Blog

Styling Your Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom Must-Haves to Personalize Your New Space

We remodeled your bathroom—now what? You’ve perused all the magazines, pinned ideas on your Pinterest board, and wandered through Target and IKEA to find accessory ideas. Do you know what you need for your beautifully reimagined bathroom?

Our Design Team has a few ideas for you. Though by no means an exhaustive list, we are here to get you started on the must-haves for your bathroom!

Details
- Fluffy towels are a must. Choose ones that either complement or contrast with the bathroom. If your color palette is neutral, a bold-colored towel might be just the pop you need. Check out these Simply Vera Turkish cotton towels from Kohls!
- Matching coordinated bottles to hold soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Amazon has some great stylish options. Just transfer your products!
- Baskets and decorative boxes can play a part in the aesthetic of the bathroom as well as keep your new space organized. A little can go a long way, so don’t overcrowd the room with too many items. Check out Wayfair.com!
- A pretty tray used on the counter corrals items you want in easy reach. Like these from the Container Store!
- Don’t forget the floor—a small washable rug in front of the sink provides color and keeps the feet warmer too. Rugs USA has great tips on choosing the right rug for your space.
- Add plants! Choose plants that work well with natural lighting. Succulents and low-maintenance plants are best. Check out Greendigs online or locally on Grandview Ave! And don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb, opt for faux plants. There are some realistic options out there.
- Add some seating for those pedicures or hair styling moments—a stool, ottoman, or chair works well. Visit Pier 1 online for fashionable options!
- Don’t forget some artwork! Our Team recommends HomeGoods‘ wide selection.
Keep Your Bathroom Looking New – Cleaning Tips

It is beautiful now, right? It’s dreamy, organized, and should have its picture taken for Instagram. But life does interfere every day in a bathroom, so here are a few tips to keep it looking sparkly and new!
- Put items back where they belong before you leave the bathroom. If you have littles (or kids of any age), labeling bins and baskets might be useful.
- If you have glass shower walls, keep a squeegee in the shower and use it after each shower.
- Rinse and wipe the sink morning and night. Keep a reusable or microfiber towel that can just be rinsed out to dry to speed up the process. Multi-purpose wipes work as well.
- Keep needed cleaning supplies in the bathroom so quick cleanups don’t require leaving the bathroom to get the supplies.
- Clean the toilet several times a week to keep it from getting dirty. A little baking soda and a toilet brush are all you need for quick clean-ups.
The Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company Columbus, OH loves designing and remodeling bathrooms. If your bathroom needs a refresh, contact us today!

Renovate your bathrooms in Columbus, Ohio The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build
September 19, 2022
Financing Your Remodel

Instead of finding your dream home, Build It, by remodeling your current home to fit your family’s lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, redesign your kitchen, add a new mudroom or reimagine an underutilized space, The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build Team is here to help. We enjoy offering the community the opportunity to connect with the answers to the questions you have about financing your renovation project.

Light refreshments will be served during this casual discussion presented by Natalie Moore, Loan Officer NMLS ID:728210.

>Learn how to navigate the construction loan financing process.
>Top 10 things to avoid before applying for a mortgage.

Join us for this free construction seminar!

Thursday, October 13, 2022 4:30-6:30pm in the Animal House at The Cleary Company 989 Old Henderson Rd Columbus OH 43220.

Thank you gifts include a voucher for $500 off your closing costs PLUS a chance to win a gift basket filled with goodies from local businesses, valued at $200!

Reserve your spot today!

September 15, 2022
What is the Role of a Project Manager?
In residential remodeling the Project Manager (PM) is a critically important position. Once construction begins at a client’s home, the Project Manager serves as the main contact on the jobsite.

Behind the scenes the PM also supervises the financial aspects of the project. They must orchestrate the on-site personnel, Trade Partners and product deliveries needed to complete the build. A successful PM has strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills as well a good understanding of construction.

