What Is Case Work in Construction?

Casework in construction refers to the installation of modular, box-shaped components such as cabinets, shelves, and storage units that are either built on-site or prefabricated and assembled in the final location. This type of construction is integral to both residential and commercial projects, providing functional and aesthetic solutions tailored to specific needs.

Definition and Characteristics

Casework is primarily characterized by its modular nature, allowing for flexibility in design and installation. Unlike traditional furniture, which is often standalone, casework is considered a permanent part of the building’s structure and is included in the overall construction budget. This means that it does not incur additional professional service fees for design or installation beyond what is already allocated for construction.

Types of Casework

• Residential Casework: Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and utility rooms. Custom cabinets are designed to meet the specific needs and style preferences of homeowners.
• Commercial Casework: Used in offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and hotels to provide organized storage solutions for files, supplies, and merchandise display.
• Institutional Casework: Found in educational facilities and healthcare settings, offering durable storage options that can be easily reconfigured.

Differences from Millwork

While casework and millwork are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences. Millwork refers to custom wood products made in a mill, including decorative elements like moldings and trims. In contrast, casework focuses on modular components that are typically mass-produced for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Key Differences

Applications

Casework finds its utility across various sectors:

• Residential: Enhances functionality in living spaces.
• Commercial: Organizes work environments and improves aesthetics.
• Educational: Provides essential storage in classrooms and labs.
• Healthcare: Offers practical solutions for patient care areas.

Related Construction Resources

For construction professionals and contractors working with casework, the following resources can provide valuable insights and tools:

• Carpentry tools and equipment – Essential for professionals working with custom-built casework.
• How to start a carpentry business – Helpful for contractors specializing in cabinetry and millwork.
• Construction defects – Understanding potential defects can help ensure high-quality casework installations.
• Construction daily reports – Useful for tracking casework installation progress and quality control.
• Construction invoice template – Helps contractors streamline billing for casework projects.
• QuickBooks for contractors – Simplifies accounting and payments for casework professionals.

By leveraging these resources, contractors and builders can optimize their workflows, maintain quality control, and improve financial management in casework-related projects.

References