86 Questions Every Church Should Ask When Building a New Facility

When it comes to designing and constructing new facilities, the questions are many.  Church leaders typically do not know what to ask their Architect or potential Contractor.  With Teamway Builders you are encouraged to ask questions…we want you to maintain Control in your project, have the Knowledge necessary to make wise decisions, and keep all the negotiated Savings on your new facility project.  Teamway Builders understands that if you “plan well” you will be able to “spend wisely” to build facilities necessary to fulfill the vision God has given you.

Below is a list of questions we answer in our presentation of Teamway Builders services:

What is Teamway?
Teamway is a General Contracting firm that practices Construction Management.

What is the history of Teamway?
Teamway was licensed to operate in 1985 and began actual operations in 1986.  It has one national office, which is located in Greenville, SC.  Teamway is a construction management firm – not a construction firm.  Projects to date have been largely churches and Christian schools located across the US, encompassing the area from Massachusetts to Colorado to Arizona to Florida.

Is Teamway a licensed GC or CM?
Teamway is a licensed GC that practices Construction Management.  Teamway is licensed in every state in which it works if a license is required.

Is Teamway a consultant?
Not in the strictest sense of the term!  Teamway is a consultant only in the sense that its personnel share Teamway’s expertise and experience with a church.

Where has Teamway built?  Has Teamway built for the same church numerous times?
Projects to date have been largely churches and Christian schools located across the US, encompassing the area from Massachusetts to Colorado to Arizona to Florida.  Teamway has built four times for one church, three times for two others, and two times for another.

Does Teamway build commercial projects other than churches and Christian Schools (i.e. ministry related projects)?
The bulk of Teamway’s work is churches and Christian schools.  However, we’re open to discussion on other facilities, even though we’re not marketing to them.

What is Construction Management?
Construction Management is a project delivery system in which typically the construction manager, architect/engineers, and sub-contractors are contracted directly with the owner.  The construction manager coordinates and manages the building process and is a member of the construction team, consisting of owner, architect/engineers and other consultants as the project may require.

What is the difference between Construction Management Pure Agency and Construction Management with Guaranteed Maximum Price?
Construction Management Pure Agency occurs when the construction manager functions as a pure agent for the owner, and the owner retains full knowledge, control, and realizes all savings.  Construction Management with Guaranteed Maximum Price is an at-risk form of Construction Management in which the relationship with the owner changes, resulting in the owner relinquishing full knowledge and control and surrendering all or some of any savings.

What form of Construction Management does Teamway practice?
Teamway’s preferred method of operation is Construction Management Pure Agency.  This enables Teamway to bring the most value to the owner.

What are the primary benefits of Teamway’s system?
Teamway’s system provides transparency through its Fully Accessible Billing (FAB©) system, keeping the knowledge and control during design and construction with the church and keeping all savings with the church.  It enables the church to “plan well” and “spend wisely.”

How much does Teamway save the church over the conventional system of contracting and building?
Teamway believes the published figure of about 10% to be accurate.  This is achieved through the bidding process with the full market of potential sub-contractors.

Is Teamway’s system “open book?”  What does an “open book” system mean?  Why should a church expect an “open book system?”  
Yes, Teamway’s system is “open book.”  Open book means that the church has access to all financial information.  In fact, the church has full access to all information associated with the project.  The church should expect an “open book” system in order to maintain the knowledge and control necessary throughout the design and construction phases and to capitalize on any savings realized.    
 
What are the negatives of Design-Build?
There are several negatives from the church’s perspective: 1) loss of control of the construction process; 2) loss of control of money; 3) no potential savings during construction; 4) having little information available about the project; and 5) having no valid control over architectural plans.

What are the negatives of using a General Contractor?
The primary negatives of using a GC from the church’s perspective: 1) loss of control of the construction process; 2) loss of control of money; 3) no potential savings during construction; 4) meeting the builder at the critical stage just before construction begins; and 5) having little information available about the project during construction.

