Function

• Residential construction jobs include specialists such as architects, designers, carpenters, painters and electricians. Usually, a construction manager known as a general contractor is hired by a property owner, such as a resident or a real estate developer. The property owner and construction manager discuss what kind of home will be built and discuss the costs associated with the type of home chosen by the property owner. Some of the construction workers might work for the construction manager full time, while other construction workers need to be subcontracted. The types of jobs can include insulation, drywall installation, ceiling tile installation, plastering, roofing, bricklaying, digging and cementing.
  
  

Conditions

• In May of 2008, most construction workers put in 40 hours a week. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18 percent worked 45 hours a week. Although much of construction is becoming automated, house construction still requires a lot of physical stamina. The construction workers have to lift heavy materials and equipment frequently. Throughout construction, especially in the beginning, residential construction workers work outdoors where they can be exposed to adverse environmental conditions. These construction workers can also work at great heights, though not always as high as with high-rise building construction. However, residential construction workers usually follow careful safety precautions and use safety equipment.
  
  

Training

• Some construction workers start off as laborers who are hired right out of high school. To advance their skills, construction workers often need to take classes and receive on-the-job training. Safety training is especially considered important in the classroom.
  
  

Advances

• The ways that homes are being built is consistently changing and many of these changes can generate new jobs. There is a push to build homes that are more environmentally friendly, efficient, cost effective and technologically advanced. Those in residential construction have the opportunity to specialize in one of these areas or can move into managerial positions. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the housing crash that started in 2007 has reduced the number of homes that are being built.
  
  

Benefits

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 832,100 residential construction workers held jobs in 2008. Between 2008 and 2018, the need for construction workers is expected to grow by 19 percent. The median hourly wages for construction workers is $21.87, and they generally earn $842 a week.