Author: robintek

  • Kitchen Remodel + More in New Albany OH

    Kitchen Remodel + More in New Albany OH

    Project Spotlight: The layout of this suburban home’s kitchen and family room (built in 2004) was no longer working for the owners, a busy family of four with two teenagers. The Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company created a new open concept floor plan that is more functional and a better fit for their lifestyle.

    The original layout of the kitchen, a large u-shape, had disconnected workspaces with small sections of countertops. The clients disliked the location of the cooktop on the undersized island. A small pass-thru window into the family room afforded some connection to the kitchen but the homeowners desired a more open concept design. Along with the kitchen remodel, upgrades were also made to the existing family room, mainly the fireplace and staircase.

    As Built & Demo Plan

    Design-Build Plans Solve Issues

    Removing the wall between the kitchen and family room not only opened up both of the spaces but also brought more natural light into the kitchen. The new kitchen layout has more continuous countertop workspaces but also features a much larger island with storage and seating for four. All the appliances were relocated for workspace efficiency and upgraded to larger models with more features including a new gas range. An appliance “garage” contains a coffee-tea bar and microwave that can be hidden when not in use.

    Natural white oak wood accents throughout the new spaces like the range hood, pantry doors and fireplace mantles.

    New Floorplan

    Along with the remodel of the kitchen, the family room also received significant upgrades. The open staircase to the second floor was brought to new life with paint colors that pull accent colors from the kitchen. The two-sided fireplace features the same mantle, facade and hearth in the family room and the kitchen which marries the two spaces nicely.

    Watch this Video Tour!

    To learn more about this project, read the magazine article featured on the cover of HouseTrends!

  • 5 Ways to Practice Bathroom Water Efficiency

    5 Ways to Practice Bathroom Water Efficiency

    Do you love an extra-long shower? Do you leave the water running the whole time you brush your teeth? Your bathroom is a major source of water use—from flushing the toilet and taking a shower, to brushing your teeth. Additionally, most bathrooms are filled with products that aren’t as eco-friendly as we would like.

    Are you trying to conserve water in your home or working to be kind to the earth? We have put together a list of ways to conserve water and design ideas to create an eco-friendly bathroom. If we all do a little bit, we will make a significant difference!

    Reduce Your Use of Water in Your Bathroom

    1. Install Low-Flow shower heads and reduce overall shower time (we know, this one is really hard!). Shower plumbing has come a long way and newer low-flow shower heads do not mean reduced water pressure. Aim for one that has a flow rate of around 2.5 gallons a minute as compared to a standard one with a flow rate of 3 to 4 gallons a minute.
    2. Installing aerators on your faucets will help reduce the amount of water used. An aerator mixes the water with air, creating an efficient, smooth flow of water. This, combined with turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving, will significantly cut down on water usage. Watch this video for easy aerator installation!
    3. A dual flush toilet can save a good deal of water in a year. Did you know that toilets use approximately 27% of the water consumed in a home? If installing a new toilet isn’t an option, there are several DIY options available for items you can put in your toilet tank to conserve water.
    4. Tankless water heaters only heat the water when needed, which reduces the consumption of energy as well as the cost to heat the water. A family of 5 living in Columbus, Ohio would need a 10 GPM gas or 27 kW electric tankless heater. This might be something to consider when remodeling your home!
    5. Ditch the large garden or built-in soaking tubs for a free-standing tub, that takes up less space and uses less water. This will cut down on the amount of water needed for a bath. Read our blog about removing garden tubs!

    Designing an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

    What can you do to make your bathroom a bit more sustainable and environmentally friendly? Even just implementing a few of these ideas could help the planet.

    Product Choices

    • Find some beautiful reusable glass, plastic, or bamboo containers for your shampoo and soap. You buy them once and just refill as needed. Even better, take them to a store that offers refillable products.
    • Switch to shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars for hair and body care, instead of products in plastic bottles.
    • Use bamboo toothbrushes (most are 100% biodegradable-just throw them away, but not inside a plastic bag) to cut down on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and the ocean.
    • A hard one to make the switch to for some of us, switch to a responsibly-sourced toilet paper, which is more sustainable and made with materials that are better for the environment.

