Category: Home Design

Ready to Ditch Your Garden Tub?!
What once was a “wow” amenity years ago in many new primary bathrooms, now doesn’t hold this same affection. A large built-in garden tub was considered a thing of beauty back in the day but hasn’t stood the test of time.

Built-in garden tubs use gallons of water, are not easily navigated with their large tiled decks (especially as we get older), are difficult to clean, and take up valuable bathroom floor space. Garden tubs evoked the spa-like aesthetic we all craved in the 80’s & 90’s, but for today’s lifestyle, these oversized tubs just don’t cut it for many of our clients who are looking for easy care and maintenance for their bathroom remodels. In fact, removing them is the first request from clients looking to hire our team to design and rebuild their new bathroom.

Why remove it?
- Install a larger walk-in shower with a smaller freestanding tub or no tub at all.
- It could add value to your home, as most buyers don’t want a garden tub.
- To free up space for more storage, a larger toilet area, double sinks, and more.
- For a spa-like shower experience, filled with all the bells and whistles – steam, multiple showerheads, sound, lighting – to make it special. (You’ll never want to get out!)
Design ideas to spark your dreams:

Now that you’ve decided to remove your garden tub, what will you add in its place?
- Consider a large walk-in shower. For living in place design, a zero-entry or low threshold shower eliminates the need for a large edge to step over.
- A larger shower also allows for adding a bench, whether it’s used as a footrest or for sitting, they can be either built-in or removable.
- Installing a larger vanity with double sinks creates more countertop space and storage.
- Add additional storage by expanding a nearby closet, create a new closet, or add open shelving.
- Free-standing tubs are much smaller but can still incorporate some of the functions of larger garden tubs. Our Designers like the Evanescence Collection from BainUltra.
- A “wet room” design, incorporates the shower and free-standing tub in the same area which is typically separated from the rest of the bathroom by a glass partition or tiled wall.
For inspiration, take a look at some of our gorgeous bathrooms after the removal of a garden tub!

Before

After

Built-in tub removed to create zero entry shower.

Before

After

Standard hall bathroom alcove tub removed for low threshold shower.

Before

After

Doubled the size of the shower and able to add a large vanity with more storage.

Before

After

Doubled the size of the shower and left enough space for a more functional freestanding tub.

Our award-winning Design-Build remodeling Team is here to collaborate with you to create a design plan that fulfills your vision of a new bathroom that’s not only a beautiful retreat but also functions for your lifestyle. Contact us today to get started! 614-459-4000
May 19, 2022
Highlights from KBIS 2022
Have you looked around at your kitchen or bathroom recently thinking, “Something has to change.”? Make this the year you do something about it!

Remodeling your home can make such a big difference in your daily home life. It’s a positive step to take and we are here to help you every step of the way. At The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus OH, our Designers and Design Consultants listen to your needs and issues with your space and collaborate on a plan that incorporates fixtures and finishes to solve those problems.

In February, four members of our Team attended the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. Design Consultants Shannon Tannehill & Margot Sheehan came back excited to share with us and their clients all of their favorites.

What trends are they most excited about?

Natufia Smart Garden

Beko Front Load Recycled Tub Washer

LG Signature InstaView Door Refrigerator
- Wellness — Focus on nature and “me” time to revitalize the mind and relax the body. Products they loved included:
  - Natufia Smart Garden, grows 32 plants simultaneously with automatic watering and lighting to allow you to enjoy fresh, flavorful, and nutritious-packed plants anywhere, anytime.
  - Kohler bathtubs offer 4 types of bathing features – Soaking, Heated Bubble Massage, Whirlpools, and Vibracoustic. Their signature hydrotherapies create a luxurious spalike experience. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for soothing an aching body or speeding the recovery of other muscular ailments.
- Smart Home — Innovations that make ordinary experiences in your home more enjoyable. Some of these products included:
  - Beko Washing Machine – The Eco Recycled Tub is the first washer made from recycled plastic bottles. It uses 30% less energy and features 60 recycled water bottles used to make the drum of each washer.
  - GE Profile Kitchen Hub – An innovative way to have smart home integration. Incorporating U+ connect app and Google Assistant along with a guided cooking app and the ability to stream music, shows and movies.
- Living in Place — This has been at the forefront of design for the last few years. We need cleanable, multi-use spaces that are bigger and more adaptable, to make life easier at all ages. What we loved:
  - Appliances – LG Signature Kitchen French Door Refrigerator. It features reduced depth for easy access, LED lighting for clear visibility and the bottom drawers are interchangeable between freezer or refrigerator storage.
  - Lighting – A well-lit home is a safer home for all. Natural light plays a huge role in mental and emotional health of all, especially those living alone. Motion sensor lights not only conserve energy but are helpful for moving around your home at night. Toe kick lights on bathroom vanities are also helpful.
What sparked their inspiration at KBIS?

