Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Author: robintek

  • Choosing Exterior Colors for Your Home

    Choosing Exterior Colors for Your Home

    Is your home ready for an exterior makeover? Whether your home is past due for new paint or you want to transform your curb appeal with fresh new design elements or architectural details, the Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is ready collaborate!

    Project Developer/Designer, Jen Sommers, CR has reviewed exterior paint colors and has tips for you on choosing the right color for your home’s exterior. While the color options seem endless, choosing a color combines a bit of science and a lot of personal preference.

    The science comes into play with the amount of light your exterior receives, the style of your home, what landscape surrounds your house, and the colors of your neighbors’ homes. Preference relies on your taste, the style of your home, any community restrictions, the landscape surrounding your home, and what your vision entails. There are some common factors between the science and preference, but it usually boils down to some combination of the two.

    Home Exterior Green Color Palette from Sherwin Williams

    What colors are trending?

    Nature-inspired color palettes are beautiful for the whole house or as an accent color. These tones usually have some brown undertones, and shades of greens, and blues. They invoke feelings of warmth and coziness. A good exterior color design plan becomes part of the landscape, complementing the yard and plants around the home.

    Check out these favorites!

    Dark Shades, including black, are gorgeous, modern and timeless. Take nature one step further with bold yet neutral colors. Using dark shades can be tricky, as they don’t reflect much light. Noticing the trees and the direction of the sun will help determine if a dark shade is the right look for your home. An idea would be to use bold, dark colors for the trim and shutters, or color-block one area, instead of painting the whole home. With that said, a dark color exterior can be simply stunning! Check out PPG’s website for their Best Black Exterior Paint Colors.

    Shades of Gray seem to always be on trend. Other than white they are the ultimate neutral. The options are endless from cool to warm and dark to lighter tones. Examples we love include:

    Warm neutrals transform your home in a classic way. Bright whites continue to be a good option, as well as off-white and subtle yellows. You really can’t go wrong with a neutral color, as it reflects light and works with any landscaping palette. The following are our favorites:

    How to choose the right paint color for your exterior

    Different shades of paint can affect your mood and perception, so you should spend some time contemplating colors before painting your home’s exterior. This includes not only a color for the siding, but contrasting or complementary colors for the trim, shutters, doors, and roof. How they all combine will create your home’s unique style or aesthetic.

    1. What is your roof color? Start here so that the palette you choose will balance with the color of the roof.
    2. What else is part of the exterior that you need to consider? Is there stonework or brick?
    3. What is your goal with the main color of your home?
      • Blend in vs Stand out
      • Pop from the landscaping vs Complement the landscaping
      • Follow HOA requirements or Show your personality
    4. How often will you need to clean it or repaint? Light colors can dirty and can show imperfections. Dark colors can fade quicker and absorb more heat.
    5. Accent colors – typically, 2-3 colors (trim, shutters and doors), work well together. Using more than that can get a bit busy.
    6. Drive around the neighborhood and look at homes. What interests you?
    7. What is the architecture of your home? You might want to adhere to colors that reflect the style of your home.

    Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, we recommend getting samples to paint a few areas of the exterior. Look at them throughout the day to see how the color changes based on the sun and shade. Don’t be afraid to try several different paint colors until you find what will work for you. Remember, it’s your home that you’ll look at each day. Do what makes you happy and incorporate the colors that work for you.

    Need more Inspiration?

    Visit our website to view a portfolio of our exterior remodeling projects.

    Ready to make an update to your home’s curb appeal? If you’re inspired by all of the choices available for your home’s exterior, contact us today to get started on your project!

  • Transform Your Space | Stunning Bathroom Design That Blend Style and Function

    Transform Your Space | Stunning Bathroom Design That Blend Style and Function

    Some might say a bathroom remodel is pretty straightforward. Of course, it must be functional, but how creative can you get with tile and towel rack design? While most new bathrooms seem to all look alike, our Designers and Design Consultants like to think outside the box, mixing and matching materials and finishes. Like this design template, a Modern Glam style is anything but standard and predictable. 

