New resources: Surveys and Architects - what to commission and when?

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If your church is exploring the possibility of developing affordable housing, an important early step is to assess whether the site is viable for development. This often involves commissioning surveys and appointing an architect — but knowing what is genuinely required at this early stage can be difficult.

Which surveys are essential, and which can wait? What should you ask an architect to do before committing significant funds? And how can you be confident that early spending is proportionate while you are still testing feasibility?

To support church groups through this stage, the Archbishop’s Council Housing Project has produced two new practical resources:

• Surveys: Why, What and When? explains the key surveys typically needed early in a development project, why they are required, and when they are most useful.

• Architect’s Brief is a practical template for seeking fee quotes from architects. It focuses on the essential work needed to assess development potential and helps keep early costs under control.

Together, these resources will help you focus early investment on the right activities and support a robust feasibility and viability assessment.

Download these resources on the Templates page.