What happens if the General Contractor goes out of business during construction?
The church is in a very bad position.  Under the CM approach, if one sub-contractor defaults it will hurt the project but the entire project most likely isn’t jeopardized.  However, if a GC defaults, the entire project is at risk.  Requiring the GC to be bonded is a type of fix to minimize the cost exposure, but this won’t prevent the schedule delay incurred in getting the project back on track.  Most jobs aren’t bonded, and there are good GC’s who aren’t bonded.  If the church wants bonded contractors, the project cost will increase.

What is the church’s exposure to a sub-contractor going out of business?
If a sub-contractor goes out of business, Teamway will work with the church to secure a replacement.  This will result in higher costs in this trade and may affect the schedule, depending on how long it takes to select and mobilize a replacement.  It must be kept in mind that the same thing could happen with a sub-contractor under a GC contract…worse yet, the GC himself could default.  It would be easier to recover from a single sub defaulting vs. a GC defaulting.

What happens if the General Contractor doesn’t pay his bills to subs and suppliers?
Both subs and suppliers will place liens on the work.  The subs will stop working, and the supply of materials will cease.

Is Teamway less expensive that the average General Contractor in an area?  If so, how much on average?
Our history shows that Teamway’s approach results in lower costs than the traditional Design-Bid-Build or Design-Build delivery systems.  A case in point: Teamway’s Refined Pre-Construction Estimate (RPE) for a church in VA came in higher than the church could afford.  The church subsequently bid the project to General Contractors, and the lowest bid was $250,000 above the RPE.  Another case: A church tried to save the Teamway fee and managed the project themselves.  It took some 2.5 years to complete a 1-year project and its final cost was the same as Teamway’s Construction Management approach would have cost.

What is the fee that is paid up front when a church returns the signed contract?
It is a hiring fee in the amount of $4900.

Is this fee sufficient to cover Teamway’s expenses up to the start of construction?
No!  This is just a hiring fee.

Can Teamway help us find the money for our project?
Not directly!  However, Teamway will provide names of lenders with whom we have knowledge.  

What are the pitfalls of not planning properly?
Proper planning is crucial, hence Teamway’s motto: “plan well. spend wisely.”  Failure to properly plan may lead to over-design, a large number of Change Orders, locating the building in the wrong place, loss of building functionality, delay of schedule, etc.

Is a land survey required?  Is a topo map required?  Are soil tests required?  etc?
Most likely, these will be needed for the Master Plan, the Site Plan, and for building design.  However, the church should consult with the Architect and Civil Engineer as to the extent of need and when.  If hired, Teamway would also be involved in these discussions on behalf of the church.

Is a Master Plan always wise?  What are the pitfalls of not having one?
Yes, unless one already exists or the property is essentially built out. Pitfalls include locating a building in the wrong place, locating a septic system such that future expansion is restricted, failing to account for future parking needs, etc.

What percentage of church designs come in too expensive when a builder is not present to count the cost?
Numbers are reported as high as 30% - 50%.  Even if these numbers are wrong, the church must decide if it’s willing to gamble with its facility.

Will Teamway help the church select and negotiate with an Architect and Civil Engineer?
A qualified Yes!  Teamway will provide names of professionals with whom we have experience.  However, it is up to the church to make the final selections for the Architect and Civil Engineer.  Teamway believes this approach is best as it maintains the separation of power and removes potential conflicts of interest, enabling Teamway to best represent the interests of the church.

Is the cheapest Architect and Civil Engineer always the best choice for the church?
No!  Price is just one factor in selecting a professional.  Teamway will give the church the names of professionals with whom we have had good experiences.  The church can use this list along with its own inquiries to qualify and ultimately select the professionals for its project based on criteria, which the church deems important.  