No project ever goes off without a hitch. There is an enormous amount of complexity and difficulty in most remodeling projects. It takes a person with the ability to remain flexible and a mind for strategic planning to keep up with the demands of a large-scale remodeling project. It has been said that a PM needs to be able to see the future! Someone knowing the potential problems that a project may encounter is enormously helpful as one plans out the schedule of any given project.

During the construction phase, the PM also communicates regularly with a job’s assigned Project Developer and Design Consultant who has collaborated with the client to create the design plan and scope of work for their project. In fact, our PMs are involved in the development of their projects too. They will meet and consult with the Development team during a project’s design and estimation phase. This allows the person in charge of building the project to have input on important details in regard to the scope of work and the budget.

What Does it Take to be a Project Manager?

The ideal candidate for a Project Manager position at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio has honed their interpersonal skills and is naturally inclined to share information with the team around them.

Extensive construction knowledge is not necessarily the linchpin of success in this position. Organization, communication, and scheduling are what make a successful PM. Knowledge of the construction process is essential, but many of our Lead Carpenters hold much of the technical knowledge needed on a residential remodeling job site. That allows the Project Manager to focus on the bigger picture of moving the project through the phases of construction, keeping the project on time and on budget.

Are You Looking for a Career in Remodeling?
- Team Culture at The Cleary Company. A positive work environment with a supportive team of industry experts. Owner George Cleary creates an environment where employees are valued and their work experience is fun!
- Benefits available at The Cleary Company. Starting with a generous allotment of vacation time and a competitive compensation package.
  - Project performance bonus
  - 401K
  - Profit sharing and annual bonus
- Develop your career at The Cleary Company. A job classification structure that helps you understand how to make advancements in your career on our Team. Opportunities for internal and external continuing education through NARI and other industry affiliations.
Interested in learning more about the job opportunities in residential remodeling at The Cleary Company? Visit the Careers page on our website!
August 30, 2022
Planning a Bathroom Remodel for All
Designing and building with regards to Living in Place and using Universal Design principles means that the home is suitable for the needs of all the individuals aging independently as possible. As you look around your home, what jumps out at you? Are your living spaces functional for aging gracefully and safely for the rest of your life? Are there modifications and changes you need to make while keeping a beautiful aesthetic that functions for your family?

The Cleary Company’s Remodel Design Build Team in the Columbus area has the experience and expertise to create a functional plan for your home to Live in Place. We have helped many families create spaces that are accessible and beautiful.

Universal Design isn’t something most homeowners think about when building or remodeling a home, but it is something we discuss frequently with our clients. Living In Place or Universal Design, both used interchangeably, is simply defined as a home designed and built to be used and accessed easily by all people no matter their age, size, or abilities. This universal approach to design and construction is all about planning and details. What products, features, and space planning considerations need to be in place for the space to function for all?

Living in Place design elements for the bathroom

Your bathroom is your private sanctuary but it’s also the most heavily used space in your home. Spending time discussing all of the details needed for a safe and functional space is time and money well-spent! Our Design Team reviews and recommends the following to all our bathroom remodeling clients.
- Zero-entry or low threshold shower wide enough to accommodate two adults (should a caregiver be necessary)
- Handheld showerhead and moving the shower controls closer to the entry part of the shower
- A shower seat that is movable (there are some gorgeous teak options available!) or one that is permanent and folds down
- Faucets and plumbing fixtures with lever handles, anti-scald controls and pressure balances are preferred for ease of use as well as safety
- Comfort height toilet preferably (with a bidet seat!) and if possible reposition the toilet to allow for wheelchair transfer
- Grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet
- Bathroom vanity style with a counter that is accessible for a wheelchair, a seat, or small children
- Mirror placement that allows everyone to use it
- Flooring throughout with slip-resistant qualities
- Accessible storage – drawers and shelves at varying heights
- Pocket or barn door entry
- Lever-style door handles
Additional changes to consider for all of the main living spaces

