Things to consider when planning for adaptations:

• what the change will achieve
• how it will fit with the mission of the church
• what the financial impacts will be, for example, running costs, additional income, environmental sustainability
• how the need has been identified – this might be through carrying out community consultation or a parish audit
• what other options have been considered
• why the preferred option is the one chosen.

Funding may be available to help finance the project. You can find details of funding options on our Grants page.

Professional input should used to assist in developing proposals. In the case of a listed church building, a conservation-accredited architect is required. An excellent toolkit, Crossing the Threshold, contains case studies and advice to help you plan a successful church-building project.

Whatever the project might be, it is often a good idea to liaise with other churches that have undertaken something similar in their church building. This can provide insight into your own proposals and what the process might look like.

Lack of maintenance leads to the deterioration of church building fabric, so carrying out routine maintenance tasks can help to avoid, or at least postpone, expensive and disruptive major repairs.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) estimates that £1 spent on maintenance today will save £20 on future repairs.

Maintenance must be carried out in a way that will not damage historic fabric, and so the appropriate professionals must be used. More basic maintenance tasks may be carried out by volunteers, as long as they are competently trained.

At its simplest, maintenance involves considering the needs of the building and then deciding the best course of action. Critically looking at your church building on a regular basis will help you better understand it and quickly identify any changes or problems. A systematic internal and external inspection should be undertaken yearly, starting at a high level and working down the building, recording observations for action and future reference.

Tools to assist with the inspection:

• Binoculars to see problems at high levels.
• Pocket mirror to view behind downpipes.
• Torch for looking into voids/underside of ceilings or eaves.
• Digital camera to make a photographic record.
• Screwdriver to probe gently into any timber to check its condition (very soft timber may indicate decay).

Top tips for keeping your church building in good condition:

• Inspect gutters and downpipes for blockages and leaks – this is best done during heavy rain.
• Look for slipped / missing tiles. Keep a record of where tiles have slipped as clusters may indicate a bigger problem.
• Check junction defects in metal flashing, as this can allow water ingress.
• Inspect walls and check mortar joints. Repairs need to be done with appropriate materials e.g lime-based materials for historic buildings.
• Avoid soil build-up to the base of walls. This will trap moisture and cause decay.
• Keep ventilation grills/bricks clear and open windows on dry days to let moisture escape.
• Clear gullies of debris.
• Keep planting away from the building to avoid damaging walls, and blocking gutters and drains.
• Check plumbing for leaks and attend to them quickly. Ensure pipes are lagged.
• Undertake regular service of electrical and gas installations by appropriately qualified tradespeople.
• Devise a maintenance plan, a schedule of the building’s elements, and their maintenance requirements. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) produced this template and maintenance calendar to assist with this.

Carrying out these basic tasks should not require a faculty, but further information on faculty jurisdiction can be found in this section.

Adherence to health and safety is paramount when carrying out inspections and maintenance tasks. A health and safety policy should be in place and risk assessment undertaken before doing any work. Working at a high level should be avoided, and generally contracted out to qualified contractors (Ecclesiastical Insurance provides guidance on this).

Every five years, the church will need to arrange a Quinquennial Inspection on each church building by an appointed inspecting architect. The report will detail the condition of the fabric of the building inside and outside, check the gas, electric and fire appliances, and ensure the certificates are up to date.

The report is sent to the church, with additional copies sent to the diocese and the Archdeacon. It will highlight any work that is required, what it might cost and the approximate time it should take to complete.

Whilst it is the responsibility of each parish to arrange this with their architect, the diocese will pay the fee for a Quinquennial Report.

A Statement of Significance should include:

• Grading – date of listing and list description.
• Historical origins, significant benefactors, architects, craftsmen.
• The building’s landmark value and its contribution to local character.
• How the building has altered and changed over time, including notable internal additions.
• Details of churchyard (listed memorials), landscape setting and tree preservation orders.

The Statement of Significance will develop understanding of the building and increase awareness of its importance.

A Statement of Need should set out:

• What are you trying to achieve.
• The benefits of what you are wanting to achieve.
• How this fit with the mission of the church.
• The financial impact of the proposal – running costs, additional income generated, environmental sustainability, staffing.
• Timing – why now?
• Context – future demographic changes, existing provision in the area.
• Evidence – how do you know there is a need? 
• Options – what alternatives have been considered.