Project Spotlight: Home addition and remodel of a primary bathroom and bedroom incorporates contemporary craftsman design style, spa technology and includes a peaceful Zen garden with two water features and an outdoor shower.
The expanded primary bedroom features a custom platform bed with built-in storage underneath and floating cabinets on each side. All lighting, sound, temperature and fans in the space are fully automated through wi-fi connection to the owners’ phone. Large picture windows allow natural light to fill the bedroom & bathroom spaces.
Our Team at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus, OH strives to work with the best suppliers and vendors in the industry. The Kohler Co. is just that! Our relationship with them enables us to provide our clients with innovative, well-designed and expertly crafted plumbing for your bathroom or kitchen. Read on for design tips and product recommendations from Kohler Co. in your small bathroom remodel.
Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the level of gracious living by providing exceptional products and services for our customers’ homes and their lifestyles that continually set new standards in design, craftsmanship and innovation. When you choose Kohler brand, you are selecting an industry leader in kitchen and bath design, world-class products capable of creating a complete design solution, all manufactured to meet a singular level of uncompromising quality.
Your bathroom, regardless of size, is your sanctuary. If you’re stuck with a small-sized bathroom, don’t despair, these tips can help you get the bathroom you deserve.
You can increase the physical space and the perception of space by:
Keeping it cornered
Small bathrooms need to make use of all available space, so install shelving or build your storage units into the corner. Corners provide extra inches and allow you to create unique design solutions.
Downsizing your toilet
Consider replacing your toilet with a compact elongated model. It’s the same size as a round-front toilet but provides the comfort of an elongated seat. Plus, newer toilets use less water, making them friendlier to the environment.
Recommendation- – San Souci® toilet
Consider replacing your tub with a lower-walled model to help open sightlines and make the bathroom look more expansive. Try a five-foot tub with a flat bottom. It’s perfect for showering, but still deep enough for a pleasant bath.
With limited wall and hanging space, make your sink the artwork in your bathroom with a bold print or pattern.
Recommendation- Dutchmaster Blush Floral™ Carillon sink
Whether the bathroom you want to remodel is small and needs to stay that way due to your home’s footprint or you are looking to create a larger bathroom footprint, our Team will work with you to create a space that functions for your needs and fits your style. We trust Kohler Co and know they stand by their products, which is why we love partnering with them. The Cleary Company + Kohler Co. = a perfect partnership.
Join usfor our Build Better Open House Event with Kohler on January 22, 2020.
After 17 years as an interior woodworker, mostly in high-end custom homes, Aaron was ready to hang up his tool belt and move into a management role. In 2014, George was looking to hire The Cleary Company’s first true Production Manager and Aaron, with his extensive experience in carpentry, residential construction and remodeling, was a natural fit! After 3 years in that role, he was making such a huge impact on our growth it was clear he needed a promotion to General Manager and in 2020 promoted again to Chief Operations Officer. Aaron is a mastermind with numbers, charts and forecasting. He’s implemented structure, policies and procedures into our business that have made The Cleary Company a stronger Remodel Design Build firm.
After earning his Certified Remodeler (CR) accreditation thru the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Aaron has continued to be active in the local chapter as well as serving on several committees at the national level.
Below are his reflections on the last 5 years with Our Team.
What quality has been the most important to ensuring success for The Cleary Company over the last 5 years?
Relationships. George’s vision to impact the quality of life for our clients and their families. In order to accomplish this you must find the best people you can to work with!
How has your job and its expectations changed over the years?
I have gone from being involved in every project from a production planning standpoint to making sure that our people and systems are serving us well.
What innovations have been made in the remodeling field?
Design materials have gotten high tech and most tools have gone cordless.
What design elements would you love to see come back?
Lots of wood and moldings – coffered ceilings, wainscot, detailed crown. I’m a woodworker at heart so I appreciate the craftsmanship it takes to create good looking details. Most of the popular minimalist room designs seen on HGTV, Houzz and in magazines lack the architectural detail and visual interest.
What ones should never come back?
Soffits and fluorescent light boxes! Two trends that took up too much visual space in a room and are just ugly.
How do you envision the next 25 years for The Cleary Company?
I believe we’ll continue to lead our industry through education, innovative designs, cutting edge construction materials and techniques. With our continued growth we’re looking to expand our service and product offerings.
Join Our Team in collecting new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. The TriVillage Chamber Partnership along with Two Men and a Truck and the Upper Arlington Rotary Club have secured 16 collection sites. Volunteers will deliver all donations to Community Shelter Board to be washed, sorted and delivered to shelters throughout Columbus & Franklin County.
Bring your donations to our office at 989 Old Henderson Rd 43220 during business hours Mon – Fri 8am to 5pm. OR click this link for other TriVillage community drop off locations.
Celebrating 25 years in business, George Cleary shares what his experience as a design-build-remodeler has taught him.
“I have been working in this industry for over 35 years, initially working for other contractors. But 25 years ago, with about $10,000 in my pocket, a computer, a truck, some tools and a few of my good buddies, I decided to start my own business.”
