Building activity statistics are compiled in compliance with the 1998 Law on Building Construction Statistics. These statistics cover the permits issued for building construction and the construction work completed, the volume of unfinished building projects at the end of year, retirements of structures, and the current adjustment of the stocks of residential buildings and dwellings. The item directly surveyed is the building, which is classified as either residential or non-residential and further categorised by type of building. Residential buildings are thus classified as one-, two- or multi-family houses or as residential homes. Non-residential buildings comprise, for instance, office and administrative buildings, agricultural buildings, factory buildings and workshops, hotels and restaurants. Civil engineering projects (e.g. roads, tunnels and bridges) are not covered by the statistics on building activity.
