Once again, we answer some questions presented during one of The McKnight Group’s free i3 webinars. These sessions are a superb way for church leaders to gain practical insight into the church design and church building process while also getting the opportunity to ask real questions about real challenges they face. In a recent i3 webinar focused on avoiding common church building mistakes, we received some excellent questions worth sharing. Here they are, along with the answers we provided.
When Is the Right Time to Call in the Professionals?
Q. At what stage of the church building process should you bring in professional help? One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that professional help is only needed once a church has made a firm decision to build. In reality, the best time to bring in a professional is much earlier, when conversations move beyond simple “what ifs.”
If your leadership team is discussing possibilities like where a building could go, how much it might cost, or whether a specific idea is even feasible, that’s the right moment to make the call. Often, an initial conversation with a professional can provide clarity very quickly. In some cases, a few well-answered questions can confirm that an idea is a “no-brainer.” In other cases, that same conversation can save years of frustration by revealing that a desired solution simply won’t work due to zoning, site limitations, or regulatory issues.
Engaging professional guidance early on also helps churches understand the true timeline of a church building project. Especially today, working with local authorities, permitting agencies, and regulatory bodies takes time. If a church believes that it needs new space within a year, chances are that the process has already started too late.
For most sizable projects, such as additions or major renovations, the average timeline, from early studies to occupancy, is 18 months to two and a half years. Simple remodels may move faster, but they still require more time than many leaders expect.
Early professional involvement also helps refine vision. Church leaders sometimes assume that certain options will always be available, only to discover later that zoning regulations or code requirements prevent those ideas altogether. Addressing those realities upfront allows time to adjust course thoughtfully rather than scrambling for alternatives after years of planning.
Protecting Your Budget
Q. How can organizations better prepare for unexpected budget increases during construction? Unexpected costs are one of the most stressful parts of any church building or remodeling project. These surprises often arise during additions or renovations, when something hidden inside a wall or under a floor is uncovered, such as a structural issue or an outdated system that must be addressed.
The most effective tool for managing these uncertainties is to include a contingency. During budget planning, churches should intentionally set aside an amount, typically a percentage of the overall project cost, for unexpected expenses. This might be 5%, 10%, or even 15%, depending on the complexity of the project and the church’s comfort level.
This contingency exists specifically for surprises and necessary changes. It provides flexibility when the unexpected happens, whether that’s discovering an unknown issue during construction or responding to broader market challenges. In recent years, churches have seen how quickly conditions can change; material shortages, supply chain disruptions, and sharp price increases can all impact costs with little warning.
The good news about a contingency plan is that if everything goes smoothly and it isn’t used, it’s money the church doesn’t have to spend. But without a contingency, even a small surprise can become a major challenge.
Continue the Conversation with Free i3 Webinars
These questions are just a glimpse of the information provided and dialogue that can happen during The McKnight Group’s free i3 webinars. We invite you to explore upcoming topics and sign up through our website.