What Is the Design-Build Method?
What Is the Design-Build Method?The design-build method of church construction is a system of contracting in which one entity manages the architecture, engineering, and construction of your church construction project all under one contract. In this system, the architect and construction contractor work together as a team.
With the design-build method, you receive an all-in-one experience that eases the burden of overseeing the project, promotes a more organized team effort, and makes communication easier. The design-build method helps keep your project within your budget and it prevents problems, saving you time and money.
How the Design-Build Method Simplifies the Process
When pastors and church leaders have a single point of contact for both the design and construction phases of a building project, the best outcome results. It simplifies the entire process to have one entity as the source of both responsibility and risk for every facet of the building project.
Steps for the Planning Phase of the Design Build Process
1. Select a Design-Builder
Pastors and church leaders are able to execute their vision when their design stays within their budget. This is where the design-build method comes in. Take time to find the best design-builder for your needs by:
- Network with pastors and church leaders. Discover who their design-builder is and if they are satisfied with the outcome enough to make a referral.
- Research online to find the best options for your needs. Do a Google search, and take time to go to the websites of your top three choices. Get to know the companies by exploring their web content, their reviews, and checking with the BBB.
- Meet with at least three options once your top choices have emerged. Communicate your needs, vision, timeline and more while discovering more about the companies. Pay attention to the communication flow between you and the builders you are considering. You’ll have lots of interaction ahead, so make sure there is fluid communication between you. Ask for at least three referrals from each company, take a look at their portfolio, and talk with their previous customers firsthand.
- Take a look at the facts about each company side by side. Get bids from companies, and go with the best overall fit for your needs (not simply the lowest bid). You may find qualifications-based selection helpful, including credentials, experience, and expertise.
2. Pre-Construction Assessment and Discovery
During this phase, a clearer picture of the total project cost is seen. This could be looked at as “counting the cost.” A thorough due diligence occurs in this process, evaluating the entire project to verify it is viable. The discovery and needs assessment done by the design build firm evolves into a schematic (graphic) design.
3. Architect, Design and Preliminary Estimates
Once the needs assessment and cost counting are complete, we move into a design-build contract where we fully design the project, taking it from design development to construction documents.
4. Final Approval and Permits
Final approval is given, and permits are obtained. Sub-contractors are vetted out, and bids to perform the work are received.
Church Construction Planning Timeline
Each church building project is different, and each project schedule is based around the lead pastor and church’s needs. Projects are too complex for generic timelines to be duplicated from one church to another. The schedule for each church construction planning timeline and the needs of the church building are identified through the processes involved in preconstruction, and pastors are given a detailed and realistic timeline before construction starts.
Factors that influence the timeline of a church design-build process
There are a wide variety of components that influence the church building process timeline, including:
- Weather
- Finances and fundraising
- Obtaining permits
- Design changes after construction is initiated
Courage To Build
You may have built a handful of modest projects, but now find yourself facing a vision so big you’re not sure where to begin, and you’re well aware it takes courage to begin—and finish. There are practical steps to plan your church construction project.
For cost-saving church construction, some churches plan to build in phases, and it works. Others build all at once. Spreading out the phases of a master plan allows you time to raise additional financial resources for other phases and stand-alone projects. Raising money for a church building project isn’t always easy, but as you know it’s necessary, so it can’t be pulled away from.
Many have gone before you and blazed the trail, and it’s wise to learn from the common mistakes made on new church construction projects in order to save time, money, and hassle.
The Churches by Daniels Difference
At Churches by Daniels, we have delivered both large and small scale projects specific to church facilities—and we’ve done this under budget and on time for over 30 years. We use the design-build method. When lead pastors sit at the same table with architects, builders, engineers the best possible outcome is obtained. We see outstanding results such as:
- Minimized costs—creating better value
- Streamlined schedules—turning timelines into reality
- Increased efficiency—creating a smooth process
- Better communication—resulting in fewer problems
At Churches by Daniels, we believe your church construction project shouldn’t be stressful, costly, or overly draining of your time as a pastor. Our experienced team helps keep the process smooth, on schedule, and on budget.
We provide superior construction—from land purchases and raising funds to negotiating with contractors and handling project oversight. We take a financially responsible approach to building. Our value engineering and national purchasing power keep your project on budget. Our premium materials and attentive quality control efforts yield pleasing, lasting results. Learn more about our design-build process and how we can help your vision become reality.
