Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 :: How much do church construction drawings usually cost?

 :: How can savings like this be real.  Isn't this too good to be true?

 :: What is the difference between concept drawing and construction drawings?

 :: How do I purchase the construction drawings?

 :: How do I get changes made to the plan?

 :: What is AutoCad^®?

 :: Are you a licensed Architect in my state?

 :: How do I know these plans will meet building code?

 :: Can I use the plans "as-is" to build?

How much do church construction drawings usually cost?

Church building plans are priced a variety of different ways.  Some architects charge a percentage of the project costs, some by the square foot and some a flat fee.  Prices also vary greatly from one part of the country to another.  Large metropolitan areas usually have higher costs than rural or small town areas.  Regardless of the formula, it would not be unreasonable for market rates to average 5-7% of construction costs or in the neighborhood of $6 per square foot for building plans.   For a 10,000 sf building, this could place design and plans cost in the $60,000 to $90,000 range.  We encourage you to pick up the phone and call some architects that have a track record of designing churches and ask them how they price and request a high low range of prices.  You  may find someone that will do it less expensively than the averages presented here.  Averages are just that, averages of a range of prices; some higher - some lower.  In any case we know that our plan prices, even with modifications are lower than any realistic price for designed from scratch plans.

How can savings like this be real.  Isn't this too good to be true?

No, it is not too good to be true.  You are being introduced to a new way of pricing church building plans that reflects the advantage of the digital design age.  You should not have to pay full price for plans that have already been created -it's that simple.  By buying stock plans, you avoid having to pay for a large part of the design process, which greatly reduces the design cost.

What is the difference between concept drawing and construction drawings?

We offer your church the ability to search and view concept drawings on this web site for purchase and download from our on-line plan directory. These drawings are also referred to design drawings or construction design drawings.  They are conceptual drawings that communicate the size, shape, dimensions and general design.  Once the church has decided on a drawing they like, we will sell the working drawings, (construction drawings) to your church upon receipt of a completed order form.  These construction drawings are provided on CD or DVD in the industry standard AutoCad format, ready for any architect to load into their computer and modify.

What is AutoCad?

AutoCad^® is the industry standard computer aided design software from AutoDesk.  This insures that any architect will be able to open and use the drawings we provide.

How do I purchase the construction drawings?

Your organization (church, construction company or architectural firm) will complete a Plan Order Form which you will fax or mail to ABL Architecture.  Upon receipt we will review your order and invoice you for the plans.  Upon payment, your plans will be delivered via Priority mail on CD or DVD.

Can I use the plans "as-is" to build?

While these plans were probably used to build another church, they are not ready to be used "as-is" for two primary reasons.  The first is that you will almost certainly want to make some changes to the plans.  The second is that building codes change (and the interpretation of those codes varies) over time and from area to area.  To be used for construction the plans will need to be modified and "sealed" by an architect licensed in the state in which the plans will be built.  Additionally, the plans will need the addition of plumbing, mechanical, and electrical engineering as well as site plans and/or civil engineering.  In this respect, stock plans do not differ from plans developed from scratch. 

How do I get changes made to the plan?

Changes to your church plans may vary from merely changing a few room dimensions to major restructuring of the floor plan.  Regardless of the degree of change, all modifications must be made an architect licensed in the state in which the plans will be built.  We would be pleased to offer our services to modify the plans (usually quicker and cheaper) or you can use your own architect or engineer.  The plans are delivered in AutoCad format, so any enginner or architect can easily modify our stock plans.

Are you a licensed Architect in my state?

ABL architecture is licensed in several states.  Let us know where you are located and we will be able to tell you the licensing status for that state.

How do I know these plans will meet building code?

As is, the plans have a low probability for meeting the local interpretation of building codes in that locale.  Building codes change on a regular basis, and they also vary from area to area.  All plans must be reviewed and probably modified in some way to become compliant with current local building codes, however, the amount of change required is often minimal.