While incorporating all of these updates can be extensive, they are the recommendations we routinely discuss with all of our clients.
- Widening entryways and hallways to allow for walkers, wheelchairs or scooters
- Opening up the floorplan for traffic flow and visibility
- Using countertops of varying heights in the kitchen & as well as bathrooms
- Moving switches and outlets for easier reach
- Replacing carpet with hardwood, vinyl or tile flooring that is easier to navigate
- Adding a bedroom/bathroom to the main floor if one doesn’t exist (or planning for a future need)
- Limit or eliminate the steps needed to enter the home when possible
Your entire home can be improved to allow for you or a family member to Live in Place regardless of age or ability. Beginning with your bathroom is a great place to start! Planning now for long-term function means you don’t have to scramble to do it when you really need it should an unexpected medical issue arise.

Read more about Designing for Accessibility in Your Home on our blog!

Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP)

Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP – Design Manager

Katie Florjancic, UDCP – Designer

If you’re ready to discuss any Living in Place updates in your home please give us a call at 614-459-4000 or visit the contact page on our website to schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator.
August 23, 2022
Adding a Bar to Your Home
Many homeowners dream of adding a home bar to their remodeled spaces. In the 28+ years our Team has been remodeling homes, we’ve added many bars, lounges & even some wine cellars! Why? Because they’re fun, functional and make entertaining a breeze, plus, they look cool to have in your home.

A bar space can be added to almost any room in your home. Kitchens, dining areas, dens, home offices, man caves and basements are obvious choices, but we’ve also added them to patios, sunrooms and even garages. They don’t all have to include alcohol either, why not make a convenient beverage station for the whole family? All you need are a counter, glasses and a mini-fridge to keep everyone’s drinks cold and ready.

If you love to entertain friends and family, have kids that are always on the hunt for something tasty to drink, or collect and appreciate wine, bourbon and spirits, we have ideas for you!

Need Inspiration? You can add a dry bar at the end of a kitchen counter or kitchen island, or a wet bar as stand-alone cabinetry in any room of your home. As you can see from the photos below, we have installed all types of them in many different rooms.

Basement Dry Bar

Sunroom Wet Bar

Kitchen Dry Bar

Kitchen Dry Bar

Basement Beverage Station

Kitchen Wet Bar

Kitchen Beverage Bar

Wine Bar

Kitchen Dry Bar

Wine Bar

Basement Wet Bar

Basement Wine Bar

Family Room Wet Bar

Benefits of Wet Bar vs Dry Bar

Dry Bar – Basic features include workspace & storage.
- Can be located in almost any area of the home
- Conveniently mix & serve drinks
- Doesn’t need to take up much space
- Doesn’t require plumbing to be added
- Creates storage for liquor bottles, mixers, glasses, snacks, and supplies
- Shelves to display favorite liquors and glassware
- Bonus is having a mini-fridge keeps drinks and mixers cold, but not a necessity
Wet Bar – Features include all that of a dry bar but also incorporates a water source.
- A sink with running water for mixing and cleaning
- An ice maker
- Kegerator or tap
Wine Cellars

We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention wine cellars! A specialized space for entertaining and sharing your best bottle with family & friends. Wine cellars take bars to a whole new level. These customized spaces include all of the above plus, temperature and humidity controls, tasting tables, and plenty of shelving & racks for storage. Wine enthusiasts and collectors can spend a good deal of time in these rooms admiring and sampling their collections.

Before – Man Cave

After – Wine Cellar

Basement Wine Cellar

Underneath Staircase Storage

Cheers! While a dry bar, wet bar, or wine cellar isn’t a must-have part of most remodeling plans, it is an option you won’t regret adding to your home. With the proper placement and the perfect design plan, you’ll be spending more time with family and entertaining.

