Analysis
NAICS 238390 is the 2022 national industry for other building finishing contractors, part of 23839 (Other Building Finishing Contractors). Census lists 30 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 15% and employment rose 18%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 8,076 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 84,342 people at an average annual payroll of $62,769 per employee (38th percentile of national industries). 59% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Census lists 6 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 238310, 238320, 238330 and 238340. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include bathtub refinishing, on-site, bleacher installation, building fixture and fitting (except mechanical equipment)… and caulking (i.e., waterproofing) contractors, among 30 in all.
For example, installing drywall, plaster, or insulation are classified in 238310 (Drywall and Insulation Contractors) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in building finishing trade work (except drywall, plaster, and insulation work; painting and wall covering work; flooring work; tile and terrazzo work; and finish carpentry work). The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Illustrative Examples:
Bathtub refinishing, on-site Fabricating metal cabinets or countertops on site Closet organizer system installation Modular furniture system attachment and installation Concrete coating, glazing, or sealing Trade show exhibit installation and dismantling Countertop and cabinet, metal (except residential-type), installation Waterproofing contractors Drapery fixture (e.g., hardware, rods, tracks) installation Window shade and blind installation
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Installing drywall, plaster, or insulation | 238310 Drywall and Insulation Contractors |
| Installing or removing paint or wall coverings | 238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors |
| Installing or repairing wood floors, resilient flooring, and carpet | 238330 Flooring Contractors |
| Setting tile or performing terrazzo work | 238340 Tile and Terrazzo Contractors |
| Finish carpentry | 238350 Finish Carpentry Contractors |
| Retailing and installing window shades and blinds | 449122 Window Treatment Retailers |
Index entries (30)
- Bathtub refinishing, on-site
- Bleacher installation
- Building fixture and fitting (except mechanical equipment) installation
- Caulking (i.e., waterproofing) contractors
- Ceiling, metal, installation
- Closet organizer system installation
- Coating concrete structures with plastics
- Concrete coating, glazing or sealing
- Countertop and cabinet, metal (except residential-type), installation
- Dampproofing contractors
- Drapery fixture (e.g., hardware, rods, tracks) installation
- Fabrication, metal cabinet or countertop, on site
- Foundation dampproofing (including installing rigid foam insulation)
- Laboratory furniture and equipment installation
- Lead lining walls for X-ray room contractors
- Modular furniture system attachment and installation
- Museum exhibit installation and dismantling contractors
- Office furniture, modular system, installation
- Panel, metal, installation
- Partition (e.g., office, washroom), metal, installation
- Partition, moveable and/or demountable, installation
- Shelving, metal, constructed on site
- Spectator seating installation
- Trade show exhibit installation and dismantling contractors
- Ventilated wire shelving (i.e., closet organizing-type) installation
- Vibration isolation contractors
- Waterproofing contractors
- Weatherproofing concrete
- Weatherstripping installation
- Window shade and blind installation