    Room Design Options

    • Reclaimed wood cabinets are an environmentally friendly idea. Use FSC-certified wood for a more sustainable product.
    • Consider using materials for countertops and cabinets like glass, bamboo, stone, concrete, or tile as part of your design. These materials are part of a more sustainable plan.
    • Low-wattage exhaust fans still do the job, but at a lower wattage and better energy efficiency. What an easy change to make in any bathroom!
    • A skylight can let in loads of natural light, which cuts down on energy usage—you don’t need the lights on during the day or on a moonlit night.
    • Go sustainable with VOC-free paint (to cut down on chemicals), sustainable flooring, such as cork, bamboo, or eco-friendly concrete, and install LED lighting.
    • Add living plants to your bathroom. Plants that thrive in low-light and warm climates will thrive in a bathroom. They help clean the air and provide your bathroom with beauty and serenity.

    Being eco-friendly isn’t always less expensive, so maybe start with a few items you can get behind and work towards more changes. If we can all just start with something, we will make a difference.

    Our award-winning Design Team is here to help you navigate your remodeling journey, in any way we can. Contact us today to get started on your bathroom remodel!

  • First Floor Remodel & More

    First Floor Remodel & More

    Lindsey and Richard bought their 100-year-old Bexley home nine years ago, with the intention to remodel it over time. In 2018, they started the process, talked with another company, and received some estimates. Thinking they knew what the budget could be for what they wanted, they soon realized HGTV was not an accurate representation of their desired plan. They decided to think about it, and then COVID-19 hit. With Richard home more, they both realized that the renovation had to happen to make their home work for their family. The rest is history…

    Q & A with Lindsey & Richard Bexley, OH

    What was the goal for your remodel?

    Our house was a mess! We needed better flow, more space, and more storage. It needed updated and brought into this century. The entire first floor was a priority, as was the upstairs primary bathroom. And we found out after demolition began, that our home was also unsafe!

    An addition from the 90’s wasn’t structurally sound so they installed a beam to make it safe. Also, the entire electrical system was installed to replace all the original knob and tube.

    What feature of your remodeled spaces are your favorite?

    The closets (pantry & bedroom) are a favorite—I just love them! The new kitchen brings a lot to our life as a family. We have sightlines for every area and now it’s fun to entertain. Richard loves our primary bath. Our old one was so bad I refused to use it. It’s nice that we can both enjoy this gorgeous primary en suite now.

    What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of remodeling their home?

    • Be ready for surprises!
    • Know what realistic budgets are. We had no idea what we were getting into with our house due to its age and unexpected issues.
    • Roll with the changes, be flexible, and be prepared.

    Take a Tour of this Remodel!

    The Cleary Company Remodel Difference

    Why did you choose The Cleary Company for your remodeling projects?

    When we were ready to begin the process, we spoke with three companies. The Cleary Company was the only one that asked us about our lives, what we wanted out of a remodel, whether we entertained a lot and whether we wanted it formal or informal. Robert noticed things other companies didn’t see, like our window air conditioning units in the 2nd floor windows. Even with a new HVAC system installed two years ago, the house was still hot in the summer and cold in winter. Robert said they could fix that. That comment helped to seal the deal for us!

    The extra level of getting to know us and who we are was a game-changer for us. The Cleary Company took the time to listen and get to know us, making our experience with them more personal. Now we have a dual-zone HVAC air system that we are in love with, and the home is the correct temperature year-round. We don’t think we would have gotten that, along with all of the room renovations, with another company.

    What was your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company?

    I really liked the design process and picking out the materials and items. I found it to be really fun, even though I know some people might find it overwhelming. Our Designer took the time to get to know us well enough that our selection meetings were a breeze. All of the designs are aligned with our lifestyle and preferences.

    Just for Fun!

    If you were asked to explain in one word why you choose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would it be?

    Clarity! From day one everything was clear and spelled out for us.

    Would you recommend The Cleary Company?

    Yep-absolutely. Everyone we had contact with was great! We have a meeting with Robert soon to get started on our next project.