    Add a Bit of Bling 

    Do you crave more vibrant design with a touch of shimmer? We don’t think sparkle should be reserved for main entertaining areas only! Whether you hope to remodel a small guest bathroom or your owner’s suite, our Modern Glam design brings a hint of Hollywood to your home. 

    Turn up the wow-factor with bold hues, gold accents and slightly softened edges. Let our Modern Glam design style serve as the inspiration for your own personalized spin on a ritzy, contemporary bath. In this design, warm, wood-feel floors anchor the deep teal cabinetry. Strikingly veined countertops and shower panels by Cambria stand out behind brushed gold fixtures and hardware from Kohler. The Modern Glam design style exudes sophistication and glitz for any size bathroom remodel! 

    modern glam shower detail

    The Midas Touch 

    One of the most striking features of our new Modern Glam design template are the gold components. Over the past few years, this style element has become one of the hottest trends in home design. Our bathroom fixture and hardware options in gold include a sleek faucet, towel ring, robe hook, toilet paper holder, towel bar and shower trim, all from Kohler’s “Purist” collection. Additional finish options include shiny, gold drawer pulls from Top Knobs and an elegant LED sconce from Ferguson that can be mounted in different ways to suit your ideal bath layout. 

    modern glam detail

    Personalize Your Style 

    One of the things we’re most excited about in creating new design plans is to see just how special our clients will make them. No two baths are ever the same! Indeed, they always are personalized to your unique taste and include quality, streamlined installation by the best professionals in the business.  

    modern glam sink detail

    We encourage you to visit our design showroom in Columbus and create the ultimate look you want for your home. Using our new Modern Glam style as inspiration is sure to bring about some of the most dazzling bathrooms in Central Ohio! 

    Ready to glam up your bathroom with a remodel? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today by calling 614-459-4000 or visit our website to schedule a time for us to call you!

  • Design Jobs in Residential Remodeling

    Design Jobs in Residential Remodeling

    Are you interested in a career in residential remodeling design but don’t know how to get started?

    The growth of the remodeling and home building industries through the past 8-10 years, in Central Ohio, has created a need for not only labor from workers who are in the skilled trades but also for those in the design profession. Along with this industry growth, many home design-related tv shows over this same time period have inspired many looking for a new career path to pursue interior design, architecture, drafting, etc.

    At The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio, we use a team approach for collaboration to create the scope and plan to meet our client’s needs. Through the process of working together, the Project Developer, Designer, Estimator, Design Consultant and Project Manager ensure the client is getting a great experience along with a project that meets their needs.

    Differences Between a Residential Designer vs a Design Consultant?

    What is a Residential Designer?

    A residential designer is a type of interior designer who specializes in working with clients to create functional and visually appealing living spaces. Working with client specifications and requirements, they create the layout and structure of either new or existing homes. Our Designers advise on home construction features in relation to how each room should function to meet the client’s needs. They work closely with our Production Team to create a construction plan to help build the various features for each design-build project.

    What is a Design Consultant?

    A design consultant is a professional who provides aesthetic expertise and product knowledge based on the evaluation of the client’s needs and style. Our Design Consultants

    • Assist with client selections of fixtures & finishes
    • Create selection sheets for Design-Build projects
    • Price project selections within budget
    • Calculate material take-offs & place orders
    • Manage samples in design studio
    • Coordinate vendor meetings for new product offerings and lunch-n-learns

    Meet Our Design Team

    Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP – Design Department Manager – 30+ years experience, 14 yrs @TCC, Degree – BA in Interior Design @ University of Charleston

    Katie Florjancic, UDCP – Project Developer/Designer – 12 years experience, 3 yrs @ TCC – BS in Interior Design & Business Management @ Ohio University

    Shannon Tannehill – Design Consultant – 8 years experience, 2 yrs @ TCC – Interior Design @ The Art Institute of Cincinnati

    Emily Perebzak – Designer – 3 years industry experience – 2022 Joined TCC – BFA Interior Architecture & Design @ Ohio University

    Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP | Design Manager
    headshot of Katie Florjancic
    Katie Florjancic, UDCP | Designer
    Shannon Tannehill, UDCP | Design Consultant
    Emily Perebzak, UDCP | Designer

    Design Team Q & A

    We asked all of our designers the following questions and were intrigued by their answers. Read on to learn more!

