Frequently Asked Questions - Church Construction Resource Center

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do we begin in our church building program?

Biblical goals for any church program include the following: glorifying God, edifying believers, stewardship of resources, and evangelism. A well-planned and well-executed building program can play an important part in teaching a congregation about God, their relationship with Him, and their responsibilities one to another. (For additional information see pgs. 2-6 in The MasterBuild Process.)

2. Who should be on the building committee?

The building committee may or may not be church board members and should include women. A need for subcommittees depends on church size. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: a chairman, committee secretary, prayer support, ministry planning and data gathering, financing/funding, interior design/furnishings, construction contact, communication to church members and community contacts, legal and insurance, and organizing volunteers. (For additional information see pgs. 9-10 in The MasterBuild Process.)

3. What will be the most difficult part of our building program?

Many churches do not plan ahead, make changes in the middle of the building program and waste thousands of dollars.Your decisions regarding ministry philosophy and stewardship will be the most difficult parts of your building program. But these decisions also present you with the best opportunities to see God honored in your building program. (For additional information see pg. 14 in The MasterBuild Process.)

4. What are some questions we should ask as we develop our philosophy of ministry?

Do we want larger or smaller (25 or less) adult Sunday School classes? Are we emphasizing small group ministries? Will our children’s programs (e.g., Awana, Vacation Bible School) require certain facilities? Are there special groups (e.g., college age, retirees) that our community attracts? Are recreational facilities available in our community? (For additional information see pg. 15 in The MasterBuild Process.)

5. What questions should we ask the architect or builder?

Number of years of experience? Number of church-related projects? Current listing of church-related projects? Does the architect carry errors and omissions insurance? If not, why not? Is the builder bondable? If not, why not? Does the architect include master plan with room breakouts for all phases? Is it included in standard fees or is it a separate cost? How do they control costs? Does the builder use his own labor, or is everything subcontracted out? Assuming the committee has a construction start date, what are the qualifications of the on-site supervisor to be assigned to our project? (For additional information see pg. 45 in The MasterBuild Process.)

6. What do we need to give to the architect in order to begin?

In order for the architect to develop a master site plan, you may provide the following items in addition to ministry philosophy and project budget ranges: boundary survey, topographic survey, soil boring data/perc test results, restrictions on protected lands or wildlife, vicinity or flood insurance rate maps, photographs or video, plans of existing facilities, and projected space planning needs. (For additional information see pg. 50 in The MasterBuild Process.)

7. What are the funding options available?

Summaries below give common funding efforts and associated costs for each.

3-Year Capital Campaign

Church or a consulting firm conducts a 4 to-13 week effort to secure commitments from members. Costs include 2 ½ -5% total for consultant; travel and other out-of-pocket expenses for consultant; printing promotion materials; postage; banquet; and follow-up activities.

Bank or Private Loan

Normally starts as a construction loan and then converts to a 15-year financial arrangement. Costs include application preparation, appraisal/NAI, title insurance, and closing costs, as well as any promotion and banquet costs.

Bond Program

Church engages firm to prepare prospectus and sell 15-year bonds to members and/or other investors. Costs include 3-6 ½ % of total bond issue for compensation to outside firm; appraisals, filing fee, title insurance, and attorney’s legal debit letter; and any promotion and banquet costs.

(For additional information see pg. 52 in The MasterBuild Process.)

8. If our church applies for a loan what information will the lender request?

Most lenders will expect your ministry to have at least 25-33% equity in your land and facility when you are completed. Your applications to potential lenders should include all or some of the information listed below: history of the ministry (include growth and expansions), copy of church policies regarding finances, financial audits (last 3 years if possible), written appraisals on existing facilities/property, presentation of need to build, projections on growth, presentation of cost to build, master site plan, and presentation of ability to repay. (For additional information see pg. 54 in The MasterBuild Process.)

9. What are the options available for constructing a church building?

There are four basic systems for constructing a facility. Though variations of each system do exist, the summaries below should provide a quick overview.

Traditional

Church hires architect. Completed plans are sent out to contractors, and the project is awarded to the lowest bidder. Strengths: Independent accountability of designer and builder; competitive pricing. Weaknesses: Designs are frequently over budget when sent out for bid; limited incentive for builder to catch mistakes by architect because everything is price driven.

Design/Build

Church hires one firm to design and build the facility. Strengths: Better control of costs during design; church deals primarily with one firm all the way through the project. Weaknesses: Lack of accountability and greater potential for cutting corners on quality; design solutions may be more “packaged” than creative.