    Want to Learn More?

    Working with our clients is like working with family. We work hard to get to know you through collaboration to design and build a home that works for you. We are honored to be part of our clients’ lives, during the remodel and beyond!

    Contact us today to discuss your remodeling project!

  • Top 5 Bathroom Products for Your Remodel

    Top 5 Bathroom Products for Your Remodel

    Everyone has a Top 5 list, right? Top 5 restaurants, books, places to vacation, breweries, sports teams, etc. Just like you, our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company, in Columbus, OH, has Top 5 lists. We’re sharing ours for bathroom products!

    This Top 5 list highlights some of the tried-and-true go-to items favored by the collaborative relationship between our Design Team and clients. We enjoy being creative, thinking outside of the box, and making our clients’ visions come to life.

    Our Top 5 Bathroom Products…in no particular order

    Bathroom Addition in Attic Suite – Bexley OH
    1. Frameless Shower—The options for showers are endless but we prefer the custom glass shower enclosures. Aesthetically frameless showers create unobstructed views with no bulky frames and complement almost any design style. Our clients like them for easier maintenance! Since the glass makes direct contact with tile or porcelain panel, it eliminates the build-up in the metal track of its framed counterpart.
    2. Bidet Toilet Seat—This product can be added on to your existing or new toilet! Kohler has a variety of styles and options to choose from. Although used widely in European and Asian countries bidets are not as commonly used in the United States. The benefits of having a bidet are not only personal but environmental! Cleansing with water can be a cleaner, more refreshing alternative to toilet paper alone, plus potentially limit germ spread, and allow you to use less or completely eliminate the use of toilet paper.
    3. Lighted Mirror—Backlit and lighted mirrors are stunning, and they can give any area a modern, sophisticated vibe. Both will provide enough lighting for grooming by illuminating the face with a diffuse, even light. LED lights, rather than incandescent lights, are used in most backlit mirrors. As a result, they will consume less energy and last a long time. Robern is our favorite brand!
    4. Cambria Quartz—Where do we even begin? No matter what look our clients want, Cambria quartz products will make a splash. We’ve installed many Cambria bathroom countertops and benches over the years and when they launched their wall cladding, we couldn’t wait to install it on shower walls! Our clients love that they are hygienic, grout-free and low maintenance.
    5. Shower Niche—Prefabricated and custom niches from Schluter are a hit with everyone! Designers like them because they’re easily adaptable to their tile designs. Our Production Team trusts their Kerdi-Board for waterproofing and vapor barrier management. And our clients like the additional storage in their showers.
    Custom Tile Shower – Hilliard OH

    Shop for These Products!

    When you hire Our Remodel-Design-Build Team, we’ll collaborate with you to create a bathroom that works for your lifestyle. We use the best materials from the best suppliers in the industry!

    Our preferred vendors include Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Midwest Quartz, Carr Supply, Custom Elite Glass, and Hamilton Parker. These companies provide us with the best service, quality products, and attention to detail.

    Contact us today to get started on your next bathroom remodel!

  • Remodel Right – Your Home Deserves It!

    Remodel Right – Your Home Deserves It!

    The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus OH knows that beginning a home remodeling project might feel overwhelming, but when you work with the right company it should be a TEAM effort! We aim to take the uncertainty out of your home renovation. With our experience and expertise, we can help make any project seem less daunting. Our Design-Build Team shares some home remodeling tips to help guide and prepare you through your next remodel.

    Planning a Design-Build Remodel? So where do you start?

    Do your research

    Drive around your neighborhood and see who’s working in the area. Ask neighbors, family and friends for referrals. Once you have a list of several companies visit their websites, and narrow your list to those you want to contact.

    Hire a professional

    Certifications and memberships in local & national trade organizations show that a remodeler invests in continuing education and earns positive customer references. When hiring a professional, it is most important to find a remodeler you can trust and are comfortable communicating with.

    Visit a job site

    Ask for references and contact them. See what a project in construction looks like. The best remodelers maintain clean & organized work sites and welcome your visit.