Are you ready to add a home bar or beverage station? The Cleary Company’s Remodel-Design-Build Team in Columbus, Ohio are the renovation experts ready to collaborate with you to find the right plan for you, your family and your home. Contact us today to get started on your next home remodeling project!
August 9, 2022
August Home Maintenance Checklist
Do late summer temperatures have you cooling off indoors? You may want to take this opportunity to tackle removing the dust & allergens from your home’s appliances. Hot & humid summer weather in Columbus, Ohio has a tendency to fill homes with a lot of dirt, dust & debris.

Planning & sticking to a seasonal maintenance plan will ensure your home is in tip-top shape. Don’t fret, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine!

Our Remodel-Design-Build Production Team at The Cleary Company has put together a maintenance checklist to get you started.

Air Conditioner Maintenance
- Replace filter – It’s important to replace the air filter on your central heating/cooling system regularly (preferably, every one to three months) to keep it operating efficiently. This task will also improve the air quality in your home. These filters are designed to collect dust, spores, hair, dander, and other particles from the air that is exchanged through the system. It will also save you money on your energy bill!
- Check drain pan & lines – To prevent a system shutdown and condensation leaks around your air conditioner, take some time to inspect the drain pan and condensate drain line. Like water droplets that form on a cold drink in summer when warm air passes over extremely cold evaporator coils, condensation forms and drips into a drain pan below. Unfortunately, sometimes condensate drain pans and lines can get damaged or clogged and cause quite a mess. If you detect an issue contact your HVAC professional!
Bathroom & Kitchen Maintenance
- Clean exhaust vent – Your bathroom is probably your home’s most used room and you probably clean it weekly but probably never think about the exhaust fan. They are typically hidden in the ceiling and easy to forget, but don’t! A fan covered in dust doesn’t work efficiently. More importantly, dust build-up can eventually lead to mold, mildew and in extreme cases a house fire! Check out FamilyHandyman.com for this and other step-by-step projects.
- Degrease range hood – Over time, the filter & fan underneath your range hood (or if microwave is overtop there’s also a filter & fan) collects grease and if it’s doing its job correctly it’s going to get icky. If it becomes blocked it will lose its effectiveness which is why this unpleasant task needs regular attention.
  - What You Need – very hot or boiling water, degreasing dish soap (Dawn works very well), baking soda, non-abrasive scrub brush, paper towels or dishcloth
- Vacuum refrigerator coils – The location of your appliances coils with either be at the bottom or behind. Remove the “toe kick” plate if located below, or if behind pull forward until able to reach. Using the crevice upholstery tool on your shop vac remove all visible dirt & dust on, above and below the coils. Don’t forget the floors under & behind! This is also a good time to do a deep clean of the interior. Check out this detailed video showing step-by-step instructions!
- Clean garbage disposal & dishwasher – Summer’s heat & humidity increases bacteria production, especially in the dark, damp conditions in your garbage disposal. Over-the-counter disposal cleaners work well to disinfect and remove any clogs. This is also a good time to clean out your cabinet under the sink and check for any bug or rodent activity.
Now you’re ready for some summer fun! Need help with any of these tasks? Contact us today for trusted handyman referrals!

Resources

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.
August 1, 2022
Client Profile: Basement Remodel in Powell, OH
When Kelly and Asvin contacted us in June of 2020 their basement was only halfway finished with an entertainment space and half bath. They and their three small children enjoyed hanging out there, but the unfinished side was empty and ready to be overhauled into livable space.

They had big ideas for their unfinished basement and they did their research online. After searching for “home remodeling Columbus, Ohio” and landing on our website, they liked our portfolio and contacted our Team to start collaborating on new spaces for their family. Now they feel that the whole house is what they dreamed it would be!

Q & A with Kelly & Asvin Powell, OH

What was the goal for your basement remodel?