Construction Management

Church teams with architect and builder, who advises during design and oversees the construction. Strengths: Team approach encourages fiscal responsibility and reduces changes during construction. Weaknesses: Church normally assumes risk of no guaranteed total construction price; church usually assumes financial risk of responsibility for any construction problems.

Owner Built

Church hires architect and, though not necessarily at the same time, hires or provides project supervisor and administrative help. Strengths: Possible cost savings and greater likelihood of good construction quality. Weaknesses: Building committee must be more knowledgeable about design and construction activities; construction takes much longer if volunteers are used.

(For additional information see pg. 42 in The MasterBuild Process.)

10. What are some reasons to use or not to use an outside fundraiser?

Common reasons churches do not use an outside fundraiser: too expensive, afraid of high pressure or manipulation, members won’t trust or be candid with someone outside the church, and church leadership has an unorganized approach to the building program.

Common reasons churches do use an outside fundraiser: professional fees are paid back many times by a 50% - 100% increase over what the church could raise on its own, a consultant can share specific experiences of how other ministries have reached their goals, church members are more open and candid with someone who is not a church member, members are afraid to mention personal concerns to leadership or other members, members contributing money prefer that others not know the size of their gift, and/or an outside firm usually has a more organized approach, giving members a clearer vision for the building program. (For additional information see pg. 20 in The MasterBuild Process.)

11. What do we need to consider as we plan to raise funds?

Any fundraising effort should: be orderly, give a clear plan, be challenged by examples of others, encourage confidentiality for individuals, allow for totals to be known for budgeting, encourage creative thinking and praying by members, have accountable follow-up, and be consistent with your teachings on stewardship. (For additional information and Scripture verses see pg. 21 in The MasterBuild Process.)

12. What are some practical ways to save money on the design of the church build?

Always develop a master plan for your entire property, design with capabilities for expansion, design with specifications using minimum material waste (e.g. Sunday School room height of 8’), inquire about purchasing existing set of architectural plans, design buildings that can be upgraded as additional monies come in (e.g. metal building and concrete pad engineered to add brick veneer later), keep the building layout and lines simple, ask contractors and suppliers for “best value” ideas that look beautiful but are not that expensive, have maintenance features, utility companies may review your plans for cost efficiency, design to utilize as much volunteer labor as possible (even if you hire out everything), agree on cost-per-square-foot range and a total budget range-then make the architect responsible for all design changes to bring over-budget bids into line, and consider moveable wall partitions for multiple-use space. (For additional information see pg. 86 in The MasterBuild Process.)

13. How can we save money on the exterior and structure of the church building?

Consider brickwork designs that look attractive but minimize increased labor or materials, avoid steep roof pitches and unusual roof lines, review recent commercial projects in your area to keep up with new ideas and materials, consider independent testing of critical areas such as concrete (e.g. slump) and steel (e.g. torque test), avoid having to paint gutters or downspouts to match unusual trim colors, and consider the possibility of needing to sell your building in the future (keep a commercial appeal). (For additional information see pg. 87 in The MasterBuild Process.)

14. What is a capital campaign?

A capital campaign is an orderly plan to collect financial commitments from the entire congregation. (For additional information see our December 09 newsletter entitled "Capital Stewardship Campaign Tips".)

15. Who is the most important person once the construction begins?

The simple answer is the on-site project manager or supervisor. Many people in the construction industry are very good at building but not very good with people. A church must get a manager or supervisor with excellent people skills. (For additional information see our January 08 newsletter entitled "Needed: Construction and People Skills".)

16. What suggestions do you have for conflicts that occur during a building program?

Ok, most of us have heard the joke about going to a fight and a hockey game breaks out. However, it really is not funny when there is conflict in your church. Yet, because of the multitude of decisions connected with your building program it is very easy for members to differ and then move to "intense discussions" (read that--arguments) about some aspect of design, furnishing, funding, etc. The Peacemaker by Ken Sande and Making Peace by Jim Van Ysperen are books on biblical conflict resolution recommended by CCRC. (For additional information see our June 08 newsletter entitled "Don't Gather for Church and Let a Fight Break Out".)