    Remember the big picture

    Be honest and upfront with your desires and expectations. A good design-build home remodeling company’s goal is to produce a product that goes beyond the client’s expectations. They can only accomplish this with your input. 

    Lifecycle of a Design-Build Home Remodel

    Development & Design

    Proper planning can help keep your home remodel project on schedule and on budget. The Cleary Company has a thorough Team approach that guides you through each step and decision. It’s a fun, collaborative process!

    First, we identify what it is you want to accomplish.

    • Do you want or need to add more space?
    • Or do you simply want a new floorplan within the existing footprint?

    We will help you decide whether it makes more sense to reuse existing space or build an addition to meet your needs. Let’s explore all your options!

    Second, we can help you establish a realistic remodeling budget by discussing the investment range you’re comfortable committing to. Through our Design Agreement phase, we’ll collaborate with you on the development and design.

    Your Project Developer and Design Consultant can help determine if what you want is in line with the amount of money you want to invest. The goal is to create a functional design that meets your needs and that enhances the look and style of your home.

    Pre-Construction Planning

    After you sign a construction contract with The Cleary Company you’ll need to allow time for your project’s construction documents to be prepared. Our Team will convert the preliminary designs into detailed drawings specific to your local building and zoning code requirements. They will include calculations and specific details necessary to acquire building permits.

    Permit plans typically consist of a site plan, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, sections, product and material selections, and detailed notes to provide clear communication for a successful project.

    Phases of Construction

    Building your project is typically the longest part and toughest part of your remodel. The visual below is a simplified version of what happens in your home. For a more detailed description of these phases read our Renovation Lifecycle – Construction blog post.

    A fun visual we post on our jobsites!

    Home Stretch

    Although the details of your remodeling project will be unique to you and your home, there will be several phases from demo to completion you can expect; demolition, mechanicals, and inspections followed by a time when the basics, from walls to wiring, are rebuilt or upgraded as needed and then more inspections. The home stretch begins with the installations of cabinets, appliances, etc. and finally paint, hardware, and other finishing touches will be put in place.

    We hope you choose to experience your next remodeling project the way it should be done RIGHT. Contact our Remodel-Design-Build Team today to get started!

  • George Cleary II | Project Developer

    George Cleary II | Project Developer

    Welcome George’s son George (aka G2) to the Team Cleary family. We’re so excited to have another Cleary generation join our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company!💚🍀

    Lil’ George is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Business Analytics. (He’s much smarter than his dad, just don’t let him know that, lol!). After working several years for big corporations, mainly GE Aviation & Aldi, G2 is excited to join his dad in the industry that has brought so much joy and success to his family.

    The next chapter of The Cleary Company brings George Cleary, founder & CEO, much excitement. He says, “As our business continues to grow, we are constantly looking to hire great people who are willing to work hard and are a good culture fit. Thankfully G2 inherited a lot of his mother’s traits, but maybe one or two from me too. I think he’ll bring a ton of value to the company right away by working on standardizing our procurement processes.”

    On the weekends G2 enjoys hanging out with friends and family, eating pizza and cheering for the Buckeyes. His hobbies include exercising and playing golf. The personal mantra he strives to achieve is “Dream Big, Work Hard”.

    G2 & George at our June Team Cleary Family Fun Night 💚
  • Easy Solutions for Common Home Repairs

    Easy Solutions for Common Home Repairs

    Homeownership is a great investment but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming at times. A busy family can create a lot of wear and tear from constant use. So how do you protect what is probably your largest investment? Home Services by The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio has a team of experienced craftspeople who enjoy sharing their home maintenance knowledge. Read on to learn how you can complete easy home repairs, even if you’re not handy!

    10 tips & tricks for fixing your home – no tools required!

