We know you’re excited to start building your new church facility! But before your project begins, you should understand the critical steps of the construction process, so you can know what to expect.
One of the best ways to guarantee a smooth construction process is to hire a reliable, experienced design-builder. When you follow the procedure established by a design-build contractor from the beginning of your project, you will save irreplaceable time and money that you can instead invest in growing your ministry.
Here’s what you should know about each step in the construction phase of the design-build process for your new church building!
1. Groundbreaking Ceremony
Before you can start construction for your new church building, you’ll need to select the right piece of land to grow your ministry.
If you are purchasing new land, consider partnering with a knowledgeable pre-construction manager. They can help you navigate crucial factors that may impact your purchase, like the location, cost, zoning, jurisdiction, and property accessibility.
Once you’ve bought your land, host a groundbreaking ceremony to recognize God’s work! Invite your current congregation and spread the word to others in your community to join you for prayer, music, and celebration!
2. Procuring Materials and Equipment
After you’ve determined the perfect spot for your new building, it’s time to collect the materials and equipment your construction crew will need during the construction process.
Your construction manager will coordinate the purchase and delivery of everything needed to build your new church and continue to order materials and equipment required throughout each construction stage.
It’s common for materials to be out of stock, which can result in delivery delays. Remember to account for this possibility in your construction project timeline.
3. Site Preparation
During site preparation, your construction contractor will excavate and prepare to lay the foundation for your new church building.
Other critical installations during the site preparation phase include drainage, utilities, power, water, and sanitation.
Your contractor may also remove trees, plants, or other foliage in the way of your building and set up temporary storage facilities to use during construction.
4. Inspections
Inspections ensure your new church space meets safety standards. They can occur throughout the entire construction process, but the first one happens during the site preparation phase.
Inspection results can delay your project; however, a reliable church construction management team will ensure that work is completed correctly so that every inspection goes smoothly!
5. Foundation and Framing
Once your contractor begins to work on the foundation and framing, you’ll start to see your new church building grow from the ground up!
Your contractor will lay a concrete foundation solidified with a form of wood, panels, or foam, and a skeleton of rebar or mesh. Once the foundation is finished, your contractor will frame your church building, usually with wood, engineered wood, or structural steel.
Your contractor will also install HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical wiring during this phase of construction.
6. Church Windows and Roofing
It’s time to complete your church building’s exterior with secure windows, a durable roof, and long-lasting siding. Unless your siding is pre-primed, you’ll also need a few coats of exterior paint.
At this point in the church construction project, you’ll begin to notice the custom finishes and features that make your church unique!
7. Interior Design
Now that your church building’s exterior is finalized, it’s time to turn your focus inside. Your contractor will insulate and finish the interior of your building with paint, trim, and flooring and will install equipment, sound systems, and lighting.
During this construction phase, you’ll also add functional furniture to your space, like seating and storage space, and build unique design elements to make your church comfortable, like an engaging stage layout and an inviting church foyer.
8. Church Parking and Landscaping
Landscaping adds beauty to your church space, and parking adds accessibility. You’ll need both for your new church building!
Landscaping entails adding practical items like gravel, rocks, turf, or artificial grass, and also trees, shrubs, flowers, bushes, and other plants to make your church property attractive and comfortable.
Your contractor can create your parking lot while they work on your landscaping. Sidewalks, walkways, outdoor spaces, and children’s play areas are also created during this time.
9. Temporary Occupancy
Temporary occupancy begins when your building reaches substantial completion. Once both parties sign a certificate of substantial completion:
- The owner is responsible for the project.
- The owner can occupy the property.
- The contractor is owed the remaining balance for the project.
Substantial completion also marks the beginning of the post-construction process.
10. Post-Construction Process
During the close-out process, you and your construction manager will walk through the property and create a punch list for contractors to complete.
After your contractors finish the remaining work, your local government’s building department will perform a series of final inspections. These inspections include plumbing, electrical, fire safety, and general building inspection.
If you don’t pass your inspections, you’ll be given a list of items to correct in a specific timeframe. But if you do pass your inspections, you can apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. This document explains:
- What your property is used for
- That the building is suitable to occupy and utilize
- That the structure observes all building codes
Once construction on your project is 100 percent complete and you’ve obtained a
Certificate of Occupancy, your building will reach final completion—now the building officially belongs to you!
Navigate the Church Construction Process with Confidence
Construction management requires skill, effort, planning, time, and funding. We understand you might feel it’s overwhelming to take on construction planning for your new church building while juggling your pastoral and ministry-related responsibilities.
We can help! Our skilled, nationally recognized church construction team can help you tackle your construction project with decades of experience and a heart for ministry.
Looking for the best place to start? Read our church construction guide to discover how we can help your project succeed during each step of the building process!
