When you approach a general contractor in the Bay Area, such as SilliconX Construction, you’ll find that there are quite a few different types of structures that can be built. Knowing a little more about these buildings, their codes and materials can help you convey your needs!
* Type I, I-A or I-B: These buildings have concrete frames built of noncombustible materials. Each of the building elements has a varying level of fire resistance.
* Type II, II-A or II-B: This type of building is also constructed of noncombustible materials. Bearing walls include steel studs; the floors and roofs have steel bar joists. Fire-rated building elements are used for IIA buildings. The most common of these two construction types used by a general contractor is the IIB, because the elements must be non-combustible, but don’t necessarily need to be fire-resistant.
* Type III, III-A or III-B: This type of construction involves the use of noncombustible exterior walls and interior elements constructed of any material allowed by code. This could be either combustible or non-combustible. This type of building typically has masonry on bearing walls and wood for the floors or roofs. Discuss the details with us!
* Type IV, IV-A or IV-B: This heavy timber construction is most common in older buildings, and not commonly employed now.
* Type V, V-A or V-B: This final construction type involves the use of wood frames. Many contractors use fire-rated assemblies for each building element in V-A construction. V-B building types do not require fire-rated elements.
Given this information on building materials and different types of structures, are you ready to build?