church building - build an addition or build a new building?

Should You Build an Addition or Move Your Church?

As your congregation grows, you may find yourself faced with the question many churches face, whether to build an addition or move to a new location and building. There are pros and cons to both and an experienced church architect knows the questions to ask to help you and your team make the right decision.

Pros and Cons of an Addition

As a church architect, one of the things we evaluate is whether an addition is possible. There are many reasons why one of the size you need may not be. Not only are there zoning laws, but you also must balance the new addition with the need for sufficient parking. Plus, sometimes the existing structure doesn’t allow for good flow from the old to the new. However, an addition is almost always less expensive and faster than building a new facility.

Pros and Cons of a New Facility

Church architecture design trends change. With a new facility, you can have a modern interior and exterior which may further attract new parishioners. Of course, there is the added benefit of including all the elements you wished you had in your existing facility like technology integration, multipurpose spaces, and classrooms for preschool or small groups. The hardest part of a new facility is the expense. Not only will you need land, but also funds for the new building itself. And it’s likely you won’t be able to sell your existing facility until the new one is complete, which may be a budget consideration.

Let Sandbar Architecture Be Your Church Architect

If you are looking for an experienced church architect for either an addition or a new facility, call Sandbar Architecture. We can evaluate your existing space, learn what you need, and then help you through the process of making the best choice for your congregation. Call Sandbar Architecture at (727) 308-1773 or click here to schedule an initial consultation.