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In Part 1 of this of this subject, the suggestions outlined were considerations which applied
to a time prior to signing contracts or actual building. Part 2
will speak to contracts, contractors, property uses, involvement of the congregation in the labor and finance.
Contracts: The architect you select should provide a list of
contractors who are reliable and will provide the services you need.
You may also provide your own list of suggested contractors to be involved
in the bid process.
In some cases, the contractors will agree to negotiate the additions or deletions from their submitted
bid, such as oak or pine trim instead of mahogany, plumbing fixture grades, window grades, hardware etc. It
is my experience, that most architects will specify for bid, top of the line items (since a percentage of
the projects cost usually goes to the architect). You should have a choice. Meet with the selected
contractor and assign costs for option changes.
Ask the contractor if they are receptive to labor supplied by the congregation (painting, finishing
etc.). You may have skilled tradesmen in your church, who would
supply volunteer labor to effect a large savings.
Contractor-Owner Relationship: You should designate one (1) person
to be the contact person with the contractor, architect, utilities, etc.,
during construction to help avoid misunderstandings regarding the
construction procedure.
In addition, your architect may be able to provide an overseer of
construction, but this is at an additional cost, usually a percentage of the
total cost. You may have someone in your congregation with the expertise
to do this.
If the contractor is receptive to your labor supply, make a list of the things your group would like to do,
via signup sheet, meet with the contractor to assign expected savings. A time line schedule should be
made, and discussed with the contractor, to keep the phases of the job moving in a timely fashion,
not to delay the contractor's schedule.
Finance: This can take many forms: endowment gifts, special building
program gifts and pledges, real estate loans, our NACCC. Building and Loan Program, community fund raising events and
the selling of notes within your congregation.
Notes in small denominations can be offered to the members of your congregation: this allows for
wide participation. It allows people who cannot afford an outright gift to bank their money, like a
savings account, in a prescribed time investment account, at a prescribed interest rate, and at a prescribed
payback schedule. More information on this process is available through the NACCC Office.
Solicit vendors in your area for "Gifts in Kind" donations of their services or materials as a total gift
or reduced costs for specific jobs.
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