17. How big do we need to build?

Determining your philosophy of ministry and surveying your members should provide valuable information as you plan your facilities. Include everything you want on your "wish list." Assign "construction only" estimated cost ranges for your total square footage (see pages 33 & 40 in The MasterBuild Process). Prioritize your spaces and begin cutting back until you fall within the 3 different budget levels for your building program-current space, next phase, and ultimate space needs (see pages 38-40 in The MasterBuild Process). Estimate your needs for each phase. Lastly, a church of 200 or less may combine Sunday school spaces as follows: 2's and 3's; 4's and 5's, 1st-3rd grades, 4th-6th grades, Jr. High and Sr. High, and Adults. The Space Planning Worksheets will give a more detailed breakout of your ministry areas.

18. What is an estimate for the architect's fees?

Architect's fees range from 3% to 12 % of construction costs, depending on the size and complexity of the project and the range of services provided. Generally, plan on 5% to 7%. The architect's services are typically broken down into the following phases and accompanying payments during each phase:

Schematic Design 15%
Design Development 20%
Construction Documents 40%
Bidding or Negotiation 5%
Construction Administration 20%

So an architect earning 6% on a $500,000 building would receive $30,000 (plus reimbursable expenses) in payments of 4,500, $6,000, $12,000, $1,500, and $6,000. (For additional information on evaluating bids see page 44 in The MasterBuild Process.)

19. What is a reasonable timetable for the church construction process?

This timetable assumes that a building committee is already in place, land has been secured, and the church is 500 or under. Larger ministries may need more time in certain tasks. Click here to view the project timetable and worksheet.

20. What suggestions do you have for people who want to donate labor and materials?

Advantages:

Labor counts for approximately half the construction cost of a building.
Donated unskilled labor can save from $8 to $12 per hour.
Some people may be able to best "give" to the building program by donating time.
Do not expect members who are licensed tradesmen to donate their materials and/or labor. They may not be able to at this time, and their first priority is to provide for their family.
Consider using volunteer help to assist licensed or professional contractors (e.g. help pull electrical wire, help pass bricks and mortar to mason).

Other Considerations:

The advantage of using a project manager from inside the church family is he may already know if members do quality work. Also, church members may work harder for someone they know.
The advantage of using a project manager from outside the ministry is he may need to be exhorting or rebuking members regarding the quality of their work.
Using volunteers normally slows down the construction progress and thus may increase certain costs (e.g. paying project manager longer).
Be mindful of burning out members already involved in other aspects of the ministry.

21. If we decide to use a design/build company, how do we choose one?

Do not base your selection on lowest price-make a determination on which design-builder gives you the most VALUE for your budget. The selection process can be simplified by using the following guidelines:

Understand both your short and long term needs
Ask the right questions of the design-builder
Listen for the right answers
Build a team

(For additional information see the article How to Pick a Design/Builder.)

22. How do we choose carpet for the church?

According to Shaw Contract Group the top four things to consider when choosing carpet for your church are as follows:

Yarn System: by choosing a carpet with a nylon yarn system, your church can achieve the desired aesthetic while ensuring the right performance.
Backing: a high tuft bind backing helps to ensure that the carpet lasts, while preventing edge raveling, delamination (the fiber pulling away from the backing), pulls and runs.
Density: measures the tightness of the yarn construction. The more compact the yarn is, the less likely it is to matt and crush, or to show traffic patterns. With commercial carpets, density begins at 4,000 ounces per cu. yd.
Design: ...more and more churches are using patterned carpet within the sanctuary. Carpet tiles offer expanded design opportunities and unique installation methods.

Carpet remains the ideal flooring choice for most houses of worship. When properly maintained, carpet will perform and maintain its aesthetic as long as you need it to. (For additional information see the article Making Carpet Decisions Simple.)

23. What do we look for when purchasing church pews?

Researching many aspects of the pew body is one of the first steps. Consider your seat options when purchasing church furniture - options may include high resiliency (HR) foam, springseating, and individual seating. Individual seating options provide easy cleaning and replacement. Ergonomic options, such as the depth and curvature of the pew seat may determine if attendees are able to sit comfortably for longer periods of time. (For more helpful information please see the article from Sauder Worship How to Select and Buy Church Pews.)

24. What do we need to consider when looking for a baptistry?

According to American Steeples and Baptistries, most modern baptisteries are constructed of a fiberglass- polyester resin material, having evolved through the years to best meet the needs of a busy church. This material is: lightweight; durable; doesn't rot, corrode, or rust; easy to install; generally one-piece units; economical; and easy to maintain.

Remember! Plan ahead, as most manufacturers construct each baptistry as it is ordered and construction may take several weeks to over a month.

Placement, color, installation, and safety are additional items to consider when selecting a baptistry and are addressed in the article Buying and Maintaining Your Baptistry.

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