As we approach the opening of our new 44,000 square foot Gym/Sanctuary, we have time to reflect on the project and evaluate the process and the lessons learned. Reaction to the building has been “Wow” for those who have seen or been involved with this project. For most of the project, everything has gone extremely well, and moved quickly. However, we did learn some things in the process, and here’s a synopsis of what we’ve learned so far:
1. Do your homework and get all the help you can. We hired a top-notch architectural and engineering firm, a great contractor, and our New Building Team made a lot of good decisions. One person could not have pulled this off, and we called on the expertise of our New Building Team members, design professionals, and others every step of the way.
2. Don’t expect what you don’t inspect. Regular meetings with our General Contractor, constant reviewing of the blueprints, and daily walk-a-rounds have limited major issues from creeping into the project and delaying the completion.
3. Expect the unexpected. No matter how much you review and plan, something will be missed or done incorrectly. Just be ready to accept this reality and work with your general contractor to correct the issues as they occur and move on.
4. Limit the scope of what projects the church is assuming. We chose to manage certain aspects of this project and save some money. Retrospectively, we may have been better served by relying on the experts to assist with selection and management of subcontractors and vendors to keep the project on schedule and managed correctly.
5. Over communicate. Constant communication with the architect, general contractor, and end users will help insure that when the building is ready for use all expectations will be met. It never hurts to ask why! The answer may be building code requirements, “I don’t know”, or because someone told us to! Regardless, communication and the knowledge coming from the answers help to prevent problems at completion.
6. Develop use policies prior to opening. We’re behind on this, but we’re catching up fast. Communication of building use policies to the congregation sets the stage as to what can and cannot be accomplished with the new building.
7. Be prepared for God to work miracles. It is too easy to get “caught up” in the day-to-day routine of working and watching a building grow. We should never accept the status quo of business as usual. Always be prepared for God to do something amazing and unexpected during a project that is intended to honor him. Miracles like extraordinary giving by the congregation, new opportunities for future development, new members, and new community relationships are just a few of the ways that God can work in projects such as this.