One way to avoid a church building project mistake is by making sure that you’ve done your due diligence before committing to a church design. Whether you are looking to purchase a property for a new church or remodel your current facility, thorough evaluation of three primary areas is crucial before you begin: utilities and infrastructure, zoning, and building codes.
Over the next several posts, we’ll look at what to consider in all three areas. Let’s start with an examination of utilities,
Natural Gas Isn’t Always an Option
Utility due diligence requires church leaders to know whether what’s offered can support the church design’s needs. For example, buildings often rely on natural gas for heating, but in rural areas, natural gas lines may not be available, leaving only electric or propane as options for heating. These are typically more expensive for operations than natural gas. Another possible option might be geothermal heating, though it’s definitely the most expensive alternative for the initial install.
Electricity and HVAC Systems
Electricity is another important consideration, especially if you’re building in a rural location. These areas may not have access to three-phase electrical power, which is the preferred option for larger buildings like churches. If three-phase electricity isn’t available, you will need to install several, smaller HVAC units that run off of single-phase power, which can mean added initial costs.
Why Water Supply Matters
Due diligence on water access is also crucial, not only for basic needs, but also for meeting safety standards like fire suppression systems. In most states, any building larger than 12,000 square feet or designed to hold more than 300 people must have an automatic sprinkler system installed. These systems typically require a water line of at least 6 to 8 inches in diameter. If the property is in a rural area or in a community with limited water infrastructure, you may find yourself in a jam to meet this requirement.
Managing Church Building Waste
Lastly, you’ll want to consider how sewage will be managed in the church design. Is there access to a public sewer system, or will you need to install a septic system? The type of soil on the property could further complicate matters. Some soils aren’t suitable for traditional septic systems, which might mean that you’ll need to install a more complex and costly septic system.
In our next post, we’ll look at what to examine when conducting zoning due diligence. Meanwhile, why not explore our website and our free i3 webinars? By attending, you’ll learn more about best practices for church design and construction. Visit our website to sign up.