    1. Remove marker or crayon off walls. If you’re a parent of small children who love to draw, then this tip is for you! First determine whether the paint on your walls is matte or has a sheen. For matte paint it’s best to use a Magic Eraser but if there’s a sheen then spray a bit of WD-40 on a clean cloth and easily wipe off any markings.
    2. Unclog a slow draining sink, bathtub or shower. You can use common household ingredients to unclog most drains. First boil water and pour it down the problem drain. Second, separately measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar and pour them each down the drain. After 10 minutes has gone by follow with more boiling water.
    3. Remove a broken light bulb. If you’re replacing a light bulb and it breaks while removing it from the socket, you can remove it safely with a potato. Yep! Take a firm potato and cut it in half. Using the soft cut side push it into the broken bulb until the glass is fully inserted. Slowly turn the potato (lefty loosey) until the bulb is out of the socket.
    4. Fix a hole in a screen. You can quickly (and cheaply) repair a small hole in your window or door screen with clear nail polish. Once dry it acts like glue!
    5. Patch nail holes with a bar of soap or crayon. If you have a surface with nail holes you want to hide try this easy hack. Choose a crayon that closely matches the surface color. Rub it over the hole with firm pressure. The waxy consistency will fill the opening. Or instead of a crayon, you can use a bar of soap! Take a basic bar of white soap and slowly rub it over the hole in a counterclockwise motion. You can use a warm wet cloth to remove any residue left on the wall.
    6. Fix a squeaky door or cabinet. Did you use all the WD-40 cleaning your walls? If the hinges on your doors or cabinets are squeaking and getting on your nerves use cooking spray. Spray a little on the hinges for a quick lube.
    7. Remove water stains. If you’ve recently had a water leak in your home that left an unsightly stain on your ceiling or wall, do this before painting. Mix a solution of 1 cup of bleach with 3 cups of warm water and apply to the stain. It will remove any mildew, grease or dirt and will help the new paint to properly adhere to the surface.
    8. Loosen a sticky key. Moisture and weather can sometimes wreak havoc on exterior lock mechanisms. If you have a key that sticks when inserted into a lock, try rubbing a graphite pencil over the grooves a few times. It will create a natural lubricant making it easier into and out of the lock.
    9. Fix a clogged showerhead. Mineral deposits and other grime can accumulate over time and restrict the amount of water flowing from your showerhead. Soak the showerhead overnight in white vinegar. Rinse and repeat the process as many times as needed.
    10. Keep your garbage disposal clean. Fill the disposal with ice by pushing them down the drain. Turn on the disposal and allow it to run for a bit. The broken down ice will remove excess food and waster. Afterwards pour hot water and lemon down the drain for extra freshness.

    Were you surprised by the number of things you can easily fix around the house in little time and with common household products? Fixing little things here and there yourself can really make a difference in the care and maintenance of your home, and in some cases, avoid costly repairs.

    If you need professional help to maintain your home, please give us a call at 614-459-4000. We will do our best to connect you with referrals of industry experts who can help. When you have a small home renovation project you’re ready to discuss, visit our website to schedule a consult!

  • How Much Does an Exterior Home Remodel Cost?

    How Much Does an Exterior Home Remodel Cost?

    Helpful Information for Pricing Your Next Exterior Project

    You know the old saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” right?

    Ask any realtor how this saying translates to the real estate market and their answer will probably be “Curb Appeal!” The importance of a home’s curb appeal in relation to its value is validated in Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs Value report, as four of the top five returns on investment are for projects relating to a home’s exterior.

    So, what does it cost to upgrade your home’s curb appeal or remodel the exterior? Calculating the cost of any remodel requires knowing first the general design, scope and size of the project and this is especially true for a home exterior remodel. Do you just want to add new doors or windows to upgrade your curb appeal or do you also want to change the architectural details of your home’s exterior?

    To help you get started planning your next home exterior project, the Team at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus, OH has assembled the following project examples and ballpark budget ranges. We also recommend reviewing the Cost vs Value report mentioned above for additional information on building and remodeling costs in Central Ohio.