Who does the Architect work for?  Is Teamway open to other arrangements?
Teamway’s preference is for the Architect to be under separate contract with the church.  This reduces potential conflicts of interest and maintains a separation of powers which Teamway believes to be healthy for the church.  Teamway works closely with the Architect to ensure that the best interests of the church are served.

While Teamway strongly prefers that the Architect be on a separate contract with the church, other arrangements would be entertained.  For example: Teamway has a Design-CM arrangement with one church in which Teamway added an amount to the architectural costs and gave the church a fixed price for the architectural portion.

Does Teamway work closely with Architects during design?  Why is it wise to have a Construction Manager on board during design?
Yes!  Teamway is an integral part of the design process.

Teamway reviews plans, attends requested meetings with the Architect and church, and in general works with the Architect and church to produce the best combination of affordability and quality of building.  Having the builder aboard during the early phases of a project is a known best practice in the construction industry.

How long will it take to get into a building?
Varies significantly from project to project.

How long does Permitting take?
The permitting process involves governmental agencies and can be quite lengthy.  The best practice is to start the process immediately after deciding to build.

Who pulls the permit?  Who deals with state and local authorities during construction?
Typically, the Architect oversees the permitting process for his plans in collaboration with the church.  As the owner, the church pays the necessary fees, after which the plans are generally released to the builder.  If the Architect does not oversee the process, Teamway will need to help.

How long does Design take?
The design period can vary widely.  However, the typical range is 3-8 months from approval of the floor plan.

How long does the Bidding Process take?
The actual bidding process takes 3-4 weeks, followed by 1 week to assemble the bids, prepare the report, and present it to the church.  This represents a total bid cycle of 4-5 weeks.

How long does Construction take?
The construction period can vary widely, depending on project circumstances.  However, the typical duration is 10-12 months.

What is the church’s responsibility in the project?  What does the church need to provide Teamway Builders?
There are several areas of input for the church, including:  1) provide space for the Teamway Representative during the bid period; 2) finalize the scope up front; 3) pay the bills; 4) provide timely information; 5) assemble all necessary data for the Architect and finance company; 6) provide input on finishes; 7) name a contact person for job; and 8) attend regularly scheduled meetings.

What services does Teamway provide for the church during the project?
Teamway provides consultation through the pre-construction phase on conceptual budgeting, scheduling, architectural relations, financing, and permitting.  Teamway bids the architectural documents to provide the Refined Pre-Construction Estimate, which forms the basis for Teamway’s fixed fee and for the revised Budget.  During construction, Teamway’s on-site Project Manager works hand-in-hand with the church, Architect, and local municipalities in analyzing bids, negotiating contracts, reviewing and maintaining construction documents, establishing and maintaining schedule, processing billings, and supervising the construction.

What specifically will Teamway do during the design phase?  Why hire Teamway during this phase?
During the design phase, Teamway will provide input to the design to help control costs and to bring the builder’s perspective.  The CM’s involvement during this phase is a best practice in the industry.  In fact, the earlier that Teamway is hired, the more its background in all aspects of church and Christian School construction can be brought to bear on the project.

What is General Conditions?  How does General Conditions differ from Project Overhead?
General Conditions refers to time-related items which are required by the Construction Manager to accomplish the project but do not lend themselves readily to inclusion in one of the separate trade contracts.  Examples include the on-site Project Manager’s labor and burdens, rental of field office trailer, trash pickup, telephone & fax charges, temporary toilets, scaffolding, etc.  General Conditions is the contractual term for Project Overhead.  

What is Markup?  What is the Markup on General Conditions?
Markup, also referred to as “Fee”, consists of two parts: home office overhead and profit.  Home office overhead covers the costs of home office space, salaries and burdens of home office personnel, and all other costs associated with running a business.  It typically runs about 8% of the cost of the field work, including project overhead.  Profit varies by job and typically runs 4-6% of the cost of the field work, including project overhead.  Markup does not result in “double-dipping.”