“After all these years, the thing I still enjoy everyday is the relationships. Also, translating a customer’s vision into a design and then building their dream is the best part of what we do!”
I want to start by saying the success I am most proud of here at The Cleary Company is our relationships. Everyone who celebrated our 25th anniversary with us is connected by relationships and those connections keep us doing what we do. In our 25 years of business it’s the nurturing and growing of those relationships that has brought me the most joy. I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing us in some way to be part of your lives.
Although there are many, many amazing people I can thank who’ve helped me and my team over our 25 years, I’d like to offer a shout out to those closest and dearest here now. First, to my incredible bride. Cathy’s been a true supporter of all my crazy aspirations and dreams and has allowed me to chase them. Without the support and understanding of her and our 3 awesome kids, we would not be where we are today, that’s the fact!
She and I started The Cleary Company in April of ’94. We had recently purchased our first home, a small ranch in the River Ridge neighborhood of Upper Arlington. In the basement of this home was the first office for The Cleary Company. All we really knew then was we loved each other, our communities and we wanted to build a financially sound remodeling company to support our future family.
Today we are supporting 28 families and 60+ trade partners that we work with and we thank all of them for their commitment to their crafts.
Next I want to thank a few of the most loyal friends I have – Rob Lindeboom, Laura Watson and April Howe. They have been in the trenches with me and I am truly grateful for their many years of commitment to The Cleary Company.
Rob and I met in high school at Bishop Watterson. We became fast buddies and have been true friends for over 30 years. Rob is an incredible craftsman and has always set the standard high in our production department. Everyone quickly realizes, when we build projects Rob’s way here it’s remodeling done right.
Laura has been my Godsend! She’s an incredibly talented designer, who’s artistic eye has this classic edge our clients really love. She intently listens to our clients but also helps them stretch out of their comfort zone to make their projects shine.
April, well, she’s amazing too. She’s the reason we all know about The Cleary Company and is, by far, the best cheerleader any company could ask for. I constantly hear people say, “Your Social Media is so fun!”, “I love the articles you post.”, “Your project photos are amazing.”, “Your website is so helpful.”, “It’s fun to see all the events and projects you are doing.” This energetic lady shouts from the mountain tops all the great things Our Team is doing and we can’t be any more grateful to have her expertise.
There is one more person who, although maybe hasn’t been here for as long as some of these folks, has made a huge impact on our growth. Aaron Enfinger, our General Manager, is a mastermind with numbers and charts. He’s implemented structure, policies and procedures in our business that has made The Cleary Company a stronger Remodel Design Build business. This guy is an amazing success story, but I will tell you it’s because of his dedication and commitment to learn. I am often exhausted trying to keep up with his continual push for excellence. Aaron, you are a very valuable asset to The Cleary Company and having you as a friend truly has been a blessing. Thank YOU for all your hard work!!!
Each member of Our Team is a blessing and I thank each of them for choosing The Cleary Company as their work family. I have found out over 25 years, if I am surrounded by people I enjoy, our business is successful. To all of our Team Cleary staff, THANK YOU for all you do, not only for me and the company but for our clients, trade partners and vendors. You are the most talented bunch of Remodel Design Build folks I know, and I hear it daily from numerous sources. I hope you enjoyed our 25th anniversary party as much as I did!
To our trade partners and vendors that we get the privilege to work with, THANK YOU for all your dedication to The Cleary Company. We couldn’t be here without you.
To our clients, thank you for your confidence in us to allow us to design and construct your spaces and allow us to do our part in improving the quality of your lives. It is a true privilege and honor to be invited into your home for months to make it a better place for you and every single member of The Cleary Company is here because you said, “Yes.” We also know because of you referring us to your friends, co-workers and family we have been lucky enough to continue to grow!
We look forward to what’s next and give great thanks for every referral, every repeat client and every new friend we meet along the way.
Cheers!
George & Russell
George Cleary, owner of The Cleary Company, with shop dog Russell.
Reflections on 10 years & Creating a Design Build Team with George
In 2009, after 15 successful years of remodeling homes in Columbus OH, George was ready to elevate The Cleary Company by hiring his first full-time designer, Laura Watson ASID. George, had worked with Laura on several previous projects when she owned her own design business. It was clear from those collaborations that her experience in the remodeling industry coupled with her ability to connect with clients was exactly what The Cleary Company needed to evolve into a Remodel Design Build firm.
How has the company changed over the last 10 years?
Well its definitely gotten bigger! I was the only designer for a really long time and the busier we got the more stressful it became. Even though I like to think I am Super Woman it was refreshing to have other designers to collaborate with and to share our amazing clients with. It’s a great camaraderie!
What quality has been the most important to ensuring success for The Cleary Company over the last 25 years? I think it’s the people George hires. We have incredible talent on our team. We love what we do and we care about our clients. It’s people and our connections that makes it fun to come to work every day. I think clients see that and it resonates with them.
What is currently driving homeowners to remodel?
