Walker Risk Management, Inc. - Expanding the reach of the Church

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Once the feasibility study has been completed and the project budget has been established, the contract document phase begins. The Architect and Engineers, using the budget guidelines, complete the project design and ready the plans to submit for permit. Throughout the design process regular meetings are held to keep the Church informed and involved. We assist with the selection of finish materials, colors, equipment and systems.

We assist the Church in negotiations with lending institutions by providing budget information, design information, contractor qualifications, bonding issues and funding schedules. We use and maintain AIA documents acceptable to nearly every lender in the country. Our process of documenting the project's history is unmatched by anyone. Every step taken is documented in writing so that later in the project no-one need rely on their recollection of verbal directions. Although we work in this religious environment the construction of a Church has to be managed with business savvy.

We use good contractors that are financially stable and able to bond their portion of the project. At the completion of the design phase we prepare scopes of work for every major trade item. The contractors are involved in developing a complete scope of work. This reduces the amount of change orders throughout the project. Every trade item is competitively bid and at least three prices are received. This information is cataloged and submitted to the Church. We provide recommendations but the Church makes the final decisions. Once the contractors and suppliers are engaged CPM scheduling is used to control the construction process. Scheduling updates are done on a monthly basis so that potential delays are discovered as early as possible so that steps can be taken to mitigate project delays and change orders.

All contract billings are accompanied by contractor invoices so that the Church knows where every dollar is going. Throughout the design and construction process one of the top priorities is to save the Church money. Cost saving ideas are presented to the Church for consideration and any savings revert back to the Church. Documents such as insurance certificates, bonds and lien releases are maintained and are tied to payments to the contractors so that the Church is covered every step of the way. We work with local inspectors to ensure that all work has been done not only in accordance with plans and specifications but to meet all building codes and jurisdictional requirements. At all times we realize that the building belongs to the Church and the Church must be satisfied. No payments will be made until the work is approved by the Church.

We assist the Church during project closeout by providing cataloged warranties, bonds, guarantees, etc., to enable the Church to maintain the building in the future. At all times we work for the Church and the Church's best interest is our only interest.