When someone says that "my grandfather built this house", say now or even 20-30 years ago, do they mean their grandfather literally built that house from ground up?
Foundation, framing, wiring, plumbing, stucco, roofing — the works?! Or do they mean it to say "My family has lived in this house for 3 generations since my grandfather [paid someone to] build this house?" Potentially based on grandfather's design/vision. Sure maybe grandpa put in the floors or a custom bookshelf, but did grandpa literally build the house?
Best Answer
It means the grandfather invested blood, sweat, and tears to bring it to fruition. Maybe directly through construction, or maybe through some equivalent sacrifice, such as working three jobs to pay for it.
The phrase wouldn't be used for contracting construction for a price which is easily within the means of the buyer. One would tend to use a verb like "commissioned" in that case.