Ontology and Knowledge Base
The home services industry operates within a complex framework of categories, classifications, and relationships. This comprehensive ontology provides structured understanding of the industry's components, from trade categories to material classifications.
Trade Categories
Residential construction involves numerous specialized trades, each with specific skills, tools, and certification requirements:
- General Construction: Framing, structural work, and project coordination
- Electrical: Power distribution, lighting, and low-voltage systems
- Plumbing: Water supply, drainage, and gas systems
- HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Roofing: Weather protection and drainage systems
- Flooring: Hard surfaces, carpet, and resilient materials
- Finish Carpentry: Trim, molding, and detailed woodwork
Material Classifications
Construction materials are organized by function and properties:
- Structural: Lumber, steel, concrete, masonry
- Finish: Flooring, tile, paint, millwork
- Mechanical: HVAC equipment, plumbing fixtures
- Electrical: Wire, devices, panels, lighting
Project Delivery Methods
Construction projects follow established delivery models:
- Design-Bid-Build: Sequential design, bidding, and construction
- Design-Build: Single entity responsible for both design and construction
- Construction Management: Professional manager coordinates design and construction