Location! Whether it’s a great school district in land-locked neighborhoods, a cabin in the woods or on the lake, or a cool urban setting. People love their surroundings and want to stay where they are for as long as they can. It’s expensive and risky to move these days. You may find a great home but take the chance of having a not so great neighbor. We’re lucky in Columbus to have such a diverse range of communities to call home.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in your career with The Cleary Company?
I have had some really amazing clients and many award winning projects, but the accomplishment that means the most to me is growing and managing an amazing group of designers. Not only have I been able to pass on my design & remodeling knowledge but I’ve also been inspired by their fresh innovative approach to design and client communication. I’m proud of their accomplishments too.
How do you see home remodeling project changing in the next 25 years?
I think we’ll soon begin to see more multi-generational home plans, outdoor environments & nature brought inside the home and innovative solutions for sustainable living.
Clients in Powell, OH, a family of five, loved their neighborhood but had outgrown their existing kitchen. The existing U-shaped kitchen floorplan was cramped. They enjoy cooking together as a family but two adults and three teenagers sharing that was becoming more challenging.
The project scope included building a 6′ x 32′ addition to expand the footprint of the kitchen, pantry, and laundry rooms. The newly expanded footprint allows for distinct zones of cooking, cleanup, and serving along with a new beverage station. A cantilevered bump out of the main sink area allows additional natural light to flood the new space.
An additional 193 sf was added to the existing kitchen & adjacent casual dining space giving the clients more room for hosting large gatherings. A large L-shaped island was added to include additional seating and prep space. To bring as much light as possible into the kitchen an additional window bump out of 2’7″ x 7′ which also created additional countertop space. Thermador appliances include 48″ gas range w/griddle, steam oven, range hood & dishwasher. Additional appliances include U-Line beverage fridge & Samsung microwave drawer. Custom cabinetry includes personalized storage solutions.
After | Exterior View
The exterior view of the new addition shows a cantilever bump out on the new addition which is where the sink is located. This not only brings in more natural light to the new space it also adds architectural interest to the entire addition.
Read more about this project in the October/November issue of HouseTrends magazine here!
Meet the Team
Project Designer Laura Watson ASID, UDCP Project Manager Rob Lindeboom CLC
Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP | Development & Design ManagerRob Lindeboom, CLC | Senior Project Manager
Ready to Get Started on Your Kitchen Addition?
Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today by calling 614-459-4000 or visiting our website.
A Night of Food, Family, Friends & Fun ~ Thank You!
I am truly grateful to be blessed with so many of you who came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Cleary Company with me and my Team. After all these years, the success I am most proud of are the relationships. Everyone who has celebrated our 25th anniversary with us is connected by relationships and those connections keep us doing what we do. In our 25 years of business it’s the nurturing and growing of those relationships that has brought me the most joy. I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing us in some way to be part of your lives.
Since 2010, The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus OH has built 3 major projects for Rick as well as several smaller updates to his home in Powell OH. We started with the remodel of his master bathroom, but since then have also remodeled his home’s kitchen, basement and 2 guest bathrooms.
During the remodel of Rick’s kitchen he asked the project’s Lead Carpenter to save the dated oak cabinets for storage in his basement. 2 years later when Our Team returned to remodel his basement into an industrial-style lounge we repurposed some of them to build a new kitchenette. Another interesting feature in his basement remodel is a secret door hidden in the wine rack bookcase. When opened, by pulling on a book, the door leads into a storage room. Rick’s confidence and trust in Our Team has been one of the highlights of our 25 years in the remodeling business.
Q & A Interview
What was your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company?
I’ve always told people the best thing about The Cleary Company is George and the confidence and professionalism he and his team provides. I never worried about having people in my home when I was gone. George surrounds himself with quality people and everyone involved with the project understand there is a standard by which they have to behave and perform. As a result I never worried about something not being done right. Getting things done right and respectfully meant a great deal to me.
Why did you originally choose The Cleary Company to remodel your home? And why did you continue to choose them for future projects?
The initial way was through my realtor, who knew George, and told me to give him a call. The Cleary Company wasn’t as big as they are now but from the get-go, I liked their approach and the ideas we came up with. It was almost an interview process for me. George is hard not to like and throughout the first project we became friends. Because of this experience it wasn’t a question of who else I was going to ask to do subsequent projects. The quality of work is excellent, that goes without saying. This is someone I trust and consider a friend, does great work and why would I not continue to work with them.
What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of remodeling their home?
Know what you want to do and have an idea or vision in mind before you begin, but be open to suggestions. Second, make sure you work with people you trust. The actual renovation can be tough because of the time your home is in turmoil and if you don’t have that trust, you won’t be happy throughout the process or with the end product.
Who is your favorite team member and how did they exceed your expectations?
George of course, but the entire team is great! On various projects I’ve worked with Rob, who does outstanding work. Laura is a fantastic designer who’s created the plans for all of my projects. Even April who’s primarily behind the scenes is great at planning and hosting all The Cleary Company’s events. Everyone at the company is approachable and good to work with.
Enjoy these photos of Rick’s master bathroom, kitchen and basement remodels!
