Getting ready to start a church construction project? Listen up—we have a helpful tip that will save you time, money, and frustration on your future church build. Here it is—hire a church design-builder before working with an architect. It’s that simple!
Keep reading to discover why this slight deviation from the traditional design-bid-build approach is such a wise financial decision.
What Is the Difference Between the Traditional Building Process vs. the Design-Build Process?
There are two approaches to a church building project: traditional design-bid-build and design-build. Let’s take a look at each:
Design-Bid-Build
During the traditional design-bid-build approach, a church hires an architect to complete a design. After the design is completed, the client takes it to builders, collects bids, and selects a builder. Then, construction begins.
Unfortunately, this process isn’t as seamless as it sounds.
Since the client has to work with two separate entities who aren’t used to working together to complete one project, it’s not uncommon to struggle with miscommunications between the architecture and construction teams about the timeline, budget, or objectives. This requires the client to step in as a go-between and can often lead to extended project timelines, expensive change orders, and time-consuming back-and-forth communication.
Design-Build
Instead of working with an architect and a builder, you can work with an all-in-one design-build team, like Churches by Daniels!
A church design builder offers a start-to-finish service that includes architecture, design, engineering, and construction—all under one contract. Since the architect and builder are working for the same company, they’re well-versed in working together, and you won’t have to worry about miscommunications about the project goals, budget, or timeline.
Here are some unique benefits of skipping hiring an architect and going straight to a design-build company for architecture and construction.
Benefits of Working with a Design-Builder for Church Construction
Money-Saving Solutions
If being a wise steward of finances is a top priority during a church building project, you’ll be pleased to learn that best-value solutions are found faster, cheaper, and easier when the architect and builder work together.
You also won’t have to worry about costly change orders when the construction is underway since the architect and builder will be on the same page from the beginning.
Budget Transparency
Another money-saving perk of hiring a church design-builder is that the project cost is apparent from the start, and your budget, vision, and values can be honored by both parties. This isn’t always the case with the traditional building method.
For example, if an architect is hired to complete a design, they’ll expect payment when it is finished (of course!). However, you might take this design to a few builders and realize your initial vision is way out of budget, requiring you to go back to the drawing board (and rack up more fees from the architect in the process).
This couldn’t be more different from the design-build process. A church design-builder can work within your budget from the start since the in-house architect can consult the construction team while creating the design. This saves money and time, which leads us to our next point!
Shorter Timelines
Church design and construction take a lot of time, regardless of your chosen process.
However, hiring a church design-builder can shave off a significant chunk of (wasted!) time. When working with a design-build firm, you won’t have to reach out to contractors and sift through bids, which can take months. You also won’t have to mediate conversations between the architect and builder. Instead, they will work together to get the job done while you focus on other areas of importance, like your ministry!
Successful Outcomes
At the end of the day, hiring a church design-builder ensures the best possible outcome for your project.
Your budget will be honored, your timelines will be adhered to, your stress levels will remain low, and your vision for the space will be brought to life, all while honoring your values and ministry goals. Sounds like a dream come true, right?
Save Time, Money, and Hassles by Hiring Churches by Daniels for Church Construction
With a genuine heart for ministry and 40+ years of experience, Churches by Daniels is qualified and eager to provide you with a hassle-free church-building experience!
Instead of hiring an architect and construction contractor for your church building project, invest in our time-saving and budget-friendly design-build church building services to bring the architecture, design, and construction under one roof.
