1. Choose an architect wisely.
One of the most important decisions a church can make during the pre-construction process is your choice of an architect for the project. This decision should not be taken lightly nor done haphazardly because it can be a critical choice that impacts not only the success, but also the ultimate cost, of your project. So, the question is, "How do you choose an architect?"

As a pre-engineered steel building company that works with many churches of varying sizes, I recognize that the ultimate success of a church building project will be determined by the architect chosen for the job. If you are planning to build with steel, choose an architect who has worked with pre-engineered steel building structures and suppliers. Ask for sample church buildings they have designed out of steel.

Especially, get the final costs per square foot of the structures they designed. Some architects base their fees on a percentage of the final total cost of the project. I advise churches to find an architect who, from the beginning, is willing to give you a lump sum total fee based on their scope of work.

Finally, select an architect who has educational materials, worksheets and processes that show he is familiar with how to work with church committees.

--Harry Donahue, SteelWise

2. Build today, but plan for the future.
Metal building systems offer numerous advantages for a congregation's construction program. Expandability is particularly important. Systems construction readily accommodates future expansion. Metal wall panels and the inherent clear-span of metal building systems enable new congregations to build a multi-purpose facility initially to support worship services, family hall activities, Bible study classrooms, receptions and meetings. When the congregation becomes large enough, the initial facility can be supplemented with a new sanctuary structure, either as an adjoining or freestanding expansion.

When building a new church, the facility should be developed according to a master plan with future provisions in mind. There should be adequate property acquired to satisfy land-to-building ratio, parking, outdoor festivals, attractive landscaping and safe access/egress for those attending services.

--Leslie Clark, Butler Manufacturing

3. Know what you want the building to do.
Years ago, I sold computers. People would buy a computer and then complain that it didn't work the way they wanted it to. I started asking clients, "What do you want it to do?" Then, find the piece of software that does that and buy the computer that runs that piece of software best. I had more satisfied customers that way. And they referred me to their friends, and on and on the cycle went.

Some people only look at the task or battle immediately in front of them and not at the whole project/war. That change in perspective can change the approach and outcome.

For the major expense of a building, churches can't afford to make a less-than-the-best-possible decision. Some church planning committees will proceed to buy the least-expensive building, not the better-built building. In so doing, they end up with a leaky roof, mechanical problems, dissension, arguments, spending more money to fix and repair inherent problems, conflict and, ultimately, even the destruction of that congregation. Was it worth it?

--Doug Yancey, VP Buildings

4. Consider all of the facets and advantages of post-frame construction.
Designing and building a new church or expanding an existing worship space, sanctuary or school can be an intimidating undertaking. Because there are so many facets to consider, b e selective when choosing your building company and construction contractor to assure you receive the experience, reliable design and construction knowledge needed to build your new church. Make sure the planning you do today allows for future growth. This is of the biggest advantages of choosing post-frame construction. By design, it is easy to add whole wings for everything from a kitchen to a multi-purpose space that is a gymnasium on Tuesday and a worship space on Sunday. Time and money savings are two other great advantages. Pre-engineered post-frame construction is typically 20-40% less, and construction time is great reduced from traditional construction methods.

--Tami Newman, Wicks

Sidebar
Six Advantages of Steel Building Systems

1. Low cost: Pre-engineered building materials can cost up to 20% less than other construction methods.

2. Fast construction:  Swift erection of a building's steel shell can cut weeks off the average construction time.

3. Large interior spaces:  High clearances and spans in excess of 250 feet without interior columns add flexibility of design and utility to steel buildings.

4. Strength: Crane loads of all types and tonnages can be incorporated into the steel framing system for maximum strength.