    How did you get your start in design and/or remodeling?

    Laura – I found my passion for remodeling after working for a custom home designer and eventually my own Interior Design business. I loved the challenge of designing for remodeling projects.

    Katie – I started in the New Home industry where I ran the Design Center, picking out materials with clients. After that, I had the opportunity to work with a Kitchen and Bath Designer, where I focused on perfect rendering skills and learning all the details of custom cabinetry in high end kitchens. Looking for more of a challenge, I made my way into the remodeling sales & design working for a small company.

    Shannon – I took my childhood passion of rearranging my bedroom to art school and working in a furniture store. After a few years I made the switch into cabinetry and tile design. Now, with my nearly 10 years of design work, I joined TCC helping clients choose materials for their remodeling projects.

    How would you describe your design style or philosophy?

    Laura – I like many elements of different design styles. I think the key to being a good designer is to be able to give the client a design that reflects their lifestyle, personality, and function of their home. It shouldn’t be what the designer necessarily likes.

    Katie – My design style leans towards midcentury modern furniture with accessories and decor acquired from travel or meaningful experiences.

    Shannon – Transitional roots mixed with something unexpected.

    Just for Fun!

    What design trend are you most excited about? Why?

    Laura – Multi generational living in remodeling. It’s wonderful to create a living spaces for older generations to living with younger ones. It’s important they have their own private space but can still be part of the family unit.

    Katie – The natural, earthy look. There is something very comforting and simple about this style.

    Shannon – Ash Grey hardware!! it’s a nice in-between of satin nickel and matte black and goes with everything. I love the use of greens and blues in kitchens. They add a neutral tone while not being boring.

    What is your favorite (or least favorite) color? Why?

    Laura – Least Fav= Grey, it’s so overdone. I love when clients are open to exploring more color. Choosing the right color can help improve overall well-being, mood, and mental health. Grey is not that color.

    Katie – Fav= Blue-green, calming and reminds me of nature.

    Shannon – Fav= GREEN!!! So many shades to convey different styles. Least Fav= RED. Used in small doses it is ok but it can also be very overpowering.

    Is a career in residential remodeling design in your future? If you need some help or guidance, our designers are here to answer your questions. Who knows, you might just find yourself in a job working with our Team! Visit the Careers page on our website for the current available positions.

  • Tile, Design & Home Remodeling

    Tile, Design & Home Remodeling

    Any innovative design takes advantage of current style trends and although our Team is always on the lookout for what’s new we also try to stay true to classic design principles. Cement, ceramic or porcelain tiles are not only functional elements of your home remodel but can also add color, texture and personality. A hallmark of any good design is balance between function, form & character.

    When selecting tile during your home remodel, whether it’s for flooring, backsplash or fireplace, our Design Team at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio will collaborate with you to find just the right product.

    Tile Trends for 2022

    Artful tile designs can create beautiful configurations by mixing colors, textures, patterns, sizes, and shapes. Cleary Design Consultants Shannon Tannehill & Margot Sheehan recently returned from KBIS, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Florida. They spent several days taking in all of the new product offerings from plumbing and cabinets to countertops and appliances as well as tile.

    Below is a list of the refined trends they found for tile in kitchens, baths and laundry rooms!

    • Bringing nature into your home with hues found outside your window and lifelike features such as stone, wood grain textures and concrete all bring the look and feel of natural design to your remodeled spaces. Unexpected shapes for tile likes leaves, waves, feathers, or ribbons can also create a stunning look.
    • Using geometric shapes and placing them in interesting patterns makes a layout unique. Examples from Art-Deco designs include triangles, diamonds, chevrons and ellipses. Traditional classic examples include penny tiles, hexagons and arabesques.
    • Mosaics are small pieces of tile that are held together in a sheet. They can come in many different shapes, sizes and be made out of glass, metal, stone, real pebbles, porcelain and more. Some designs create a specific pattern and others can be more random. Our Design Team likes using them for pops of color to add interest!
    • Prints and patterns used in tile designs and how they are installed have truly endless options and can establish whatever look you desire. Mixing and matching from different types is tricky but our Team’s extensive experience ensures excellence in the design and the installation.

