Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ecclesia Construction do?
Ecclesia Construction is a full-service, design-build general contractor headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We deliver ministry, commercial, industrial, educational, and adaptive reuse projects throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and the broader Southeast. From concept to completion, we help you align your facility with your mission, budget, and timeline.
Where do you work?
We are based in Rock Hill, SC, and regularly serve clients across the Carolinas and the surrounding Southeast. Many of our projects are in the greater Charlotte region, but we also work in growing communities throughout North and South Carolina and, when the fit is right, in neighboring states. If you’re not sure whether your project is in our service area, just ask—we’re happy to let you know quickly.
Who typically hires Ecclesia?
A large portion of our work is for churches and ministry organizations—new worship centers, campus expansions, and renovations. We also partner with schools, nonprofits, developers, and commercial and industrial owners on offices, logistics facilities, mixed-use spaces, and adaptive reuse projects. Whether you’re a church plant, an established ministry, or a business owner, our process is designed to meet you where you are and walk with you through the entire journey.
Are you a design-build firm or a traditional general contractor?
We are a design-build general contractor. That means we prefer to come alongside you early, help you assemble the right design team, and lead a coordinated process from vision through construction. We also regularly work in more traditional delivery models—such as construction manager at risk or as a general contractor with an outside architect—when that’s the best fit for your project. The common denominator is an open-book, partnership-driven approach.
When should we involve Ecclesia in our project?
The earlier, the better. Early involvement allows us to help you right-size your budget, evaluate sites or existing buildings, and avoid costly missteps before drawings and contracts go too far down the road. Even if you’re still in the “dreaming and praying” stage, a conversation now can save you time and money later.
What is your process from the first conversation to a completed project?
Our process is built around partnership rather than “bid and hope.” It typically begins with an initial call or Vision Casting meeting where we listen, ask questions, and clarify your goals. From there, we move into a collaborative planning and preconstruction phase where we develop budgets, schedules, and design solutions together. Once the plan is set, we manage the build with clear communication, regular updates, and a focus on safety, quality, and stewardship throughout close-out.
How much does a project cost?
Cost depends on many factors—size, site conditions, complexity, finishes, market conditions, and whether we’re building new, expanding, or renovating. Rather than throwing out generic square-foot numbers and hoping they fit, we prefer to sit down with you, understand your ministry or business needs, and build a realistic budget together. Our preconstruction process is open-book, so you can see where every dollar is going and make informed decisions with real numbers—not guesses.
How long will our project take?
Timelines vary by project type and scope. A smaller renovation may take only a few months from permit to turnover, while a new ground-up facility or major campus expansion may take a year or more from design through completion. During preconstruction, we develop a detailed schedule that includes design, permitting, procurement, and construction so you know what to expect. Our goal is always the same: finish safely, on time, and with as few surprises as possible.
Can we stay in our building while construction is happening?
In many cases, yes. We regularly phase projects so churches can continue holding services, schools can stay in session, or businesses can keep operating while work is underway. This often involves creative scheduling, temporary partitions, and clear safety plans to separate construction areas from occupied areas. During planning, we’ll talk through what staying operational looks like, what may need to be temporarily relocated, and how we can minimize disruption for your people.
Can you help us decide between renovating, expanding, or building new?
Absolutely. This is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make, and it’s not always obvious from the outside. We can help you compare the cost, timeline, and ministry or business impact of each path—renovation, expansion, or new construction—based on your current facility, site, and long-term goals. Sometimes the best answer is a creative adaptive reuse of an existing building; other times it’s a phased master plan for a new campus. Our role is to give you clear options and wise counsel, not push you toward any one solution.
How do you handle budgeting, bids, and transparency?
Our approach is open-book. During preconstruction, we develop detailed estimates and solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers. We share the numbers with you so you can see the scope, assumptions, and pricing behind the budget. As we move toward a final contract value, we work with you to prioritize needs and wants, identify value-engineering opportunities, and protect appropriate contingencies so the project can weather the real-world variables that come with construction.
What does Ecclesia do to ensure safety and quality on-site?
We take safety personally—for our team, our trade partners, and your people. Our field leadership is trained in industry-standard safety practices, and we develop project-specific safety plans, hold regular safety meetings, and enforce rules consistently. Quality is guarded through experienced superintendents, clear scopes of work, and continuous coordination among the design team, subcontractors, and our project managers. The end goal is the same on every job: a safe site and a building we’re proud to put our name on, and you’re proud to put your ministry or business in.
What does it cost to start the conversation with Ecclesia?
Nothing. Ecclesia Construction does not charge for preconstruction services, and we would love to talk with you.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. You can reach us by phone, email, or through the contact form on our website—whatever is easiest for you. Tell us a bit about your church, ministry, school, or organization and what you’re dreaming about. From there, we’ll schedule a conversation to listen, ask questions, and help you decide if now is the right time—and if we’re the right partner—for your project. Ecclesia Construction+1