Variant of NAICS 1997 - Labour Force Survey (LFS) Industries

231 - Prime Contracting

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in constructing complete works, whether buildings or engineering works. Projects undertaken by these establishments typically have several components, varying proportions of which can be subcontracted to trade contractors or done by the establishment's own labour force.

Establishments in this subsector operate under a variety of contractual arrangements, and assume varying degrees of risk. General contractors bid on contracts let by principals; they assume responsibility for successfully completing the structure but not for its sale. Developers build on own account, that is, for sale, or for transfer to a real estate operating establishment of an integrated enterprise. This type of establishment is often known in the trade as an own-account or speculative builder. Construction managers are paid to manage a construction project on a fee-for-service basis.

Prime contractors may operate under standard contractual arrangements between client and builder, or may employ arrangements such as joint venture, design-build and turnkey. In all cases, establishments in this subsector primarily undertake or manage the construction activity, as distinct from doing design work, project financing, building operation or similar activities classified to other sectors.

Establishments primarily engaged in erecting prefabricated buildings on site, and establishments acting as the prime contractor on repair projects involving more than one construction trade, are also included in this subsector.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:

  • undertaking a component of a project (See 232 Trade Contracting)

2311 - Land Subdivision and Land Development

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the acquisition, assembly, subdivision into lots and servicing of raw land for subsequent sale to builders.

2312 - Building Construction

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in constructing residential and non-residential buildings. Contractors primarily engaged in work on existing buildings, involving more than one trade, are included in this industry group. Work on existing buildings includes repairs, renovations, additions, rehabilitation, retro-fitting and conversions.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:

  • constructing heavy industrial plants and mills, of which a building is incidental to the complex (See 2313 Engineering Construction)

2313 - Engineering Construction

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in construction projects other than buildings. Engineering works include dams; non-building industrial works, such as refineries; highways, roads and streets; bridges; sewers; power and communications transmission lines; and similar structures and works.

Establishments providing specialized services of a type related to engineering construction, and not normally performed on buildings or building-related projects, are included.

2314 - Construction Management

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in managing a construction project for a fee. These establishments provide day-to-day co-ordination, supervision and management of a construction site. These activities would otherwise be performed by a general contractor.