Overview
The Specialty Trade Contractors subsector comprises establishments whose primary activity is performing specific activities (e.g., pouring concrete, site preparation, plumbing, painting, and electrical work) involved in building construction or other activities that are similar for all types of construction, but that are not responsible for the entire project. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. The production work performed by establishments in this subsector is usually subcontracted from establishments of the general contractor type or for-sale builders, but especially in remodeling and repair construction, work also may be done directly for the owner of the property. Specialty trade contractors usually perform most of their work at the construction site, although they may have shops where they perform prefabrication and other work. Establishments primarily engaged in preparing sites for new construction are also included in this subsector.
There are substantial differences in types of equipment, work force skills, and other inputs required by specialty trade contractors. Establishments in this subsector are classified based on the underlying production function for the specialty trade in which they specialize. Throughout the Specialty Trade Contractors subsector, establishments commonly provide both the parts and labor required to complete work. For example, electrical contractors supply the current-carrying and noncurrent-carrying wiring devices that are required to install a circuit. Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors also supply the parts required to complete a contract.
Establishments that specialize in activities primarily related to heavy and civil engineering construction that are not normally performed on buildings, such as the painting of lines on highways, are classified in Subsector 237, Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.
Establishments that are primarily engaged in selling construction materials are classified in Sector 42, Wholesale Trade, or Sector 44-45, Retail Trade, based on the characteristics of the selling unit.
The immediate parent of subsector 238 is sector 23: Construction
Descendants
- 2381 - Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
- 23811 - Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors
- 23812 - Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors
- 23813 - Framing Contractors
- 23814 - Masonry Contractors
- 23815 - Glass and Glazing Contractors
- 23816 - Roofing Contractors
- 23817 - Siding Contractors
- 23819 - Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
- 2382 - Building Equipment Contractors
- 23821 - Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- 23822 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- 23829 - Other Building Equipment Contractors
- 2383 - Building Finishing Contractors
- 23831 - Drywall and Insulation Contractors
- 23832 - Painting and Wall Covering Contractors
- 23833 - Flooring Contractors
- 23834 - Tile and Terrazzo Contractors
- 23835 - Finish Carpentry Contractors
- 23839 - Other Building Finishing Contractors
- 2389 - Other Specialty Trade Contractors
History
The NAICS editions in which this code was present are indicated below. In the event that a code was changed from the prior edition the equivalent value in that edition is provided for reference.
| Edition | Existed | Equivalent Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 238 | |
| 2007 | 238 | |
| 2012 | 238 | |
| 2017 | 238 | |
| 2022 | 238 |
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Mappings
SIC Mappings are not available at the subsector level, a more specific code is required.
SIC mappings are available for 6 digit national industry codes and their sub-descriptions only. For detailed mappings choose the most appropriate six-digit code from the list of descendants.
Insurance Industry Mappings
Mappings are not available at the subsector level, a more specific code is required.
Insurance industry mappings are available for 6 digit national industry codes and their sub-descriptions only. For detailed mappings choose the most appropriate six-digit code from the list of descendants.
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