Color, color, color

Colors are a true reflection of our environment, and the impact our health has had on us the past few years. We saw color in appliances, cabinetry, knobs and drawer pulls, paint, tiles, and more. The reigning colors included:
- Green—evoking nature, outdoors, organic feel
- Blue—evoking a feeling of trust
- Pink—suggesting calmness
- Taupes—moving us away from grays and bringing earthiness and serenity
Artfulness

Art can make us feel and react in different ways. Our designers were so intrigued by the artful designs they saw that turned sinks, tubs, shower flooring, shower drains, countertops, tile, lighting, and range hoods into pieces of art for your home.

Outdoor living

The options are endless for taking cooking and entertaining outdoors. The days of a grill on a patio have been encompassed by outdoor kitchens complete with refrigerators, waste containers, sinks, cabinets, countertops, and pizza ovens. If you want something from your kitchen outside, it can be done!

KBIS always brings our Team new ideas, excitement and energy! We’re ready to incorporate these new products and ideas into our projects for 2022 and beyond.

Fun & Inspiration from KBIS in Las Vegas!

Are you ready for a remodel? Our Team is here to help you love your home again. Contact us to get started!

Interested in tile design trends? Read our blog post Tile, Design & Home Remodeling to learn about innovative designs in tile.
May 17, 2022
Patio & Deck Season is here!
Are You Ready?

It’s about that time—to fire up the grill and firepit, toast a glass with friends, and while away the evenings and weekends on your patio or deck. Is your deck the livable space you want it to be? Does it need a refresh with some cool appliances and furniture? Or maybe it’s time for a new deck or patio. No matter where you are in your deck/patio dream, what you are envisioning can happen.

Our Design Team at The Cleary Company Design-Build-Remodel in Columbus, Ohio has gathered some of their best ideas to help you create the deck or patio you want for your backyard. And remember, our Team is here to help you create the outdoor living space you want for your home!

Over the past few years, our outdoor living spaces have evolved into everyday use, not just a place to grill on the weekends and hang out with friends. It’s additional living space, an office, a homework area, an area for family gatherings and relaxing—all on a daily basis.

Turn your patio or deck into a haven with these innovative ideas from building to decorating.

Outdoor Living Room

Your patio or deck should be treated as another room of your house. This begs the question— how are you going to use it? Create a seating area, a dining area, a place to cook, an office area, a kids’ play space, and more. Comfy weatherproof couches and chairs, a dining table, blankets, pillows, ambient lighting, water features, and storage will help you define and use the spaces on your patio or deck.

Furniture features

The furniture you choose creates the look and feel you want for your outdoor living. You’ll want it to be comfortable, stylish and durable—and as weatherproof as possible. On a deck or patio, furniture has to stand up to wind, rain, sun, changes in temperature, and how it can be cleaned.
- Many materials are used for outdoor furniture, all with their own pros and cons. Know your environment and the impact it has on the furniture as well as how much wear and tear it can take (we see you kids).
  - Wood furniture is easy to work with and looks beautiful. Softer woods don’t hold up as well to the elements over time, while hardwoods are more weather resistant. We love the information about the various types of wood furniture found on this blog from Décor Outdoor.
  - Metal is very durable and works well for side tables, coffee tables and chairs & couches covered with cushions. Metal can rust and might be harder to move if stored inside during the winter.
- Be sustainable with recycled plastic outdoor furniture, with brands like Polywood , Comfort Craft and Luxcraft, or Sunbrella), or eco-friendly reclaimed wood, rattan, wicker and bamboo.
- Don’t forget to have small tables available for drinks, electronics, and plates.
Bring in Color

Earthy, calm, and neutral or bold, bright, and colorful? Someplace in between? Pillows, cushions, outdoor rugs, planters, accent chairs with pops of color, and botanical prints are just a few ways to facilitate some color. This is a fun way to let the personality of your home shine through.

