Building & Project Management

BUILDING PROJECT STEPS

Step 1 - Initial Request & Preliminary Financial Assessment

The pastor submits a Formal Request Letter along with the Parish Building Financial Request Form.

• Requests should include costs for architects and/or engineers, construction, landscaping, parking, equipment rental, furnishings
• A 20% reserve for change orders should be factored into the cost to absorb uncollectible pledges, interest, other administrative costs.
• The parish must demonstrate its ability to afford the project to the diocesan finance office, especially if a loan is required.
• 50% of the total cost must be in hand; deviations must be approved by the Bishop and the Diocesan Finance Council. 
• All loans must be approved by the Diocesan Finance Council.

A preliminary financial assessment is mandatory.

Step 2 – Preliminary Architectural Assessment
A preliminary architectural assessment is mandatory. A licensed architect is required for all construction projects.  

Step 3 – Building Review Board & LAMB
For Project Exceeding $500,000, or Selected Projects
The Building Review Board makes recommendation to the Bishop before final plans are prepared. Project plans must be submitted for review to the appropriate authorities (State Fire Marshal and local municipality). Review letters should be provided along with the rest of the project documentation. Review and recommendations from the Liturgy, Art and Music Board are necessary before the modification of any worship space is considered. 

Step 4 – Bidding Process
Competitive bids must be acquired. Bid forms and desired contractor’s contracts must be submitted to the Diocesan Finance Office. If the total costs exceed the amounts approved in step 1, additional financial assessments and approvals will be needed. If approved, the bishop issues a letter approving the contractor’s selection.

Step 5 – Review of Contracts by Diocesan Insurer 
A review of contracts by Catholic Mutual is essential.  The Building Request Form must be updated including final numbers. The form must be submitted to the Diocesan Finance Office for issuance of a resolution.

Step 6 – Final Steps Before Construction | Final Approval of Plans by the Bishop and Resolution 
Prior to construction, the Diocesan Finance Office must receive insurance certificates from design and building professionals.  During construction, the Diocesan Finance Office must receive copies of all certificates of payments, change orders, and certificates of substantial completion.

If the project is approved, the bishop issues a letter approving final plans. A resolution is required to hire the contractor and to sign the contract.