Churches often have a lot of inefficient use of space. Most spaces are used only once or twice a week. Many space problems can be solved by tighter scheduling, rather than new construction.

Churches also have extra spaces. These are spaces that are no longer used, or large rooms used for minor functions. After making large additions, many churches fail to renovate the older spaces to make them suited for new uses. In one church the old sanctuary was turned into a "chapel" for which there was no conceivable need. It became a storage area for old furniture. Other problems are with the quality of the space rather than the amount of space.

A number of churches operate basement child-care areas. In one church a child thought that the basement classrooms looked like something from "Scooby-Doo!" Using basement spaces for much needed classes seemed like a good idea thirty years ago, but thirty year old concrete block room is not a way to attract new members.

For example, an attic youth center with no windows and no air conditioning is also useless. For many churches doing a thorough renovation--revitalizing existing spaces, making them bright, light and airy-- is what is needed. New construction is not always required. Improving the existing construction, rather than adding on, can often produce the desired result.