    How does tile impact the design?

    Kitchen renovation with sliding cabinets and blue and white backsplash
    The most popular remodeling projects that include tile are Kitchens & Bathrooms.

    Tile can take an area from boring to beautiful with some careful planning. A laundry room or bathroom floor with a pop of whimsy, a backsplash with some bling, or a bathroom shower wall that takes you outdoors, all can have a place in your design plan.

    The words that come to mind when we think of tile design for this year and beyond include serenity, pattern, nature, textures, color, and glamour.

    • Choose a different finish on the tile to impact the result of the design. Glossy or matte finishes create visual cues, as well as changing the design aesthetic.
    • Let your personality shine by transforming the way a room looks and feels with tile. Using different lay-outs, textures, and color, all help make the space unique.
    • Contrast the grout color for even more flair or keep it neutral so that it doesn’t stand out—options abound.
    • Keep it simple for the look you want or go bold and unexpected for more flair.
    • Use tile in a room to revamp a space, create drama, or just elevate the look.
    • As more of us are working from home, why not add tile to a feature wall in the office or just in a space behind or in front of your workstation? Think how that will change the boring background of your Zoom calls!

    Where to buy your ceramic or porcelain tile in Columbus Ohio?

    With over 27 years of remodeling in Columbus, Ohio our Team has developed relationships with the finest suppliers in our area. Our experienced Design Team knows where to find perfect tile for every project. Although we have displays and samples in our design studio from all of the following they do have their own showrooms.

    Hamilton Parker

    Our favorite go-to tile studio! When we visit their showroom with our clients, it’s just like going into a candy store. There are so many options to fit every style and taste. They are a distributor of many different tile brands from across the US and around the world. We appreciate the wisdom, guidance, time, and care their dedicated tile consultants give to us and our clients. Randi Garris, HP Merchandising Manager, says sanctuary spaces are a top décor trend, “People want a relaxing, Zen-like vibe. Your home doesn’t just need to look good—it should feel good to be in, too.” We agree!

    Emser Tile

    Emser is the largest privately-held designer and marketer of tile and stone in the US. They import and distribute tiles from all over the world. Their local showroom has a dynamic selection of fashion-forward products and is open to the public.

    MSI

    The MSI goal is to contribute to a world where anyone can afford to create a beautiful space to live, work, and play. Like HP MSI has so much more to offer than tile. Whether you are designing a new home or updating an existing space homeowners can explore and select from a vast range of stunning surface solutions. Their website has some great design tools to aid in making selections. Good news their new showroom is opening in summer of 2022 on the east side of Columbus!

    Daltile

    Daltile is the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of tile. Their claim is they’re the best-selling tile brand in America. Their local sales center and showroom only sells to trade professionals however consumers are allowed to browse all of their tile and stone products.

    Whatever you plan on renovating, our Design Team can use tile to elevate your project’s plan. Our goal is always to make your dream come to life!

    If you want patterns, colors, shapes, and visual interest in your next home remodel, contact us today! We have some great ideas to share with you…

  • Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

    Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

    Your home is likely your largest asset and you probably plan on spending many years living there. So then, why not protect your investment? Over the past 27 years, The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio has seen many great homes with hidden damage that could’ve been prevented with proper home maintenance.

    Home maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to forget or put off because many tasks only need to be done once in a while or a few times a year. Water damage is the number 1 culprit that weakens your home’s foundation, the very core that holds your house together. Before you forget, review the following checklist of recommended home maintenance items you should complete in April & May to protect your home and keep your family safe.

    Staying on top of your home’s maintenance can prevent future expensive repairs.