Lighting

You don’t just use your deck or patio during the day. Evenings are meant for neighborhood fun, with the kids running around and the adults hanging by the fire table, chilling with a cold one. Keep the evening going with a bit of illumination. Don’t let the fun stop just because it’s dark.
- Install LED strip lighting along the deck to create safety points
- Place solar lights to light up pathways, landscape borders and decks
- String bulb lights under the pergola or across the deck for some ambiance
- Torches and candles create mood lighting and help with bug control (citronella is the go-to scent)
Control those temps

Right, we get it—we are outside and while we can’t control the weather, we can control aspects of the temperature on our patios when it’s really hot or if it’s a chilly evening.

We can use these great options!
- Overhead heating lamps
- Firepit tables or fire pits, using gas, propane or wood
- Ceiling fans
- Outdoor evaporative coolers (aka, swamp coolers)
All of these can cool us down and warm us up, keeping us outside longer! And who doesn’t want that?

Summer Shade

During a sweltering summer day, shade is a necessity. If you’re not blessed with a yard filled with mature trees, there are other ways you can create shade.
- A pergola provides dappled shade
- Part of your patio can have some type of roofing structure
- Oversized umbrellas, covering tables, chairs or part of the patio, create pockets of shade
Go Green with Plants

A deck or patio immediately feels comfortable and homey with plants. Border plants surrounding the area create areas of privacy, as well as visual interest.

Perennials, succulents, flowering baskets, herb container gardens, and vertical gardens are fun ways to provide pops of color and natural beauty. You’ll want to spend all your time outdoors when you bring flowers and foliage into the space.

Cook in an Outdoor Kitchen

Depending on the kind of cook you are will determine what type of outdoor kitchen you want. Do you just want to chill, entertain while grilling, or create a whole new kitchen for cooking outside?

Your kitchen could include…
- A grill—either coal or propane
- A mini-fridge for condiments, drinks and prep items
- A pizza oven
- A sink for washing hands and quick clean-ups
- Bar space, with a kegerator, wine fridge, and drawers for mixologist items
- Granite or concrete countertops that will hold up to the weather
- Storage
This article from BBQGuys lists some of the top-rated appliances and equipment for your outdoor kitchen—check out the bar centers! A built-in trash container saves you trips to the garbage can and a dishwasher might just be a game-changer!

Outdoor Office

Are you still working from home? Create an area of your porch, patio, or deck to allow you to spend time outside while working. That Zoom background will be the envy of others!

Are you ready to make some changes?

Your patio or deck can be more than just an occasionally used part of your home. It can be your oasis, the place you come home to and don’t want to leave. Reach out to us at 614-459-4000 if we can help you remodel your home and give you the oasis you deserve. And keep the fire going—we will be there soon to roast some marshmallows!
April 27, 2022
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!
- Sherwin Williams – SW9130 Evergreen Fog
- Benjamin Moore – October Mist 1495
- PPG – Olive Sprig
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:
- Sherwin Williams – SW 7029 Agreeable Gray
- Sherwin Williams – SW 7017 Dorian Gray
- Benjamin Moore – Ocean Floor 1630
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:
- Sherwin Williams – SW7637 Oyster White
- Benjamin Moore – White Dove OC-17
- PPG – Most Popular Whites
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!
March 18, 2022
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?