To create more functional and livable space for our three small children and extended family who come to visit. Expanding the existing half-bath into a full bath with a shower, was also important since there will be family staying in the new bedrooms. In addition, as our kids get older, they may want to move into one of the basement bedrooms. Finally, we wanted consistency within our home, as the other half of the basement was already finished. Now the whole basement is completed.

What features of your remodeled space are your favorites?

I really like that we were able to maintain a good deal of light with the addition of the egress windows. The pocket door on the bathroom that opens to the bigger bedroom is great since it saves space in both the bedroom and bathroom! The colors that our designer, Katie, helped us pick out are light earth tones, which help bring a good deal of light into the space. We were able to create a bonus area with a built-in desk in one of the bedrooms, which is perfect for guests and our kids as a place to get away and get homework done.

What advice would you offer to someone who is remodeling their home?
- The biggest thing is be comfortable with who you hire.
- Don’t be swayed by a design or idea that doesn’t resonate with you.
- Financially it’s a big investment and you want to have your voice heard.
- Be comfortable with voicing your opinion throughout the project and you will be happy with the end result. I was able to have open dialogue anytime I was unsure of an idea or plan and we were always able to come to a solution we were all happy with.
- The Cleary Company did an excellent job involving us during the process of the project. Our opinions were always heard and acknowledged.
The Cleary Company Remodel Difference

Why did you choose The Cleary Company to complete your remodeling project?

I did some online searches to begin the process. The Cleary Company’s finished projects that we saw on their website really resonated with us. We did meet with a few other companies, but they just didn’t meet our expectations or grasp the aesthetic we wanted for this project. When we met with The Cleary Company, it just clicked. They spent the time to get to know us and understand our expectations and preferences. We really liked the time they spent with us.

We connected with the team that we worked with. Robert was great at explaining the process, timeline, and realistic expectations of the cost. We felt extremely comfortable with The Cleary Company from the beginning. The end result is a reflection of the work we were expecting.

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

I really liked all of the crew that came in. This project took place right in the middle of COVID. Everyone was very respectful of the fact we had a baby and small children and wore masks. We work in healthcare and needed minimum exposure. There was great communication and we knew when people would be there. Every day when I went down into the basement, it was clean. You wouldn’t have known they had worked that day as there was no dust or fumes. We could continue to live in our house!

Was there a TCC team member(s) who stood out and if yes, how did they exceed your expectations?

Everyone was always attentive. Our Lead Carpenter went above and beyond building our custom shelves. Katie, our Designer, was very receptive to our needs. Little things that the Team did were really special. The guys working on the basement even bought a toy tool kit for our boys. The boys loved learning from them and knew everyone’s names that worked on our project. They went above and beyond!

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?

Trustworthy! We trusted them with our home and never felt led astray.

Would you recommend The Cleary Company?

Yes, I definitely would and actually have already recommended them!

Want to Learn More?

Check out the before & after photos of this basement remodel in Powell, Ohio on our Houzz profile.

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!
July 29, 2022
Home Remodeling Experience Matters

A look into the best certifications for remodeling industry professionals (it’s why we’re so good!). Our Production Team combined has over 300 years of construction and remodeling work experience.

Back Row – Thomas King, Kuba Bursey, Dan McCallister, Rob Lindeboom, Gavin Majikas, Gary Dilley, Don Holmes, Mike Seyfang, Luis Gomez, Matt Ames, Jamie Herbst, Tristan Ballinger, Aharon Woodruff, Zach Minniear, Dan Irwin, Ethan Howe, Tyler Mitchell
Front Row – Jon Fichtner, Chuck Osborn, Joey Davis, Joe Hamlett, Justin Juenger, Ed Bangert, Dave Elliott, Ben Ludlow

Since creating The Cleary Company in 1994, George has always surrounded himself with talented craftsman. He believes that education and safety are of the utmost importance in the remodeling industry. Hiring people who share those values and take pride in working for a company that offers continuing education is key during the recruitment process.