    April:

    • Wash windows – Winter weather can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home. Washing the windows will rid your home of some exterior grime but you may also uncover minor or major damage from snow & ice. We recommend the squeegee method shown in this video. Make sure water is not getting inside your home. Replace any damaged caulking or flashing immediately.
    • Clean gutters & downspouts – Spring showers are great for bringing winter foliage and flowers back to life however you do not want that water to penetrate your home. Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear of any debris will move any falling water away from your home. HouseLogic.com has many helpful DIY home maintenance tips as well as step-by-step instructions for cleaning your gutters. Again while you are cleaning the gutters and downspouts, inspect for any damage and promptly make repairs as needed.
    • Check foundation, basement walls & exterior siding for any cracks or leaks – Water is no friend to wood, stucco, concrete, etc. Keeping your home’s foundation dry is important in maintaining your home’s integrity. Watch this video to learn how to spot issues which can lead to problems and when it’s best to call a professional. Some types of cracks, when ignored, can lead to severe damage.

    May:

    • Pressure wash your deck – Removing any mold or moss will help with extending your deck’s longevity and also keep your family and guests safe. After washing is completed inspect your deck for stains, hazards or water damage and make repairs as needed.
    • Inspect clothes dryer vents –  Check the exterior vent outlet for blockages due to lint or other debris and remove. Here’s a handy tutorial from wikiHow!
    • Check smoke & CO2 detectors & fire extinguishers – According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. If you have hardwired detectors it is recommended they be upgraded after 10 years. Most fire extinguishers last between 5 and 15 years, according to manufacturers. Check the tag on your extinguisher for dates and manufacturer’s instructions. A fire extinguisher with a gauge should be checked every month to make sure it is properly charged.

    If you, a neighbor or family member needs financial assistance maintaining a home, Modcon Living’s Safe at Home program can help! The program offers quality emergency repairs and home modifications to homeowners, with priority to seniors and physically disabled who have limited income, to live in safe and healthy homes. Services are provided by dedicated volunteers, professional contractors, and staff at no cost to qualified homeowners.

  • Suburban Colonial Home Updates It’s Curb Appeal | Upper Arlington, OH

    Suburban Colonial Home Updates It’s Curb Appeal | Upper Arlington, OH

    Project Spotlight: A traditional 2-story Colonial home built in 1942 in Upper Arlington, OH has it’s exterior transformed creating a new curb appeal. The curbside view of any home is an important first impression to your neighbors and visitors. The homeowners, past clients, hired our Design-Build Team to brighten up and upgrade the architectural details to their home of 25 years.

    Before
    After
    Front Exterior Home Remodel – Upper Arlington, OH (2020)

    Scope of Work:

    • Design-Build a new portico on front entry
    • Paint front exterior
    • Install new garage and front entry door
    • Install new shutters
    • Upgrade electric and install new lighting fixtures

    Project Developer Jayde Boyd
    Designer Matt Zimmer
    Project Manager Justin Juenger, CRPM

    How Much Does an Exterior Home Remodel Cost?

    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 or do you also want to change the architectural details of your home’s exterior?

    Read our Blog for articles that address these questions and more!

    • Click here for helpful information for pricing your next exterior home remodel project.
    • Read this article to learn how 4 exterior upgrades can boost your home’s value.

    Or Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to schedule a consult.

  • Landscape Your Yard with Native Plants

    Landscape Your Yard with Native Plants

    We all want our yards to look their best and that means we need to focus on the art of landscaping. A little landscaping can really add to the curb appeal of your home! The difficulty for those of us without the greenest of thumbs is choosing plants that work well for the different areas of your yard. But you can choose plants that are already adapted to local conditions here in Ohio. Pollinators, like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats are on the decline, and we can do our part to help our environment flourish.

    Using native plants provides many benefits, not only for our local environment but for you as well. These hardy plants are adapted to Ohio’s soil and climate conditions, don’t usually need extra water, and don’t require much of your time or energy. A native plant is defined as one that has been in a region prior to being settled by others (in our case, European settlement).

    Top 4 Reasons Using Native Plants Benefits Your Yard

    Time to do other things

    Our time is filled with work, kids, chores, and hopefully time for ourselves. While some of us love to spend time nurturing plants, some of us want to spend our free time doing other things. The beauty of native plants, especially low-maintenance varieties, is they are already established and work well for Ohio’s climate and soil conditions. And because of that, they usually don’t require extra watering—freeing up your time to do other things!

