earth retention activities, foundation drilling, and grading for buildings are also included in this subsector.
"Force account" construction is construction work performed by an establishment primarily engaged in some business other than construction, for its own account and use, and by employees of the establishment. This activity is not included in this industry sector unless the construction work performed is the primary activity of a separate establishment of the enterprise.
The installation of prefabricated building equipment and materials, such as elevators and revolving doors, is classified in the Construction sector. Installation work incidental to sales by employees of a manufacturing or retail establishment is classified as an activity of those establishments.