The Markup percentage for General Conditions is the same as that for the sub-contracted portions of the project.  Once a definitive budget and schedule are obtained, the Markup becomes a set dollar amount, changed only through approved Change Orders.

How is the church billed for General Conditions?
The cost of General Conditions is invoiced in equal monthly amounts based on the project schedule.  

Are General Conditions & Markup fixed?  When?
Yes, these are fixed at the time the Refined Pre-Construction Estimate (RPE) is prepared.  However, these may change through approved Change Orders.

Why does Teamway mark up General Conditions?
General Conditions or project overhead is billed essentially at cost.  It is as much a part of accomplishing the project as the sub-contracted work and is charged by all contractors.  Teamway believes the cost of our approach is average in the industry.

What is Teamway’s Fee based on?
The fee is based on the lowest reasonable bids.  It also includes Teamway’s projected expenses for General Conditions.

Why is Teamway’s Fee Fixed?
Fixing the fee on the lowest reasonable bids removes the conflict of interest that a sliding fee would create.  For example, if Item A costs $5.00 and Item B costs $6.00, there would be a temptation to select Item B if Teamway’s fee were based on the cost of the actual item selected.  At 12%, that would result in a 20% increase in profit for Teamway.  Teamway wants to represent the best interests of the church in every circumstance, thus the need to avoid the conflict of interest.

What is Teamway’s Incentive to save money during design?
Teamway and the church are best served when the project can be realized.  This doesn’t happen if the design is overly expensive, and the church can’t afford to proceed with the project.

What is Teamway’s Incentive to save money during construction?
There are four key reasons: 1) to honor our word; 2) to save money so the church will refer us to others; 3) to look good to accountants; and 4) to honor the Lord through helping the church save money for use in ministry.

What is the RPE?  How is it developed?  What is presented in the RPE?  How long does it take to prepare the RPE?
The RPE is the Refined Pre-Construction Estimate.  

It is developed by selecting the lowest acceptable bids for each of the trades.  Then, Teamway’s General Conditions is added to the low bids and the fee is computed.  

During the presentation, the low bids, General Conditions, and the fee are presented to the church in report format.  While not presented, the Project Manager has the information from all of the bidders available in case of questions or if the church wants to see the actual bid documents.

The actual bidding process takes 3-4 weeks, followed by 1 week to assemble the bids, prepare the report, and present it to the church.  This represents a total bid period of 4-5 weeks.

Does the Project Manager do the RPE?
Not necessarily.  The RPE is prepared early in the project, and is done by a Teamway Representative.  The decision on assignment of the actual Project Manager is made later when the schedule is firmed.

How does the bidding process work?
Teamway saturates the market with the project opportunity through telephone calls to potential sub-contractors, internet marketing (e.g. www.thebluebook.com), reading rooms, and through church participation.  Teamway takes the time to really know the market.

How many bids per trade does Teamway normally receive during bidding?
The number of bids per trade vary.  A minimum of 3 is desired; often 5-7 are obtained.  Note: Masons typically quote per 1000 brick; roofers typically quote per square (100 sq.ft.), requiring that takeoffs be made for these trades.

What does Teamway do with bids received that are not legitimate or reasonable?
They are ignored when the RPE is prepared.  However, in some cases, the Project Manager revisits these to determine if someone just wanted to help the church and therefore turned in a low bid, perhaps for materials only.

How does Teamway select sub-contractors?  Does the church control the selection of subs?
Initially, the sub-contractors with the lowest acceptable prices are selected for determining the RPE without further qualification.  Prior to final selection of subs, Teamway gathers information on the subs by calling references, visiting facilities installed by the subs, calling banks as necessary, checking on crew sizes and availability, talking with major suppliers as to payment history and purchase quantity, and talking with the church.  

The church has full control, if they so desire.  For example, the church may have information on a specific sub which Teamway does not have, resulting in its preferring to go with a sub who bid higher.

With whom are the sub-contractors contracted?
The sub-contractors contract directly with the church.