    Pollinators can play

    We all know the importance of bees for our environment. Butterflies, bees, and other bugs and birds all need native pollinator plants. These host plants benefit all wildlife! We need animal pollinators to locate and spread pollen to other plants. This enables plants to make seeds and fruit, keep our ecosystem healthy, and provide a food source and shelter for birds and insects.

    Less water = lower water bills

    While Ohio can be rainy, the summer can also have long periods of little rain. Having native plants, trees and bushes is a good way to save money—as you won’t have to water them as frequently as you do non-native plants. If you want flower baskets on your porch, do that (and try to use pollinator plants in it)—and try to have more native plants as part of your landscaping plan as well.

    Cost

    Due to the abundance of native plants found at garden centers, you’ll find they tend to be cheaper than other plants. The fact they are perfect for Ohio’s temperatures and seasonal changes means they will survive better than non-native plants. In the long run, you’ll spend less money, and you don’t have to replace plants on a yearly basis. Another benefit is native plants don’t need to be fertilized and are resistant to most diseases and pests.

    Landscaping Trade Partners We Collaborate With & Trust

    When our Team needs landscaping help for our remodeling projects, we seek guidance and advice from GreenScapes Landscape and Hidden Creek Landscaping. We work closely with industry professionals from both companies and are always amazed at the transformations they create for our clients. We appreciate their expertise, their ability to design and install just what our clients want, and their knowledge, especially of native plants.

    Watch this video tour of our design-build outdoor living space project in Upper Arlington OH that we completed in collaboration with GreenScapes!

    Completed in spring of 2017 & in summer of 2019 we sent our videographer, Marshall Evan Photography, back to shoot the established landscape.

    Resources

    • This Fact Sheet is a great place to find out what trees and shrubs work in Ohio.
    • If you are really on the native plant bandwagon, you might want to replace some if not all of your lawn with pollinator plants. Just taking one area, maybe in your backyard, and planting with some of these plants, can make a difference.
    • This resource provides you with ideas to create a pollinator garden.
    • Attract pollinators to your garden with these tips.

    Beware of Invasive plants!

    An invasive plant is just that—invasive. It can cause environmental damage by crowding out native plants and taking water from local native plants. One invasive plant, honeysuckle, has become a big problem in Ohio and is not allowed to be sold. Many of the metro parks and other areas routinely clear it away.

    Ready to Get Started on Your Next Project?

    No matter what your remodeling needs are, our Team at The Cleary Company is ready to collaborate with you to make them happen. If a new landscape plan is in the scope of your project, we work with the best, so you get the best. Contact us at 614-459-4000.

  • Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    We won! Kudos to our Team for receiving 5 Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards from NARI of Central OH. George Cleary, CR, Owner & CEO of The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, OH believes, “Winning a CotY is not only great for company moral but it also gives us multiple chances to show off our amazing projects to more people. We love what we do and it’s a great feeling to be recognized by our industry peers!”

    NARI of Central Ohio announces CotY winners annually at their Evening of Excellence gala. On December 3, 2021, at the spacious Wigwam Event Center in Pickerington, 177 remodeling industry members gathered for fellowship, food, fun and awards. 50 entries were submitted by 11 companies in 22 categories.

    Watch this video to see all 5 winning projects!

    Project categories & Team Cleary recognition

    Addition under $100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd
    • Designer – Matt Zimmer

    Bathroom $75-100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd

    Commercial Interior

    Entire House $750k-$1m

    Residential Exterior

    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP

    Stay tuned for more announcements! Regional CotY winners will be announced next month and National awards will be presented in April at NARI’s annual conference.

    5 More Awards from NARI’s Regional Competition!

    On Tuesday February 1, 2022 NARI announced the winners of the Regional CotY competition. Team Cleary was honored with 5 additional awards for Region 4 East Central. 4 of the 5 projects are two time winners now! Watch this video to see which additional project took home an award.

    Residential Interior under $100k

    • Project Developer – John Coleman, CRPM
    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP
    • Project Manager – Rob Lindeboom, CLC

    What is a CotY Award?

    The prestigious CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards are presented each year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) to it’s members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. Members submit projects for judging by their peers located outside their local chapter or region.