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…
March 1, 2022
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.
February 12, 2022
Using Smart Technology in Your Home
How smart is your home? How smart do you want it to be? Smart home devices are plentiful and can help you do so much more in your home, hopefully saving you some time! Most devices are pretty easy to integrate into your home. Some, as simple as plug and go, a little help from your WIFI, downloading an app, or spending a bit of time reading directions. However, connecting your whole house with products and systems that work seamlessly together takes some forethought and planning.

The Design Team at the Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio facilitates many conversations about smart technology with our clients while creating their custom remodeling plans. Asking questions like –
- Will you need more outlets in the kitchen or office?
- How many areas will need charging stations?
- Where will control devices and speakers be placed?
- What devices do you plan on using?
help us create a plan and scope of work that is unique to your project. This collaboration helps create a home as smart as you need it to be.

The preferred vendor we utilize when we need guidance and support is CHS (Central Home Systems). You can see and touch their products throughout our office. Their team is well-versed on everything a home needs to be energy efficient, smart, and automated. We know that if we come to them with an idea or question, they can make it happen!

Another resource our client’s utilize is EZ-Integration located in Dublin. Both companies provide the skills of multiple specialized companies under one roof. No need for a separate installer for Security, Smart Home and Audio Visual entertainment. And more importantly, both provide excellent service and knowledge to our Team and our clients.

Smart Home Technology Options

Devices:

Amazon Echo, Google Mini, Google Nest, or other voice assistant smart devices, not only are they speakers for music, but they help us find items, check the weather, control appliances, set timers, among many other helpful functions. Their possibilities are pretty endless and will only continue to evolve over time.

Speakers:

Wireless smart speakers allow music streaming anywhere inside or outside your home. Many of them can pair with Alexa or Google Nest, making music listening easier than ever. Most of them work simply by plugging them in, downloading the app and connecting to your WIFI. George is a huge fan of Sonos!

Blinds & Shades:

Hunter Douglas has a line of automated shades you can control from anywhere by using their app. Energy efficiency, privacy, and convenience at the touch of a button. Visit Home Source Custom Draperies and Blinds located in north Columbus OH at 727 Mount Airyshire Blvd, 43235 to see the full line of Hunter Douglas products.

Appliances:

Kitchen appliances continue to develop new features for convenience and energy efficiency. Do a Google search for smart appliances. You’d be surprised what you can find!
- A slow cooker controlled from your smart device
- An electric range featuring IQ-touch digital controls
- The refrigerator with a built-in camera to help you see what you need while at the grocery store. Some models also have the ability to play music
- How about an electric fork that tracks your eating habits!
Thermostats:

Do you have a smart thermostat yet? This device learns how your family heats and cools the home, all while it learns your routine. Having this device can help with overall comfort and supply some cost savings. And if you leave for a period of time, you can turn up the heat or turn down the air conditioning before you arrive back home. Comfort at the tap of your phone or activated by your voice.

Doorbells & Security:

A doorbell is not what it used to be—now it is a home security camera, a way to talk with the UPS or Amazon delivery person, or chat with your neighbors. Along with these doorbells, many of our clients choose to have home security cameras installed. If you are away, this is an added sense of comfort and safety.

Doors & Locks:

Do you forget to close your garage door at night or when you leave to pick up the kids from school? Smart garage doors can be programmed to close at a specific time or from a tap on your phone. In addition, smart locks for your doors continue to evolve and change and offer both added security and monitoring.

Your home can be integrated more now than ever. While some of us might not be ready to have our home be that smart, others of us are saying, “Bring it on!” Whatever the case, our Team can help you navigate your way through not only the renovation but help you make your home even smarter.

Contact our Team today to get started on your next project!
January 19, 2022
Remodeling Boom in Central Ohio Continues

You’ve made the decision to remodel your home. Maybe you’re renovating the kitchen or main bathroom, or a whole house remodel. In your mind, your project should start as soon as you meet with a qualified remodeling company. And as much as we would love to begin your project right away, it’s just not possible. But we are here to guide you through the process, build a relationship and treat you like family.

Why your home remodeling project start date is 9-12 months away.

