North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 3.0

238 - Specialty trade contractors

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in trade activities generally needed in the construction of buildings and structures, such as masonry, painting, or electrical work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. Specialty trade contractors usually work under contract to general contractors or operative builders to carry out a component of an overall project. However, they may contract directly with the owner of the property, especially in renovation and repair construction.

Not all specialized trade activities are classified in this subsector. In order to conform to the generally accepted distinctions made by construction businesses themselves, some types of specialized establishments involved in heavy and civil engineering construction are classified in subsector 237 Heavy and civil engineering construction.

Usually most of the work is carried out at the construction site. Some trade contractors operate shops in which they carry out job-specific prefabrication and other work. However, establishments that manufacture structural components such as steel and pre-cast concrete, or that manufacture building equipment such as boilers and elevators, are classified in sector 31-33 Manufacturing even if they install these goods themselves.

The specialized activities classified in this subsector range from the initial site preparation for new construction, through the construction of building foundations and structures, the installation of building equipment and systems, to the finishing of buildings and other structures.

• Exclusion(s)

  • providing specialized services of a type related to heavy and civil engineering construction, and not normally performed on buildings or building-related projects (See 237 Heavy and civil engineering construction)
  • retailing construction materials (See 44-45 Retail trade)
  • wholesaling construction materials (See 41 Wholesale trade)

2381 - Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the specialty trades needed to complete the basic structure (i.e., foundation, frame, and shell) of buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.

2382 - Building equipment contractors

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing or servicing equipment that forms part of a building mechanical system (e.g., electricity, water, heating, and cooling). The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Contractors installing specialized building equipment, such as elevators, escalators, service station equipment, and central vacuum cleaning systems are also included.

2383 - Building finishing contractors

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the specialty trades needed to finish buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs.

2389 - Other specialty trade contractors

This industry group comprises establishments, not classified to any other industry group, primarily engaged in site preparation activities and other specialized trade activities such as crane rental with operator, fence installation, sandblasting building exteriors and steeplejack work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.