    3 HOME EXTERIOR REMODELS, 3 BUDGETS & SCOPES

    UPSCALE – Build an Outdoor Living Space + Major Updates to Home Exterior

    Possible Scope of Work & Finishes – ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE:  $­­­­­­100k to $250k+

    • Build a small addition to increase home’s square footage
    • Install new hardscape – patio w/ fireplace or firepit
    • Design-Build pergola, gazebo or shelter
    • Upgrades to landscaping
    • Add new or additional lighting & other electrical
    • Replace windows & doors
    • Paint all or most of existing stucco & trim
    • Add or extend existing gas line for grill

    MIDRANGE – Large – Update Several Details of Front and/or Rear Exterior

    Possible Scope of Work & Finishes – ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE:  $65k ­­­­to $90k+

    • Build new or extend existing front porch
    • Replace all or some windows & doors
    • Shutters – replace or paint existing or add new
    • Walkway – replace or upgrade existing or add all new
    • Lighting – Replace existing
    • Add architectural dimension with innovative design details
    • Siding & Trim – paint or replace existing
    • Upgrade landscaping

    MIDRANGE – Small – Upgrade Curb Appeal by Adding Architectural Details

    Possible Scope of Work & Finishes – ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE:  $­­­­­45 to $65k+

    • Design-Build new portico or overhang
    • Paint existing or install new shutters
    • Paint or replace entry door
    • Replace existing lights
    • Install new mailbox and/or other accessories
    • Install new house numbers
    • Update landscaping

    Visit our Exteriors photo gallery to view more amazing transformations!

    Feeling inspired to upgrade your curb appeal? Our professional Design-Build Team has the experience and creativity to help you realize the potential of your home’s exterior. Contact us today to get started.

  • FUNdraiser Supports 2 Local Dog Rescues

    FUNdraiser Supports 2 Local Dog Rescues

    Bring your well behaved furry friends to our office and join us for an afternoon gathering for dog lovers to connect, shop, gain awareness, and FUNdraise!

    The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build located at 989 Old Henderson Road in Columbus Ohio is hosting a mini dog expo featuring a market with 8 local small businesses who service dogs and their owners.

    Join us on Saturday June 18th from 1-4pm for Dog Daze

    • Free gift for your dog ~ while supplies last!
    • Silent Auction ~ bid on unique custom dog houses, designed & built by Team Cleary.
    • Meet & cuddle with puppies & dogs ready for adoption!
    • Learn more about fostering and volunteering.
    • Pooch portrait booth by Lady Grace Photography benefiting Haley’s Comet of Change spay & neuter programs.
    • Let us know you’re coming with an RSVP via Evite!

    Shop for Dog Food, Treats, Clothing, Accessories & Services

    Presenting Sponsor
    • Puptown Lounge provides a fun, stress free environment for daycare, boarding, grooming and coming soon – training. Serving Upper Arlington and Northwest Columbus.
    • Nutrition you can trust from Pet Wants with fresh pet food & pet products. Providing a complete balanced diet in every bowl.
    • Pop-up photo booth by Lady Grace Photography $25 donation gets you 2 digital portrait images for downloading plus additional candid shots available for purchase.
    • doggish makes styling your dog easy with apparel and accessories that fit you and your best friends. From chihuahuas to Great Danes, they have sizes for every dog!
    • Benesafe protects pets and people from fleas, ticks & mosquitoes with plant-based sprays without toxic chemicals.
    • Mary Ashley Designs creates bowties, bandanas & more for pups of all sizes.
    • 4 Dog Loves fresh bakes treats and cakes with human grade, dog safe ingredients with grain and grain free options.
    • Crafty Mom & Ari handcrafts adorable pet accessories, facemasks and more.

    All funds raised will benefit two local non-profit rescues!

  • Clients Tackle Two Dream Bathroom Remodels

    Clients Tackle Two Dream Bathroom Remodels

    “It’s time!” During the summer of 2020, Katie and Mario decided they were ready to remodel 2 bathrooms in their Hilliard home built-in 1991. Both spaces were not only past their prime with dated fixtures and finishes they were also not functioning well for the family’s current lifestyle.

    The first remodel completed was the hallway bathroom used mainly by the couple’s two daughters. The footprint remained unchanged but the space was gutted and all of the fixtures and finishes were replaced top to bottom. We needed to complete the hall bath first since the clients would be using it while the primary bath was in construction.

    Second, on their list was the primary en suite. This bathroom required a complete redesign of the footprint. This project was completed by our award-winning Design-Build Team.

    Q & A with Katie & Mario Hilliard, OH

    What was the goal for your remodeled bathrooms?