A major renovation is never easy. There are many details to plan and execute that it can seem like assembling a complicated puzzle, with the addition of each piece dependent on the one before it. Renovating during a pandemic is even trickier. For over a year, the global supply chain has been upended. Shortages of raw materials and manufacturers not being able to produce enough product has caused long delays of many products used in most remodeling projects – from lumber to plumbing to refrigerators.

According to the NY Times, “the shortages have been exacerbated by a home renovation boom that defied the recession. In 2020, as the U.S. economy fell by 3.5 percent, spending on home repairs and improvements rose more than 3 percent. Since March 2020, monthly online spending for home improvement products and appliances was, on average, 74 percent higher than pre-Covid levels.”

Labor & Material Shortages

When you combine the supply chain issues with an already tight labor market and then multiply that by the surge in demand, the result is a situation where the months in work backlog at most, if not all, residential construction companies has soared to all-time highs. Companies consistently need to navigate the area between hiring to shorten backlog wait times, and growing too fast. And at the present time hiring is as difficult as it has ever been.

The best we can do is to communicate clearly and often about the realities of the situation and set appropriate expectations with our clients. We will work as hard as we can to keep the process as pleasant as possible. While saws and measuring tapes are typically our most relied upon tools, education and communication are our most powerful tools during these unique times!

We believe that remodeling your home is an honor and a privilege. We will do our utmost best to give you honest timelines and work with you to improve your home life. Contact our Team today to get started on your dream home!

Need inspiration? Visit our website Portfolios.

September 22, 2021
Lifestyle Trends Influencing Your Homelife
We’ve all experienced so many changes this past year. Learning to adapt and be flexible. Rapidly changing technology, new working conditions and unimaginable stresses have taught us all a lot! Many of us have changed the way we live and think about our homes. Our experienced design team at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio has put together a list of the top remodeling requests. They’re also mindful of the following lifestyle trends influencing our clients’ wants and needs for their homes.

On Demand Culture

It seems like everyone wants everything to be easy and quick. Amazon’s “Same-Day Delivery”, UberEATS, the internet in your pocket, etc. The remodeling industry is feeling this pressure as well—clients want a quick turnaround project that involves as little stress as possible while providing quality results. Although The Cleary Company does not offer “Same-Day Delivery” of home additions and remodels, we do aim to provide a fun, efficient, collaborative, and enjoyable remodeling experience for our clients.

Technology & Gadgets

Incorporating technology into your home design can be as simple as adding USB outlets to a kitchen or home office or as detailed as wiring for a “smart home”. The home tech market is seeing a huge surge of products available that can be monitored and controlled via app on your smartphone. A go-to product for our clients is the Adorne Collection by Legrand. Their undercabinet lighting and tech system eliminates outlets and cords from your kitchen backsplash.

Smaller Spaces

Many families are looking to downsize their homes to lessen maintenance and increase opportunities for life experiences. No matter the size of the home, most clients are looking for not only more storage, but hidden and accessible storage. Our design team will work collaboratively with you to create a plan that maximizes the useful space in your home. Incorporating unique storage opportunities, such as toe-kick drawers and fully accessible blind corner cabinet storage accessories. Upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling also help to offer additional storage while benefitting the overall design by making the space feel larger.

Top Requests for Home Remodeling Projects in 2021

Home. Your sanctuary. Your foundation. We desire comfort, warmth and safety in our homes more than ever these days. Historically kitchen and bathroom remodels are typically the first two areas most home owners consider for big changes. Whether their goals are for more storage space, better function, upgrades to fixtures and finishes or all of the above a kitchen or bathroom remodel can give you more enjoyment in your home.