Is Teamway paid more money when or if the church selects a more expensive sub or supplier?
Teamway’s fee is based on the lowest acceptable bids and is changed only by approved Change Orders under the normal CM contract.  The church’s selecting a more expensive sub or supplier would not change Teamway’s fee.  However, were Teamway asked to give a Guaranteed Maximum Price, then a Change Order would be required if the church selected a sub other than the low bidder.

Who negotiates with the subs?
Teamway’s Project Manager negotiates with the subs, as Teamway is the agent of the church.

How do the negotiations with the subs work once they are selected?

The Project Manager negotiates in four areas: 1) payment cycle; 2) bid reduction opportunity; 3) Value Engineering ideas; and 4) reminder that all savings go to church.  The Project Manager makes sure that the subs know Teamway’s fee is fixed and set aside and that we’re endeavoring to get the best price for the church.  A key negotiating factor is that the church will pay by the 10th of each month, and the subs’ money will not be held.  

What is the typical reduction when negotiating with sub-contractors?  Is the cheapest sub always the best choice for the church?
There is no typical reduction.  Actual reductions have varied from 0% to 20% and have come from a combination of negotiation and quirks that happen.  As an agent of the church, Teamway will always be looking out for savings that go directly to the church.

The cheapest sub is not always the best choice.  While Teamway’s fee is based on the lowest acceptable bid, the low bidder may turn out to be someone that Teamway and/or the church would not accept.

What is the importance of the low bid budget?
The low bid budget is the basis for calculating Teamway’s Fee which is then fixed, except for approved Change Orders.  It is also the basis for setting the revised Budget exclusive of approved Change Orders during construction.

How often do Teamway’s projects come in over the low bid budget?
The Budget changes with approved Change Orders.  After appropriately reflecting approved Change Orders, only one project has come in over budget (some 3%-4%).  It was a renovation with an addition – a type of project prone to overrun due to unexpected issues.

Who keeps the savings from negotiating with subs and value engineering?
The church keeps all the savings.  That’s the beauty of the Teamway CM delivery system.

How does a General Contractor arrive at his bid proposal?  Who gets any subsequently identified savings?
The GC will give major sub work (typically HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural) to his favorite subs for pricing.  For the balance, he will use an Estimator.  To these prices, he adds contingency, overhead, and profit in order to arrive at his bid.  If he is awarded the job, he is ethically bound to award the subbed work to those who gave him a price.  This is quite different from Teamway’s approach in which the market is flooded with requests to bid in order to obtain the most competitive pricing.  

The GC keeps all savings that are later realized.
 
How much does a General Contractor mark up his bid proposal?
No one knows, as that information is held tightly by the GC.  However, the reference book value for the combination of markup, General Conditions, and contingency is approximately 25% of the aggregate trade pricing.  Contractors wanting to stay in business need 25% or more.

Will Teamway give the church a Guaranteed Maximum Price?
Teamway will give a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), however this changes the relationship with the church.  Teamway will now be working for itself – not the church.  The increase in price will be nominally 3%-5% in addition to any Change Orders.  Teamway will split any savings with the church, computed as GMP + all Change Orders less final cost.

What if the church wants to do a portion of the work?  How will Teamway establish the RPE?
Teamway will not bid this portion of the work as it would be unethical to bid it, knowing that it would not be awarded.  Rather, Teamway will estimate the portion of work and set the fee accordingly.  When this occurs, Teamway would prefer that the affected group be paid for the work…then they donate it back to the church.  This enables the records to reflect the true cost of the facility.  

Sometimes a portion of the work will be done on an “at-cost” basis.  The caution here is that the “at-cost” approach may actually prove to be more expensive than the low bid.

