What can we do to plan the expansion of an existing or new building?

Every church should have a master plan as a part of their proposed project. Much time, energy, and money can be saved with proper master planning. The entire campus will flow together as all buildings will be designed with their ultimate intended use considered, as well as the immediate proposed use.

Here are some tips to make any new building useful and ready for expansion before you build:

• Choosing the proper site and position for buildings with future growth in mind.
• Have a master site plan completed for your site.
• Choose a building plan that can be mirrored (doubled) in years to come. Mirroring means the sanctuary and/or the building plan can be doubled in size without many construction changes to the existing structure, usually done as a second or third building phase.
• Choose a two-story building plan with an optional balcony that can be used as classroom space now, than converted at a later date into a balcony.
• Build large now, blocking off part of the building and finishing the interior later when the resources are available.