However, the pandemic has also given rise to 3 new popular areas to remodel!
- Home Gyms – When everything shut down last spring the weather was improving and a lot of folks chose to change their workout routines to outdoors. However, once colder weather began to stay late last fall most of us wanted a more weather friendly option. Carving out space in your home for a workout is important for your physical and mental well being. To make a home gym area blend in with your decor, storing your equipment is key. Cube style bookcases with slide-out bins are available in many shades of painted and stained woods from companies like Wayfair, Ikea and even Target.
- Home Offices – Commuting to work was a breeze for many however carving out proper space for completing tasks and meeting was a whole different issue. With advances in technology we’ve found that large corporate offices are unnecessary in many ways and home offices are now considered a “must-have” for new homeowners. Find a space in a bedroom, alcove or basement. Creating a new work zone in your home can be as easy as taking off the sliding doors of a closet and purchasing a desk to fit inside! Another option is to install new doors to close off a previously open room.
- Elevated Outdoor Spaces – Firepits and patio heater sales have hit all time highs the last twelve months. Some of you may have been sitting on your patios or front porches for the first time! Socializing and social distancing in backyards have also given homeowners new ideas for creating fun entertaining outdoor “rooms”. Indoor spaces have inspired the decor and designs of our porches and patios with the use of rugs, end tables, dining sets and art.
Aging in Place – Living in Place

Of course, we cannot discuss lifestyle trends and their impact on design without considering the aging population. With the age of our average population increasing and with an unpredictable housing market, the desire to age and live in place becomes increasingly appealing. Many universal design-related features have become standard in many of our design-build remodeling projects. Giving all elements of a project careful consideration to ensure it is functional for all ages is critical. Details like style of cabinet hardware, heights of outlets, task lighting and appropriate flooring choices are all evaluated for their ease of use and maintenance.

Are you looking to update your home? Is there a lifestyle trend that could bring more function to your family’s routine? All of these design ideas only scratch the surface for what The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus OH is able to do to help adapt your home to suit your personal lifestyle.

Ready to start a new project? Contact us today to get started!
May 19, 2021
Updating Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The front or curbside view of a home is an important first impression to your neighbors and visitors but what are some ways you can add architectural interest and value to your home’s exterior curb appeal?

Remodeling projects that upgrade the exterior look of your home have historically had the best ROI for homeowners according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value report. This yearly report consists of national averages on job costs, resale value and costs recouped percentage and is also broken down by region and by several major cities. View the full 2021 report for Columbus, OH here.

For over 27 years The Cleary Company has been remodeling homes in central Ohio. The following exterior remodeling projects have been in high demand for the past 5-10 years. Why? Read on to find out how you can get you the biggest bang for your buck remodeling your home in Columbus Ohio.

4 Upgrades to Boost the Value on Your Home’s Exterior

1 – Get a whole new look by replacing the siding. Changing the design and/or architectural details of your home’s front exterior can breath new life and energy into it’s curb appeal. Whether you decide on fiber-cement or vinyl siding you can accept an ROI of up to 68%.

Before

After

Westerville, OH – Exterior Remodel – all new siding, doors, front porch deck & column and lighting

2 – Create visual interest by adding a stone veneer to accent your home’s exterior. There are a variety of colors and styles on the market. Hamilton Parker has a great selection of veneer stone. Visit their showroom or website. This project can also net you a high return percentage in resale value with a local average return of up to 89%!

Westerville, OH – 2 story Exterior Remodel – all new siding with accent of stone veneer on porch, also new columns, garage door, shutters and lighting.

3 – Replace your garage door. What’s distinguishing about most garage doors? Not much and a lack of notable detail can create an imposing facade from the street. A garage that takes center stage for a home’s curbside view should present a welcoming face. A garage door upgrade can also increase the home’s value and net homeowners up to 95% of the dollars recouped!

Before & Proposed Rendering

After

Upper Arlington, OH – Split Level Exterior Remodel – all new doors, lighting, columns and siding.

4 – Upgrade the entry to your home with a new front door. Entry door choices are almost endless with a variety of materials, styles, finishes and colors available and a number of other additional options to consider like glass or no glass, painted or stained, hardware, etc. Our Clients like Masonite brand doors for their selection, quality and reputation. Visit their website for the full entry door product gallery. Homeowners can also recoup an average of up to 68% of their investment from a front door replacement.

Columbus, OH – The Knolls – Exterior Remodel – New front door – Craftsman style, solid wood with custom art glass panes.

Ready to make a change to your home’s curb appeal?

Visit our Exteriors portfolio for more inspiration or schedule a phone call with our Home Services Team today!

May 4, 2021