    Our hall bathroom was basic, old, cracked and broken. We wanted a modern beautiful updated space. Although the space limited the size of bathtub we could select, we were delighted to be able to go with a deeper model to be used as a soaking tub.

    The goal with our main bathroom, connected to our bedroom, was to create a private, calm Zen-like space. It was a poorly designed footprint with small cut-up spaces and builder-grade finishes. It only had one sink! The existing shower was very small, dark and had several cracked tiles. We were worried about the shower leaking and creating water damage. It was very important to us to have an open floorplan with additional storage, a larger shower and a double vanity with two sinks.

    Which feature of your remodeled bathrooms is your favorite?

    Everything! The deeper tub in the hallway is wonderful because we can fully soak in it. We also appreciated their recommendation of relocating the shower plumbing to another wall. This makes it much easier to use, eliminating the bending and reaching around the toilet. Both bathrooms feature custom vanities that are taller and shower niches that add much-needed storage.

    What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of remodeling their home?

    • Planning – Make sure you are ready to do it—we talked about it for years before we were ready.
    • Budget – Be prepared for it to cost a bit more than you think it will because it probably will.
    • Schedule – Give yourself time and understand that it may take longer than planned.
    • Construction – Be prepared for people in your home during working hours and, of course, the inevitable mess (even though everyone on our project did a great job of keeping our home as clean as possible).

    We also learned that a good project manager makes a significant difference, giving us a primary contact with clear information and who is well-organized. I always knew who to call. Go with a company that sets you up with a project manager and the keys for success.

    The Cleary Company Difference

    Why did you choose The Cleary Company for your bathroom remodels?

    We’ve lived in our home for 20 years and wanted it done well! We only had one other company look at our hall bath, but their options were a bit limited for what we wanted. My husband knew George Cleary from Bishop Watterson High School. When I was looking around on The Cleary Company website, I saw the option to use bath2BATH. This made sense for the hall bath since we would not be changing its footprint.

    I did talk to some neighbors about their projects with other companies and it seemed like the pricing was going to be similar. When we visited the design center, we talked to George. After speaking with him and everyone else at The Cleary Company, we made our minds up to do it the right and lasting way!

    Because we had two construction options available to us, had seen their signs around for years and knew they were a reputable company we didn’t seek out any other remodelers.

    What was your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company?

    The people! One of our favorites was meeting our design team on a visit to the design studio. We felt welcomed immediately and they showed us all our options. George also popped in to sit and talk with us. Everyone we worked with laid out the process and explained how each step would break down, from start to finish. They helped us understand how long it would take.

    Because our construction was during the pandemic, before vaccines were available, we were extremely pleased with the communication, cleanliness and safety precautions each person took while in our home. When my husband and daughter had to quarantine with COVID, everyone was so flexible and friendly when our project was on hold.

    If you were asked to explain in one word why you chose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would it be?

    Professionalism or Quality (I know it’s two, lol!)

    Would you recommend The Cleary Company?

    Yes! It was a team effort, and we are incredibly happy with our bathrooms.

    Just for Fun!

    Who stood out? Name a Team member(s) and how did they exceed your expectations.

    The Lead Carpenter for the hall bath project stood out because he basically did everything himself. The plumber and tile cutter helped, but he was a one-man show. His work ethic and talent were impressive.

    Justin, the Project Manager for our primary bath, was amazing and kept everything on schedule.

    Katie, our Designer, was not on-site, but if there were questions we needed help with, she came out to our home to help out. We appreciated the design plans they created.

    All the workers that came into our home worked hard, did the best to their ability, and were able to be flexible. There were big supply chain issues and when we had to wait for products or materials to arrive, they utilized the time they had by doing other parts of the project.

    Want to Learn More?

    Read our blog for more details on Katie & Mario’s remodeled bathrooms as well as other client and project profiles!

    Our clients are awesome. We were honored to collaborate with Katie, Mario and others to create their visions of their much-loved homes. Remodeling is our main business but creating raving fans is our goal and we love what we do!

    Ready to remodel any or all of your bathrooms? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or schedule a time for us to call you!