Does Teamway allow volunteer labor?  Do volunteers always save the church money?
Teamway does allow volunteer labor which typically comes from local church people or mission volunteer groups.  However, the church needs to be aware that use of volunteer labor can lead to quality problems with the work, schedule delays, and additional liability exposure for the church.  There may be an offset to anticipated savings in correcting deficiencies such as a poor paint job.  Unless volunteers are available at exactly the right time in the schedule, it may delay completion.  Many volunteers are not accustomed to working off ladders and scaffolds, setting up the potential for safety incidents.  In any event, the volunteer work should be done under the direct supervision of the Teamway Project Manager to ensure the best job possible.

Will Teamway’s Project Manager work in the evenings & Saturdays to oversee volunteer labor?
As a rule, No!  However, there are times when the Project Manager must be there after normal working hours.  An example is during a concrete pour.  The pour may not start until after dark to avoid the heat of the day.

Can the church do “labor only” contracts with the subs?  Can the church purchase the materials directly, instead of the subs providing them?
Yes, to both questions.  In this case, the church is responsible for the materials and must make certain that the right materials, in the appropriate quantities, are ordered at the right time and that they are ready for installation as per the schedule.   If the materials do not match the type and quality that the subs are customarily installing, then warranty issues are a potential problem.  If church-supplied materials are not ready for installation when needed, this could result in added costs and delay of schedule.

How often are sub-contractors paid?  Who pays them?
Typically, once per month.  However, masons, roofers, and occasionally carpenters, will want to be paid weekly.  This is a negotiating point to possibly get a better price from them.
They are paid directly by the church.

How much does Teamway retain from each sub’s billings each pay period?
Teamway withholds a retainage of 10% from each sub’s billing.  This retainage is paid on substantial completion of the sub’s work and must be billed.

What is Front Loading?  How does Teamway stop it?
Front Loading occurs when a sub-contractor’s invoice is based on a completion percentage greater than that supported by actual progress in the field.  The Teamway Project Manager reviews completed work to prevent front loading to the extent possible.

What is a Release of Lien?  What does it do?
A Release of Lien is also known as a Waiver of Lien.  A Release of Lien is required of the sub-contractor at the time of invoice submittal, attesting to his having paid all of his sub-sub-contractors and material suppliers.  Also, a Release of Lien is required from all major suppliers for the affected invoice.

What is the church’s exposure to lien risk?  How does Teamway protect the church from lien risk?
The exposure is about the same for either the GC or CM approach to construction.  If the GC doesn’t pay a sub or a supplier, the sub or supplier will place a lien against the property.  Similarly, if a sub under Teamway’s CM approach doesn’t pay a sub-sub or a material supplier, the damaged party will similarly place a lien against the property.  Teamway protects the church by requiring Waivers of Lien from each of the subs at the time of billing.  Teamway also requires Waivers of Lien from their major suppliers at the time of billing.

Why should the checks be written from the church checking account?
The church contracts with the sub-contractors.  The church’s writing the checks ensures that the sub-contractors will be paid in a timely manner.

What is Teamway’s Change Order process?  Does the church approve Change Orders prior to the work being done?
The proposed change in work is discussed with the church’s contact person and verbally approved by him.  The Teamway Project Manager gives the sub-contractor the OK to proceed with the change, if it involves work in progress for which stoppage would be counter-productive.  As soon as possible, the official Change Order is documented and signed by the church’s contact person or authorized representative.  

What is a positive or negative Change Order?
A Change Order perceived as negative would be a necessary but undesirable change, adding to the cost and/or schedule of the project.  However, were the scope adjusted to include something the church very much wanted, that would also likely add to cost and possibly schedule, but would be perceived as positive.

How is Teamway paid for Change Orders?  Where do Change Orders originate?
When a Change Order is approved, Teamway’s General Conditions and/or Fee change commensurate with the value of the Change Order.  Approved Change Orders also change the Budget for the project.  

A Change Order typically originates from one of three sources: 1) church ordered; 2) government ordered; and 3) due to a conflict in the plans.

