If you own or operate a residential general contracting business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for a residential general contractor depends on whether you build new homes or remodel existing ones. The most common code for new home contractors is 236115 (New Single-Family Housing Construction). But because “general contractor” is a broad term, you must choose the 6-digit number that best matches your primary source of revenue.
| Field | Details |
| NAICS Code | 236115 (New Single-Family) / 236118 (Remodeling) |
| Industry Title | Residential Building Construction |
| Sector | 23 (Construction) |
| Industry Group | 2361 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 236115 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 236115 covers general contractor establishments primarily responsible for the entire construction of new single-family housing.
This is the standard code for GCs who build on land owned by their clients. For residential contractors, this includes:
- New Home Construction: Building detached houses, townhouses, or row houses from the ground up.
- On-Site Assembly: Putting together modular, prefabricated, or precut houses on a permanent foundation.
- Project Management: Acting as the primary point of contact and hiring all subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) for a new build.
- Design-Build: Managing both the architectural design and the physical construction of a new residence.
The important distinction here is that you are building on land owned by others. If you buy the land first and then build a house to sell later, you fall under a different code.
Does My Residential General Contractor Business Qualify?
The government splits residential construction into four specific buckets. You qualify for one of these if:
- 236115 (New Single-Family): You build new houses or townhouses on a contract basis for a property owner.
- 236116 (New Multifamily): You build apartment buildings, condominiums, or duplexes on a contract basis.
- 236117 (New Housing For-Sale Builders): You are a “spec” or merchant builder. You buy the land, build the house, and then sell the finished property.
- 236118 (Residential Remodelers): You primarily do additions, structural alterations, or gut renovations on existing homes.
Your business may not qualify for these codes if:
- Commercial Work: You build offices, retail stores, or warehouses, which falls under 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction).
- Specialized Trades: You only do one specific thing, like roofing (238160), plumbing (238220), or electrical work (238210). GCs manage multiple trades; specialty contractors perform one.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code is a key identifier for your construction company. Here is where it is required:
- Construction Insurance: Underwriters use these codes to set premiums for General Liability and Workers’ Compensation. Remodeling and new builds carry different risks, so the correct code keeps your pricing accurate.
- Building Permits: Most city or county offices ask for your NAICS code or state license number when you apply for a residential permit.
- SBA Loan Applications: If you need a line of credit for materials or a loan for heavy equipment, the Small Business Administration uses this code to determine if you qualify as a small business.
- Federal Contracting via SAM.gov: If you want to bid on government housing projects or military base renovations, your registration must match the contract’s required code.
- Business Bank Accounts: Banks ask for this code when you open a commercial checking account to verify your industry risk level.
236115 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 236115 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
| Sector | 23 | Construction |
| Subsector | 236 | Construction of Buildings |
| Industry Group | 2361 | Residential Building Construction |
| NAICS Industry | 23611 | Residential Building Construction |
| National Industry | 236115 | New Single-Family Housing Construction |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I build new homes AND do remodeling?
You must choose the code that reflects where you make most of your money. If 60% of your revenue comes from new builds and 40% from kitchen remodels, use 236115. If your work is mostly renovations, use 236118.
Is a townhouse considered single-family or multifamily?
In the NAICS system, a townhouse or row house is considered “single-family” (236115) if it is separated from its neighbors by a ground-to-roof wall and has no other units above or below it. If the units are stacked or share common heating/cooling systems, it is usually “multifamily” (236116).
What is the difference between a for-sale builder and a general contractor?
It comes down to who owns the land during construction. A general contractor (236115) builds a house on land the customer already owns. A for-sale builder (236117) buys the land, builds the house as an investment, and then lists it for sale on the open market.
Do I need a different code if I use subcontractors?
No. Most general contractors use subcontractors for specialized work like HVAC or foundation pouring. You still use the general residential construction code because you are the one responsible for the entire project and the final product.