On Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 12:15:09 PM UTC-4, wrote:
If you look at new houses (one family) even Mcmansions they all seem
to be stick built and worry about siding, shingles for roof etc. but
even small (under 5 story) apartment buildings are differently
constructed using (for example) re-enforced concrete floors and steel
girders for the frame. The roofs are probably stainless steel. Why the
differences?

In a new apartment building how do you install DWV? I don't see
drilling 4.5 inch holes all over the place for toilets etc. You'd have
to drill through 8 inches of concrete and rebar. Maybe its advance
planning by the architect but there must be rules he follows. Why not
use the same for a house? Where are all the products for this type of
building? Why aren't the same concepts used for repairs/additions to
existing homes?

Just wondering...

Generally, all buildings are built to the minimum standard that the
builder can get away with. The code for multi-unit housing is
stricter than for single-unit dwellings.

Obviously, custom-built houses can be built to whatever standard
the future owner is willing to pay for.

Cindy Hamilton