    CotY award winning remodeling projects demonstrate exceptional design and craftsmanship in renovation. A diverse and impartial panel rates each project based on 5 criteria.

    • To what degree were the expressed needs of the client met?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure functionally?
    • Is there evidence of superior craftsmanship?
    • To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure aesthetically?
    • Were innovative used of materials and/or methods of construction used in the project?

    Projects entered into the National CotY competition are eligible to win a Regional award among 48 categories in 7 regions nationwide. The National CotY awards are selected from those Regional winners in each category. The 2022 National project winners will be announced on Thursday April 7th in Savannah, GA.

    Team Cleary’s commitment to NARI

    The Cleary Company is proud to have several active members in NARI’s Central Ohio chapter, which is located in their East Central Region. Aaron Enfinger, CR, COO also serves on the National Board. There are currently 11 team members who’ve earned professional certifications from NARI. Click here to learn why we believe continuing education should matter to you!

    • George Cleary CR
    • Aaron Enfinger CR
    • Jen Sommers CR
    • Laura Watson UDCP
    • Katie Florjancic UDCP
    • Coury Sicker UDCP
    • John Coleman CRPM
    • Justin Juenger CRPM
    • Rob Lindeboom CLC
    • Pete Mossman CLC
    • Dan Irwin CLC

    Visit The Cleary Difference page on our website to learn more!

  • Open Concept Design-Build Home Remodel

    Open Concept Design-Build Home Remodel

    Project Spotlight: The 1st floor of this 1940’s traditional 2-story Colonial home in Upper Arlington, OH was transformed into an expansive bright, open concept fresh interior. Tight spaces were opened up allowing natural light to flow from the front thru the back of the home.

    Existing Floorplan – Main living spaces on 1st floor all separated by too many walls with narrow openings.
    Proposed Floorplan – Main living spaces are all opened up to one another allowing for better flow, function and views.
    After – Living, Dining & Family rooms were all opened allowing natural light to flow throughout the home.

    1st floor open concept remodel scope of work included:

    • Paint 1st floor walls and trim
    • Refinish all existing hardwood and add new hardwood to foyer and where walls were removed
    • Open up or remove walls between living, dining & family rooms
    • Install rustic wood beams for architectural interest and to visually separate the spaces
    • Build & install new bench seating with storage cabinets in family room
    • Build & install new storage cabinets in dining room
    • Upgrade staircase with all new rails, posts and balusters plus remove wall on stairwell to basement
    After – new staircase and front entry.

    You can learn more details about this project, including viewing additional photos and seeing the project cost range on our Houzz profile. Watch a video tour of this home remodel on our YouTube channel!

  • Whole House Remodel | Bexley, OH

    Whole House Remodel | Bexley, OH

    Project Spotlight: An extensive whole house remodel of a 7,600sf home built in 1958 included gutting a majority of the home’s interior, removing an atrium and building a new family room. Check out the feature profile in the 2022 spring edition of Excellence in Design Central & Southwest Ohio in Architectural Digest!

    Our clients relocated to Columbus to be closer to their grandchildren and needed their new home remodeled to function for family gatherings and their love of entertaining guests.

    Key structural changes included removing the atrium along with several walls allowing the new interiors to take advantage of natural light and unobstructed views out the front and rear windows. The staircase in the foyer was rebuilt to open up the foyer and create flow in the floorplan.

    Existing 1st Floor Layout
    Proposed New Floorplan

    Tour this project on our YouTube channel!

    Family Room Addition
    New Foyer
    New Dining Room
    New Bar
    New Kitchen
    New Living Room
    Bexley, OH – After – Whole House Remodel + Family Room Addition

    Design Features Include:

    • Natural travertine floors throughout main living spaces
    • 2 spiral staircases
    • 3 large kitchen islands
    • 3 unique stone & tile fireplaces
    • Rustic wood ceiling beams
    • Accent wall in bar clad with reclaimed wood

    Design-Build Project Team:

    Learn More About This Whole House Remodeling Project!

    Ready to start your next home remodeling project? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to schedule a consult!