How can the church reduce the number of positive and/or negative Change Orders?
Church-ordered Change Orders can be reduced through the church’s and Teamway’s front-end involvement in the conceptual planning and design process to make certain that the church is getting the facility it desires.  Engaging Teamway early on is critical to benefiting from Teamway’s experience and expertise.  The further into construction that a change occurs, the more likely it is to have substantive cost and schedule impact.  Government-ordered Change Orders are generally unforeseen and must simply be addressed at the time.  Change Orders due to a conflict in the plans can be reduced again through Teamway’s early engagement in the project, affording Teamway the opportunity to review the Architect’s plans.

What happens to the balance if the church doesn’t spend any or all of the Contingency Fund?  With a General Contractor, who keeps it?  With Teamway, who keeps it?
The Contingency Fund is a Teamway-recommended set aside for the church in case the project does cost more than planned.  Any amount not spent stays with the church and is available for ministry or other uses.
 
A General Contractor must build contingency into his bid to protect himself against unforeseen circumstances.  That contingency amount is not visible to the church.  The GC takes all the risk, and he keeps any contingency amounts that are not used.

Teamway does not have a Contingency Fund.  Teamway recommends that the church set aside such a fund in its total budget for the project.  Any amount not spent remains with the church.

How often is the budget revised during design and construction?
The Budget is revised based on the RPE and with each approved Change Order during construction.

How often does Teamway meet with the Building Committee during design? & Construction?
During design, Teamway meets with the Building Committee, or other church-designated representatives, on an as-needed basis.  Routine discussions are held by telephone and e-mail.

During construction, there is typically one meeting each month.  The Teamway Project Manager addresses day-to-day issues as they arise with the church-appointed contact.

Does Teamway use all local labor?
A qualified yes.  The construction labor is sourced in the general area; Teamway does not import labor from outside this area.  On the purchasing side, the extent of supply is national.

Can Teamway require subs to be bonded?  Can Teamway be bonded?
Generally, subs are not bonded.  If the church or its lending institution requires bonding, then the church will incur added costs.  As a CM, Teamway is not bondable since it is not making any payments.

What is “Value Engineering?”
Value Engineering is an analysis tool used to achieve needed functionality at lowest life-cycle cost without sacrificing safety, desired aethestics, etc.  For example, a Value Engineering assessment of an HVAC system with a 20 year life expectancy might lead to a recommendation for System B (higher initial price, lower annual maintenance cost) instead of System A (lower initial price; higher annual maintenance cost).  Loosely speaking, Value Engineering may also simply entail the replacement of a material or component of higher cost with something of lower cost whose functionality is acceptable.  In any event, Teamway’s desire is to deliver a first-class facility to the church.

What is CM, GC, DB, DIY, and MEP?
These are acronyms as follows: CM - Construction Management; GC - General Contractor; DB - Design-Build; DIY - Do-It-Yourself; and MEP - Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing.

What is Teamway’s warranty?  What is the sub-contractor’s warranty?
Teamway does not provide a warranty; each sub-contractor does.  Each sub-contractor’s warranty for labor is one year.  Warranties on equipment are manufacturers’ warranties and vary in duration, but are typically for one year.  Regardless of warranty period, Teamway will stand by the church in its efforts to rectify warranty issues since we want the church’s future referrals.  Teamway has repaired work completed as far back as 7 years.  Constructing churches is a ministry, and we stand behind our work to relieve churches of this burden.

We understand that this is not an exhaustive list.  You may have thought of other questions we should have listed.  The main idea, however, is who is on your side?  Who sits beside you and helps you maintain Control over your project?  Who helps you gain the Knowledge about your project that will enable you to make wise decisions?  And what firm will negotiate tirelessly to save money…and give the Savings back to you, the Church?  There may be others, but we only know of one…Teamway Builders.

We hope this list will save you time, headaches, money, and provide the best facility possible for the money and time you will invest.

Your Friends at Teamway Builders, Inc.