Based on the requirements of specified project, ChurchCare and the church undergoing construction will work together to determine an estimated cost ($/sq. ft.) before an agreement is signed. This estimate will include the administration fee, supplemental support and all building material costs based on approved drawings. All other obligations will be in addition to this estimate.
Project Consulting
The church will provide roundtrip travel expenses (airfare, fuel, tolls, lodging, meals) for site visits for project consulting. Project consulting can include the following:
- Establishing budgets
- Establishing committees
- Gathering information
- Selecting a site
- Assistance with building plans
- Review of finalized plans
Administration Fee (included under estimated cost)
A one-time administration fee of $2.50/sp. ft. payable to ChurchCare is required at start of project. Square footage is determined by the outside dimensions found on the foundation and/or floor plan. For church plants, a request to renegotiate this fee may be considered.
Supplemental Support for Builders (included under estimated cost)
Not all full-time builders working on a project are at 100% support levels. ChurchCare will ask the church undergoing construction to supplement individual support needs.
Housing
Some builders live in trailers on or near the work site. ChurchCare asks the church undergoing construction to provide a place to park the trailer and provide water, sewer, propane, access to a phone line and internet and electrical service (50 amp minimum).
Other builders require housing, and we ask the church undergoing construction to provide an apartment or space in someone’s home. Once the Builder or Builders are identified, the housing need will be determined and communicated.
ChurchCare will work with the church to include this in an overall budget estimate.
Builder Travel Expenses
The church undergoing construction will provide one way travel expenses from the Builder’s last project to this project. This expense will be incurred for each builder on the project and will typically include fuel, tolls, meals and lodging. Additional travel expenses will be required for relocating tool trailers.
ChurchCare will work with the church to include this in an overall budget estimate.
Property and Building Assessment
ChurchCare will assist the church undergoing construction in gathering the following information, if required, and work to include this in an overall budget estimate:
- Property and topographical survey
- Site plan
- Wastewater treatment & disposal plan
- Stormwater management plan
- Accurate floor plans of existing buildings
- Assessment of any structural conditions which may require replacement or remediation
Outside consultants who may be required:
- Architectural
- Civil Engineering
- Land surveyor
- Structural Engineering
- CAD (computer aided design)
- MEP Engineering (mechanical/electrical/plumbing)
- Acoustical Engineering
- Sprinkler Systems Engineering
- Fire & Security Systems Engineering
- Legal counsel
Church Architect
ChurchCare is willing to assist churches in the selection of a suitable architect. The church undergoing construction is responsible to secure an architect and provide financially for:
- Schematic design
- Final design / approved drawings
Filing Fees and Permits
The church undergoing construction is responsible to secure and provide financially for:
- All necessary building permits
- Needed variances
- Zoning Board approval
- Miscellaneous filing fees
Outside consultants who may be required:
- Architectural
- Legal counsel
(Typically, Builders will not be on site until this phase has been completed)
Insurance
The church undergoing construction is acting as general contractor and is responsible to provide:
- Adequate insurance coverage during all phases of the construction project
- Notification to the insurance company of construction project and that volunteers are on site
- ChurchCare may be named as an additional insured
Building Material Costs (included under estimated cost)
The church undergoing construction is responsible to provide financially for:
- All material necessary to complete construction. (ChurchCare does not “mark up” material costs.)
- All perishable tools, specialty tool rentals, heavy equipment rentals and specialized services (cranes, dumpsters, etc.)
- Sub-contractor services, if required
- Having established accounts or a means to pay C.O.D.
Change Order/Work Revision
It is understood that, at times, change orders/work revisions may be desirable or become necessary. Change orders must be accompanied by a brief description, cost estimate and approvals by a church representative and ChurchCare’s Lead Builder. If the scope of the change is determined to be significant, architectural services, engineering services and zoning board approvals may need to be pursued.
Property Development Costs
Dependent upon scope and project timing, ChurchCare may be able to complete many, if not all, property development projects. The church undergoing construction is responsible to provide financially for:
- Parking lot and curbing installation
- Landscaping and grading
- Utilities hook-up
- Outside lighting
- Waste water treatment & disposal
- Other (retention ponds, privacy fences, etc.)
ChurchCare will work with the church to include this in an overall budget estimate.
Furnishings and Equipment Costs
Decisions on equipment and furnishings and associated costs are solely the responsibility of the church.
Safety
The church undergoing construction is responsible to provide any necessary safety equipment. These must be worn when possible danger is present.
Unless otherwise specified by the church’s insurance company, the following is recommended:
- No children under the age of 16 shall be on the job site unless accompanied by a responsible adult/supervisor.
- No person under the age of 18 shall operate any type of power tools or equipment.
The church may dictate additional items to assist with safety.