On wrote :
Most trades, unless part of the congregation, will probably put 10% on
their bill to cover the palarva of dealing with churches:
* endless declaring of penury and wanting a cheaper quote
* odd phone calls and queries from the "committee" over a 10 month
period while they cogitate - decisions never happen quickly
* god help you if it's installation of new equipment - this will get the
congregation involved, all of whom will object in the strongest possible
terms to *anything* being done (and who usually find they actually like
it after the event)
* being overseen on the day - some ancient retired chap with waaaaay too
much time on their hands who will stare unspeakingly or start digging
through your toolbox to find something to help him fix something else in
the place
The best story I heard was from when comparing notes with a chap
refitting PA kit in our local. A church had phoned him up wanting to
know if a quote they'd had was still valid - *seven years* on.

Yes, I recognise these. 40 years back in my old church we had a member who
owned a building firm and after a while he declined to take on any church
work. His issue was
* "While you're here can you fix ...". The tradies, knowing that the boss
was a church member didn't think it appropriate to say no, and he didn't
feel comfortable asking to be paid for unapproved work.

--
Tony Bryer, Greentram: 'Software to build on',
Melbourne, Australia www.greentram.com