Let’s start with a reminder that attending The McKnight Group’s i3 webinars is one of the best ways to learn more about the church design and church building process. Reading this blog is another, but one element of our webinars provides a unique opportunity: allowing church leaders to directly ask us questions.

In our recent i3 webinar focused on funding a church project, we received so many excellent questions that we’re taking two separate articles to present them. In this post, we’ll address some questions related to costs.

Q: Can you provide some estimated costs per square foot for new construction, remodeling, and furnishings and equipment?

This is a great question, and one that we hear often. As you can imagine, the answer depends on many variables, especially your geographic location. We’re based in central Ohio, so the estimates we’ll provide here are typical for the Central Midwest and can vary across the country.

New Construction: For a new church building, you can expect a cost range between $225 and $275 per square foot, based on recent projects. This covers just the building itself, excluding land. Of course, the high end of the range can be much more, depending on a church’s tastes and ministry needs, but this estimate is typical of what we’re seeing.

Remodeling: This is where the numbers vary even more. A basic facelift, including new carpet and paint, might cost as little as $20–$30 per square foot. But if your remodel involves more intensive work, like tearing out walls, updating HVAC systems, or installing new lighting, you’re looking at $80–$100 per square foot, or more. In cases where structural changes are required, the cost can exceed the price of new construction.

Furnishings and Equipment: Unfortunately, there’s no reliable square foot estimate for these costs because they’re so dependent on what’s being built. For example, classroom furnishings differ significantly from what you’d need for a sanctuary. Equipment needs vary by ministry goals, space design, and technology.

Q: How much of the cost of construction should be budgeted for design and permitting?

Design and permitting are essential components of a church building project budget and can easily be overlooked. These fees vary significantly depending on location. Generally, you can expect:

  • Architectural and engineering fees to be about 6–7% of the total construction cost.
  • Additional permits and other fees can range from 1–5%, depending on your jurisdiction and whether your project is in a rural or urban area.

Rural areas tend to have lower permitting and inspection fees, while projects in metro areas often face higher costs and more complex approval processes.

In our next article, we’ll share more answers from the same webinar, this time focusing on creative financing options for your church design and building plans. Meanwhile, check out our list of i3 webinars and sign up on our website. Each session is packed with real-world knowledge to help you plan a new church design project with confidence.