Frequently Asked Questions:

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Is Century Builders just a general contractor or can you help us with planning and design as well?

A: Century is a full service Church Design/Build company. We offer custom architectural design, engineering services, sound and lighting design plus turn key construction services. In other words, Century can assist you from the earliest stages of the planning process and take you through to the dedication of the new facilities and complete the project below typical architectural and construction costs.   Back to Top

Q: When should our church begin planning our new facility?

A: The sooner you start the planning process, the better. We suggest beginning as much as 12 to 15 months before breaking ground for construction. This will give adequate design time as well as permitting, funding and approvals. It is never too soon to call for information.   Back to Top

Q: How much does it cost to design and build a new facility?

A: This is the question every church needs to ask and every architect and contractor hesitates to answer. WHY? Because there are so many issues that can affect the answer – land cost, site and utility cost, interior and exterior finishes, audio/visual etc. However, Century’s Design/Build Process can provide churches with the answer to that question. After a through assessment of your needs, Century will formulate a detailed estimate, within 5% of the final cost, AND develop a Preliminary Design & Budget package that will answer the many questions needed to make sound decisions.   Back to Top
 

Q: Will Century help with existing facility analysis?

A: Yes, Century has a comprehensive program that will give direction on the best use of your present facility.   Back to Top
 

Q:  If we choose Century to develop a Preliminary Design, what is included in your fee?

A: The Preliminary Design is step 1 of an exclusive three step process Century has developed to help you achieve your intended goal. The Preliminary Design or Step 1 would include:

  • Master Plan of the entire scope of the project and property.
     

  • Custom design of the facilities the church can afford to build. Many times it is required that the project be done in phases.
     

  • Exterior elevations of the chosen custom designed facility.
    A line item budget estimate (+/- 5%) of Step 2, all final design fees, i.e. architectural, engineering, sound lighting, etc. plus Step 3, construction of the project.

Before you have committed a major amount of capital to the project, you would have a reliable estimate of what finances are required to complete the project from start to finish.   Back to Top
 

Q:  What are the steps of Century’s Design/Build Process and how long does each take?

A: Step 1 - Preliminary Design /Build Services –3 to 4 months

     Step 2 - Construction Documents –6 to 8 months

     Step 3 - Construction – average, 10 to 16 months

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Q:  Can’t our church save money by bidding the job?

A:  Just because you elect to use a Design/Builder doesn’t mean the project is not being bid. CBI will seek at a minimum, 3 bids from subcontractors in all 17 divisions or categories needed to build the project. You can be secure that you are getting competitive pricing because Century will show you those bids. In today’s construction market, this is very uncommon.   Back to Top
 

Q:  What are the advantages to using a Design/Builder?

A:  There are several significant advantages:

  • Singular responsibility – There is no finger pointing between the architect and the builder.

  • Cost savings – There are no construction administration fees charged by the architect, thus saving the owner 1% to 3% of project cost however, there will be Construction Administration and it will performed by licensed and AIA accredited architects.

  • Time savings – Design and construction overlap and there are no bidding periods and redesign periods, decreasing overall project time up to 6 months in some cases. According to the Construction Industry Institute study on Design/Build vs. Design-Bid-Build, design/build yields 33% faster overall delivery, 6% less total cost and 12% faster construction phase.

  • GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE – Construction costs are known far earlier in the process because Century is simultaneously estimating construction costs during the design phase. Once the construction documents are completed and all owner changes have been made, we bid the project out and give you a GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE BEFORE construction begins.

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Q:  What is the first step in starting a new building program?

A:  The first step in starting a new building program consists of two decisions. First, the church must decide what type of building to construct. Secondly, the church must establish a realistic budget. Setting the budget early will help establish the approximate square footage that can be built while remaining within budget. Once these two decisions are made, Century can design a facility to suit your needs and stay within your set budget.    Back to Top
 

Q:  What will I need to get my design process started?

A:  To get the design process started, two essential items will be needed.

  1. A survey of the proposed property - The survey should be no more than 6 months old and should include property lines, setbacks, easements, utilities, existing buildings, existing paving and topographic information.

  2. A completed Century Builders Design Workbook - This workbook is a vital tool in assessing your needs. It should be filled out completely with as much detail as possible.

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Q:  Who are the people that will be working on my project?

A: During the months it takes for your needs assessment and throughout the construction process, you will be working with Project Development Personnel, a designated architectural firm, the Vice President of Operations, a Project Manager and an on-site Project Superintendent.    Back to Top


Q: You’ve got a large team – is there one person I can contact with all my inquiries?

A: Yes, the Project Developer you’ve known from the beginning is the “air traffic controller” and is the CBI representative present throughout all phases of the project. During the project you will also have access to the President of the company and to the Vice-President of Business Development to handle any issues which may arise.   Back to Top


Q:  Will Century finance the project?

A:  No, but we have excellent sources of funding that we work with on a continuing basis.   Back to Top


Q:  When should we start a capital fund raising effort?

A:  A capital campaign is about “casting a vision”, informing the congregation of the future direction of the church, actively involving people in the future project, and rallying the church to prayer. Once the church leadership has prayerfully determined the future direction for the church, a fund raising effort should begin. Keep in mind that normally once a commitment is made by an individual, the dollars will come in over a three year time period. So coordinating the timing is very important.   Back to Top


Q:  Why should our church choose Century Builders?

A: Your Church Building Program is too important to leave in inexperienced hands. Century has been planning, designing and building churches all over America since 1975. We have the experience, expertise and biblical ethics to take your church successfully through the entire building process.    Back to Top
 

Century is “America’s Church Builder”  and we are ready to work for you. 

Thanks for your interest in Century!  Contact Century today!

1-800-777-5622
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