During the church building process, it’s easy to get swept up in all the flashy aspects of church design, like choosing the interior color scheme and the exterior design. However, though it might not be as fun, all the logistical details, like planning out the utilities and meeting city requirements, are just as important.
Though a civil engineer can help you work out the nitty-gritty details of laying out utilities and working with the city, here is a high-level overview of what you’ll need to consider.
Utilities
You might have a beautiful building, but it won’t be very functional if you can’t turn on the lights, flush the toilets, or use the drinking fountains!
That said, a civil engineer will look to see if you have the following utilities to your property:
Gas Lines
Most gas lines in a church building run to the furnace and water heater to ensure the building stays warm in the winter and the water from the sinks can get warm. If you have a commercial kitchen, gas lines are often used to power cooking equipment.
Planning for and installing a gas line requires specialized safety knowledge, permits, and pressure testing, all of which can be performed, acquired, and vetted by a civil engineer.
Water Lines
You can choose to have water supplied to your church from the city or a well.
If you choose well water, you’ll need an emergency generator and backup pump on hand to supply water to the sprinklers in case of a fire, which is usually a significant added expense. That said, city water is generally the most reliable water source for commercial buildings.
A civil engineer will ensure a water line is connected to your property that can supply adequate water for sinks, drinking fountains, and other amenities and provide enough water pressure to power your building’s sprinklers in the unlikely event of a fire.
Electric Lines
The electrical system in a commercial building is composed of power sources, like the local electric grid, electric panels, circuits, and wiring.
Getting the installation process for electrical wiring just right is essential for keeping the lights on in your church and powering electrical instruments, microphones, and other key elements of your church services. Depending on local regulations, safety requirements, and your specific electrical needs, a civil engineer can help develop a well-thought-out electrical plan and circuit design.
Sewage System
Usually, you can tap into your city’s sanitary sewer system to dispose of waste. However, if your church is in a new or developing area, you might need to get approval from the county health department to install a septic system.
City Projects
Sometimes, we refer to a church building project as a “city project.”
This happens when the city has a lot of requirements for building on a piece of land, like adding a water line, widening the nearby street or sidewalks, or requiring traffic accommodations, like a traffic light or turning lane. Though they aren’t technically “on” your property, you will often be required to pay for these projects since your new building impacts them.
Working with a civil engineer and church builder to determine jurisdiction rules, submit municipal approvals, and factor in zoning laws will help bring these projects to light and eliminate hidden expenses (and headaches) down the road.
Retention and Detention
Finally, your design build partner will consult with a civil engineer, who will determine whether a detention or retention basin is required for your church property. These different types of basins manage stormwater runoff that could flood other properties or the street. A detention basin temporarily holds the runoff, while a retention basin permanently holds it. Many cities require bioretention ponds, which are special stormwater management systems that use soil and plants to treat water runoff before it enters the city infrastructure.
Collaborate with Churches by Daniels for a Seamless Church Design-Build Process
It can feel overwhelming to think about all the people you need to hire to make your church construction project a success, from an experienced architect and designer to a reliable general contractor and civil engineer. So, why not hire someone that can do it all?
At Churches by Daniels, we offer a streamlined design-build process that includes the architecture, engineering, and construction—all in one contract.
Learn more about our church design-build process to see why churches across the country have trusted Churches by Daniels for top-notch design and construction since 1980.