From formal CEU classes administered by our industry partners to informal lunch-n-learns hosted by our vendors, our Remodel-Design-Build Team regularly participates in webinars and live presentations to improve their skillset. Knowledge of new products and trends, personal growth and continuing education keep us at the top of our game.

Wouldn’t you want the doctor performing your operation to be the best of the best? Your house is no different! You can feel comfortable knowing that when you work with The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus, Ohio, you are working alongside professionals that take pride in their work.

Why NARI?

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is an organization of high-quality remodeling professionals. Its members are committed to integrity, high standards, professional education, ethics and market recognition. NARI is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for remodeling industry intelligence.

Only full-time, professional remodeling industry professionals are eligible for certification by NARI. You can be assured that any time you hire a NARI-certified remodeling contractor, you are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry. And because remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for at least five years, you know that NARI certified remodeling professionals have developed the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice. NARI means remodeling done right!

It’s good to know that your remodeling contractor has a long-term commitment to his or her career. Click here for the full list of our Team’s certifications.

Do you value experience and continuing education? If so, contact us today to get started on your next home remodeling project. We also invite you to visit our Meet the Team page to learn more!

July 28, 2022
Basement Remodel ROI
People choose to remodel their homes for a variety of reasons and the Team at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build has over 28 years of experience improving the lives of their clients in Columbus, Ohio.

Finishing your basement can add a significant amount of usable living space to your home as well as increase its value. According to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Research Group and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) finishing your basement into additional living space will net you a cost recovery of up to 86%! This report is filled with valuable information with regards to everything remodeling.

So, let’s dive in! What does the report tell us about a basement remodel?

Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 on remodeling their homes according to a study from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. While most consumers responded they would have remodeled regardless of the pandemic, 86 percent of consumers report remodeling one area of their home made them want to then remodel other areas of their home.

Let’s focus on what else the report says about completing basement remodels! NAR utilizes a Joy score for each project based on happiness. We love this because we know that as remodelers, we provide a good deal of joy to our clients when they see their finished projects.

Adding new living space to a home with a basement remodel has a cost recovery value of 86%. “REALTORS® provided an estimate of the likely dollar value each project would add to the house at resale. In comparing that dollar value to the estimated cost of each project provided by NARI members, a Recovered Project Cost percentage was calculated.”

NARI Remodelers placed the cost estimate of a basement remodel at $57,500 (of course this is nationwide). Realtors® estimated a cost recovery is $49,250, so 86% is the percent of value recovered from the project on average.

The most interesting response we found is that regardless of the pandemic, 74% of those surveyed would have remodeled their basement.

To learn more, read the entire report here.

Functionality and Livability / #ImprovingYourHomeLife

When collaborating with our clients we focus on their needs for increased functionality and livability. Check out these before and after photos and you’ll see what we mean. We are confident we increased the functionality and livability for these clients!

Before

New Wine Cellar

Before

New Wet Bar

Wine Cellar & Custom Storage

New Laundry Room

New Entertainment Space

Before

Before

Before

Before

New Fireplace & Cabinetry

Our Design-Build Team has added value to many of our client’s basements with numerous new features including:
- fireplaces
- home offices
- home gyms
- playrooms for kids
- game rooms & bars for adults to entertain
- customized storage
- and even a few wine cellars
Want to see more remodeled basements? Visit the Basement Remodeling Playlist on our YouTube channel!

We know that a basement remodel can be one of the most satisfying spaces you remodel. Gain square footage, space for your family, and the needed additional bedroom, office, bathroom, craft room, or storage. The sky’s the limit!

Are you ready to remodel your basement? Contact us today to start a conversation!
July 21, 2022
Designing for Accessibility in Your Home Remodel
There are many reasons why you may be ready for a remodel. Do your dated rooms feel old and tired? Does your home function for your current lifestyle? Or maybe you’d like to create a more accessible home to accommodate different life stages and abilities.

