The difference between building and Construction are often used interchangeably. While this is totally fine in casual English, it can be helpful in the construction field to understand the difference. Technically, their dictionary meanings are synonymous. However, there is a difference in connotation and usage in the professional space.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION?
Typically, construction refers more broadly to any project in the field. For example, construction may include constructing a road. Whereas building typically refers to erecting a building such as a home or business.
This same idea can be applied to the product of the process. A team’s construction could be anything from a skyscraper to a parking lot. Conversely, a building is almost always a closed structure with walls and a roof.
Additionally, many engineers will use construction to mean the entire project from design to completion. In this framework, building refers only to the phase of actually erecting the structure.
In short, construction is usually a broader term compared to building. Construction tools may include drafting, measurement and other tools involved in the overall project. While basic construction tools are essentially the same as building tools, more advanced items may cover a much wider range of tasks.
While the differences between building and construction are not clearly set forth in their definitions, the common uses in the field are different. Understanding these can help you communicate more clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Building and a Structure?
A structure is any type of man-made construction. For example, it may be a bridge or a dam. Conversely, a building is specifically a closed structure with a roof and walls. Again, a building is the more specific term whereas structure is much more general. A much more varied collection of construction tools may be used in creating a structure.
What Does Building Construction Mean?
Building construction is the process of constructing buildings. This is more specific than the general term “construction.” The result of building construction is always a building or an addition to a building. This may be in a residential or commercial setting. The majority of building construction projects are additions.
What Are the 5 Types of Building Construction?
The types of building construction are based on the fire resistance of the end product. Type I is fire-resistive, type II is non-combustible, type III is ordinary, type IV is heavy timber and type V is wood frame. The lower types require more advanced construction measuring tools and materials to ensure effective resistance.
What Are the Types of Building?
There are many ways to define different types of buildings. One of the most common categorizations classes a building as either residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructural, agricultural or specialty. This system bases the type of building on the intended purpose of the final structure. Different methods may be employed for each type.
What Is Modern Method of Construction?
Modern methods of construction are techniques developed by the construction industry to improve structural integrity, reduce cost, lessen building time and ensure greater sustainability. Many modern methods of construction require specialty construction tools. For example, precast flat-panel systems require premade parts and heavy equipment for placement.
