For many general contractors, particularly those engaged in commercial and institutional building projects, the most appropriate NAICS code is 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. This code encompasses a broad range of general contracting services for non-residential structures.
Understanding NAICS Codes for General Contractors
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) provides a standardized system for classifying business establishments. For general contractors, selecting the correct NAICS code is crucial for various reasons, including:
- Government Contracting: Many government bids require businesses to identify with specific NAICS codes.
- Statistical Data: It helps government agencies collect and analyze economic data.
- Business Licensing and Permits: Certain licenses or permits may be tied to your primary NAICS code.
- Industry Benchmarking: It allows businesses to compare their performance against industry averages.
Primary NAICS Code: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
NAICS Code 236220 is specifically designated for general contractors primarily engaged in the construction of commercial and institutional buildings. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Office buildings
- Stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Hotels and motels
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Educational institutions (schools, universities)
- Industrial buildings (factories, warehouses)
- Government buildings
- Religious buildings
Contractors classified under this code are responsible for overall project management, including planning, supervising, and coordinating construction activities, often using their own labor force or subcontracting parts of the project. This code covers both new construction, additions, alterations, and major renovations.
Other Relevant NAICS Codes for General Contractors
While 236220 is a primary fit for many general contractors, the "best" code can depend on the predominant type of construction your business performs. Contractors whose primary focus is not commercial or institutional building may fall under other codes.
Residential Construction
If a general contractor primarily focuses on residential projects, different NAICS codes are more suitable:
- 236115 - New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders): For general contractors building new single-family homes.
- 236116 - New Multifamily Housing Construction (except Operative Builders): For general contractors building new apartment buildings, condominiums, or other multi-unit residential structures.
- 236118 - Residential Remodelers: For general contractors primarily engaged in residential remodeling, additions, or major alterations.
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
For general contractors specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects, codes within the 237 series are more appropriate:
- 237110 - Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction: For projects like pipelines, pumping stations, and water treatment plants.
- 237310 - Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction: For general contractors building roads, highways, bridges, and tunnels.
- 237990 - Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction: For other large-scale projects not covered elsewhere, such as power plants, dams, and marine construction.
Key NAICS Codes for General Contractors
Here's a quick overview of common NAICS codes applicable to general contractors:
| NAICS Code | Description | Primary Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 236220 | Commercial and Institutional Building Construction | General contractors for non-residential structures (offices, stores, hospitals, schools, industrial buildings). |
| 236115 | New Single-Family Housing Construction | General contractors building new single-family homes. |
| 236116 | New Multifamily Housing Construction | General contractors building new apartment buildings or condominiums. |
| 236118 | Residential Remodelers | General contractors primarily focused on residential remodeling and additions. |
| 237110 | Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction | General contractors for water/sewer infrastructure projects. |
| 237310 | Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction | General contractors for road, highway, and bridge construction. |
How to Choose the Right NAICS Code
To determine the most appropriate NAICS code for your general contracting business, consider the following:
- Primary Business Activity: Which type of construction generates the majority of your revenue or represents your core service offering?
- Project Scope: Are you primarily building new structures, performing major renovations, or specializing in specific infrastructure?
- Clientele: Do you primarily serve commercial clients, residential homeowners, or government agencies?
- Official Resources: Consult the official NAICS website provided by the U.S. Census Bureau for detailed definitions and hierarchies.
Choosing the precise NAICS code ensures your business is accurately categorized for statistical, regulatory, and business development purposes.