5. Low maintenance: A steel framework and roof system won't warp, sag or rot like some wood-framed buildings.

6. Design flexibility:  Steel building systems use the latest computer technologies to design and detail a building.  

Source: Arizona Building Systems

Product Roundup

Metal Building Systems from Butler
Metal building systems from Butler Manufacturing Company offer a cost-effective construction method for churches, schools, offices or other religious facilities projects. Some advantages over traditional construction include lower initial cost, more predictable construction schedules, weather-tight metal roofs and energy efficient insulating values. Butler facilities efficiently supply the open, clear-spanned areas often sought for sanctuary space. Brick, block, wood or other traditional materials can be used as wall materials to achieve a desired appearance. Butler pioneered the development of color-coated standing seam metal roof systems, multi-story systems and insulating techniques. The company's performance certifications can help earn a congregation more favorable insurance ratings, and Butler warranties are among the best in the construction industry. Butler distributes its building systems through a nationwide network of authorized Butler Builder contractors. Many of these full-service construction specialists offer consolidated design and construction (design/build) services.
www.butlermfg.com

Rhino Steel Buildings
Rhino Steel Buildings offers a complete line of pre-engineered buildings. With clear span designs up to 150' wide as a standard design, the buildings are ideally suited for the church community.  The structure is a bolt together design with no welding requirements. Every building is designed to meet the wind, snow and seismic requirements of the local area. All structures are accompanied with a letter of certification and engineered stamped prints. All manufacturing facilities are approved by the AISI and the structures are designed to meet or exceed the MBMA minimum requirements. Multiple manufacturing plants are strategically located around the country to keep freight to a minimum. The staff at Rhino Steel Buildings works with many architects in the early planning and design stages. This normally helps to keep costs to a minimum by designing to the needs of the church, using standard designs, which eliminates costly custom design and engineering time.
www.rhinobldg.com

Vanguard Modular
Vanguard Modular provides award-winning space solutions for churches and church schools, ranging from classrooms and offices to fellowship halls and nurseries, with or without kitchens and restrooms. The company can custom-design buildings to visually match a church's existing facilities' exterior or create a specialized floor plan. For a faster and more cost-effective solution, Vanguard offers Ready-To-Roll pre-leased units that are continually refurbished and prepped for quick delivery. Customized or Ready-To-Roll , Vanguard Modular provides a solution to fit the budgets of most churches. From design through final inspection, Vanguard Modular handles as many of the details a church desires. www.vanguardmodular.com

VP Buildings
Miami , Florida 's Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is an example of why a growing number of church officials choose a pre-engineered metal system when building an addition or a new facility. A beautiful structure can be created using a metal framing system, offering strength and durability at a lower cost than traditional construction. Officials at the Archdiocese of Miami estimate a savings of more than $250,000 by using VP Buildings' pre-engineered metal system. Memphis, Tennessee-based VP Buildings is one of the nation's largest manufacturers of metal buildings. VP engineers and manufactures a variety of high-quality, pre-engineered steel framing systems, wall and roof panels and building components for low-rise steel building systems for commercial applications. The company markets its products through a network of more than 1,000 authorized builders.
www.vp.com

Duro-Last Roofing
Since 1978, Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. has manufactured a custom-prefabricated, reinforced, thermoplastic single-ply roofing system that is ideal for any flat or low-sloped application. Extremely durable and easily installed by authorized contractors without disruption to daily operations, the Duro-Last roofing system is also leak-proof, resistant to chemicals, fire and high winds, and virtually maintenance-free. More than a billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane have been installed throughout North America , and it protects church buildings and worship facilities of all shapes and sizes. The Duro-Last Cool Zone roofing system reflects up to 87% of the sun's energy, delivering real cost savings for church facilities throughout North America. The Cool Zone system can be a part of a comprehensive package for improving building energy performance. For church facilities with aging metal roofs, the Duro-Shield metal retrofit roofing system can be installed over an existing roof without an expensive tear-off. It's the cost-effective, long-term way to protect buildings against rain, temperature changes, interior drips, ice build-up, and rust and corrosion.
www.duro-last.com

Wick Buildings
If you are looking to build a new church or expand your existing facility by adding additional space, look to Wick Buildings and your local Wick builder to help you plan and construct the perfect building to meet your needs. Wick Buildings has many different design specifications on file and complete professional in-house engineering and design staff. Their team will work with you to design and choose the perfect plan to best meet your needs.
www.wickbuildings.com