Our Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio takes our remodeling designs seriously and wants to be sure they are accessible for all. We collaborate with our clients to create a design plan that considers these and other accessibility challenges in their home.

3 Types of Accessibility Issues to Consider:
- Visual — Use color to highlight or complement what is already visible but also ensure sufficient contrast. Paint door frames and doors a lighter color than the walls.
- Motor/Mobility — Choose solid surface floors throughout like wood, tile or vinyl and minimize the number of transitions between materials. Eliminate or reduce the use of rugs or carpets. Wider hallways, doorways and traffic flow for accommodating wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
- Auditory — Creating a more open concept floor plan allows for unobstructed sight lines for easier communication. The arrangement of the room can also make a significant difference for those who use lipreading or sign language. Circular or horseshoe seating layouts work best.
Design Features to Consider:
- Single story living
- Limited steps inside and outside
- Wider hallways and entryways
- Open floor plans
- Low maintenance exterior and landscape
- Varying height countertops
- Easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Walk-in or zero-entry showers
Terminology used for Accessibility in Home Design

Living in Place or Aging in Place — Both used interchangeably have become more popular as people want to stay in their homes longer. This means the home needs to be safe, healthy, and comfortable for everyone in the household, no matter their age or accessibility. Are there hazards, barriers, or floor plan issues that need to be rectified to create a design that all people can use, especially those with memory, cognitive or physical challenges?

Universal Design — Sometimes used interchangeably with the previous two terms. This approach to home design is to meet the needs of everyone. Regardless of age, size, ability or accessibility, a design is created, understood, and used by everyone, as much as possible. Read more about Universal Design on our blog.

An excellent example of such design exists right here in Columbus! This 3,500sf ranch home was built in 2009. It is not only the private residence of Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D and her husband, Mark Leder but also a one-of-a-kind national demonstration home called the Universal Design Living Laboratory. Our Team had the privilege of touring this amazing home in 2015. We appreciate our conversations with Rosemarie, whose personal work in Universal Design has been instrumental in educating home industry professionals.

Universal Design Living Laboratory – 6141 Clark State Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230

ADA Compliant — This term refers to actual code compliance rules included in the American Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. An ADA-compliant home follows these codes entirely.

Visit-ability — This one is interesting because it isn’t so much about who lives in the home, but who is visiting. How will they navigate throughout your home if they are wheelchair-bound or have other mobility issues?

Areas to consider:
- Entrances and exits of the home
- Bathroom accessibility
- Bedroom access for those who can’t use stairs
- Hallways should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters
Adaptable Design — This realizes an important middle-ground area in the designing of homes, putting it somewhere between full accessibility and a home filled with accessibility challenges. Creating a remodeled home that can easily be adapted to accommodate changing needs can save money over time if it is thought of now.

Are there products or design elements that can be put in place now, that can be used later? You may not want a walk-in shower now, but will it be needed down the road? Does the structure behind the walls need to allow for grab bars to be added beside a toilet or in a shower? Does the island have an area that is lower, allowing a wheelchair to be rolled up to it?

NARI UDCP – Universal Design Certified Professional

The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio is proud to have several Team members who’ve earned accreditation in Universal Design from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry!

Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP – Design Manager

Katie Florjancic, UDCP – Designer

Emily Perebzak, UDCP – Designer

Shannon Tannehill, UDCP – Design Consultant

The UDCP program addresses the key concepts of Universal Design as applied to residential remodeling:
- Conducting client needs assessments
- Universal design applications used in residential remodeling
- Construction techniques used to implement universal design to a remodeling project
- Plumbing and electrical systems unique to universal design
- Differences between model building codes and ones described in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
No matter what accessibility, aging challenges or planning for the future you might be doing now — our Design Team is here to collaborate with you to create the vision you need for your home.

Ready for a Home Remodel?

Get started today by calling our Client Relations Coordinator @ 614-459-4000 or by visiting our website.
July 18, 2022