Get the builders on site

You and your architect should put together a list of builders that you might want to work with. Then, invite them to tender for the work.

The builder will give you a price based on the degree of risk they are taking on.

If your drawings, specification and bill of quantities are clear and detailed, you are more likely to get good tender prices.

Your architect will go over each tender and:

• Make sure the builder has the right skills for your project (e.g. working with listed buildings)
• Look at how many employed staff compared to subcontractors they have
• Ask about the builder’s reputation and get recommendations
• Look at previous projects (i.e. size, type, complexity)
• Make sure that those who will be doing the work come to the interview
• Run financial checks
• Visit previous projects
• Find out if they are good organisers

There are different types of building contracts:

• Traditional: the client decides the details and describes them to the builders, who each give a price (i.e. RIBA stage 4 technical design)
• Design and build: the builder is hired after RIBA stage 3 (developed design) and is responsible for working up the details of the project.
• Tender stage two: the builder is chosen early on based on basic information and a series of agreed rates. The price for the works is gradually negotiated.

Your architect will help you choose the best type for you.

Find out more about procurement

Will you use part of the church during the building works or close the whole building?

What about services, weddings and funerals? Will you need to hold them somewhere else?

Make plans. Talk to your clergy and churchwardens. They will have to get permission from the bishop to stop worshipping in the building.

Tell everyone what is going on:

• Put up an exhibition outside with drawings, plans and models
• Take tour groups around rarely seen parts of the church
• Take photos to show people still on the ground and for your records

Find out more about keeping people informed

Most building works are dusty and messy. Protect the interior of your church (e.g. fixtures & fittings).

Be a good neighbour. Talk to residents and businesses nearby if they are going to be affected.

Call your insurer to make sure you have the right cover in place for the building works. And let them know if you are using volunteers.

Some dioceses now require you to have £10m public liability cover in place. Check with them first so you can include this in the tender documents.

Find out more about insurance