Findlay, Ohio-based Lighthouse Church had an 11-acre lot and a dream of an 18,000-square-foot ministry center. 

More than that, the church wanted a building that could be easily expanded in the future. 

After a prolonged capital campaign to fund construction, Lighthouse hired Clouse Construction to transform its dream into a reality.

“Clouse Construction has built tons of buildings all over the region—they’re well known as a quality contractor,” church elder Larry Seawell says. “Before we hired them, we talked to a few different contractors. Then we put the plan in front of Clouse and concluded they had a good network of local contractors and the best capacity to finish the building on time.”

Seawell interfaced with the company throughout the process, serving as the church’s spokesperson and project manager for the build. 

“When we began, we had a plan for the building, and we hired an engineering firm to convert that into engineering drawings,” he says. “Clouse Construction entered into that process, and they offered thoughtful suggestions for alterations as the plan was being engineered. When we got to the actual building phase, we had a good plan in place.”

The plan continued to evolve during the build. 

“Clouse Construction made revisions or suggestions throughout the process,” Seawell explains. “For instance, they recommended spray foam insulation inside the walls. You can’t see it, and it didn’t cost a lot of money, but it made an enormous difference in the energy efficiency of the building.”

During the process, the church also indicated that it needed guidance regarding the audiovisual aspects of the worship space in the building. 

“We were interested in acoustics and clear sound,” he says. “So Clouse Construction recommended an outside firm with expertise in audio, visuals, and lighting, and we hired them. Then they were a part of the process—working with Clouse Construction and working with us.”

But the firm was not alone in advising the church about acoustics.

“Clouse Construction suggested we install eight inches of loose, unfaced insulation above perforated sound panels on the ceiling for sound deadening, and with the right R value for insulation,” Seawell says. 

As the project progressed, Clouse Construction and its subcontractors worked together—sometimes with as many as 40 workers onsite—to complete the build.

“It’s a really solid team,” he says. “There were plumbers over here and HVAC guys over there, and then electricians over there—and somehow they stayed out of each other’s way. It’s like making a big puzzle. You have to get all the right pieces going at the right time in the right places, and they are masters at it.” 

When it came to deadlines, Clouse Construction hit its projected target with no trouble.

“They told us it would take 11 months, and it took 11 months,” he says. “We had our first service in the building on the 29th of January this year.”

While the build is done, the church plans to expand the ministry center in the future. 

“This building was intended to be easily expandable,” Seawell says. “That was part of the design plan. When we are ready to expand, we’ll bring Clouse Construction in for design and construction. That’s what we’ll do next time.” 

When reflecting on the project as a whole, Seawell says, “We ended up with a building we’re really happy with. Clouse Construction listens well, and they were so attuned to our dream for the building. They’re just a really, really solid partner in construction for us.”

If you are searching for a knowledgeable, local design-build contractor for your next project, reach out to Clouse Construction. Click “Get Started” at the top of this page so we can transform your dream building into a reality. 

We are ready to help you realize your vision and use our expertise to make it even better than you imagined. Let’s talk—your dream build awaits!