Question: What is "residential construction"?

Answer:

The Agency's interpretation of "residential construction" for purposes of 1926.501(b)(13) combines two elements – both of which must be satisfied for a project to fall under that provision:

• The end-use of the structure being built must be as a home, i.e., a dwelling; and
• The structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood frame construction materials and methods.

The limited use of structural steel in a predominantly wood-framed home, such as a steel I-beam to help support wood framing, does not disqualify a structure from being considered residential construction.

Traditional wood frame construction materials and methods will be characterized by:

• Framing materials: Wood (or equivalent cold-formed sheet metal stud) framing, not steel or concrete; wooden floor joists and roof structures.
• Exterior wall structure: Wood (or equivalent cold-formed sheet metal stud) framing or masonry brick or block.
  • Methods: Traditional wood frame construction techniques.