Category: Ask a Pro

Five Pillars of Self-Care
ActionCOACH & The Cleary Company Make a Difference

There are those that believe success in business and leadership just takes hard work. But at The Cleary Company it is our opinion that hard work alone isn’t enough. You must make sure you are pointed in the right direction as you are working hard. It is ideal to have someone looking over your shoulder to guide you and your business along the way! That is exactly why our Team works closely with ActionCOACH Columbus. They are a partner that helps us navigate the uncertainty of the business landscape. What that means for our design-build remodeling Clients is that we consistently work hard and smart to improve our business practices and leadership skills to be the best choice for their remodeling needs.

Below is some of the advice our Team has received from ActionCOACH.

Staying positive as a leader is essential in performing your job. To make sure you stay positive we have five pillars of self-care that we as coaches have our teams, managers and leaders all do.
1. Consistent Learning. Make sure that you’re always growing. Our brains are built to get rid of synapses that are not needed, as an energy-saving measure, causing our cognitive functions to slip after we graduate from college or cut back our workload near retirement. A consistent habit of learning has been proven to increase life expectancy, and certainly cognitive ability in that life.
2. Meditation. Regular meditation needs to be a part of your life. Get a meditation app or meditation audio of some kind to be able to shut your brain down just for a few minutes to recoup and recharge.
3. Exercise. Whether you walk, run, bike, swim, lift, or dance, exercise has a positive effect on not only your body, but your brain. The endorphins released when you exercise have been proven to increase positive outlook and decrease depression.
4. Affirmations. What you say to yourself when you’re by yourself can affect your outlook on every facet of your life. Saying out loud what you believe to be true about your present or future can reprogram your brain for positive thinking. Try things like “I am a successful leader.” or “I have great ideas that people want to hear.” It may feel uncomfortable at first to say these statements out loud but keep going.
5. Gratitude. Start your day being grateful for what you have and where you are. One of the easiest ways to do this is a gratitude snooze. Instead of falling back asleep after your alarm goes off, take that time to think of the things that are going well in your life. Try writing in a gratitude journal, capturing why you are grateful for the people, circumstances and experiences around you. Multiple scientific studies have concluded that cultivating the habit of gratitude influences not only your mental health, but your sleep health, physical health, and health of your relationships.
Creating a positive culture starts with the leaders. In all of these positive habits, show your team the way and lead by example.

As your remodeling experts our mission is to – “Thrive on improving the happiness of our clients and the functionality of their homes through our Remodel-Design-Build experience and have fun while doing it.” We focus on this mission daily and with ActionCOACH’s insightful guidance, we are fulfilling that mission through a positive culture and being leaders in our industry. What can you do to build your leadership skills?

Winner – Best Company Culture BizX Conference Nashville February 2020
March 2, 2020
Chase Away Winter Blues – Lighting Tips from Ferguson

Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

The winter days can be dark and dreary, but with the right lighting, everything looks better and your mood and energy levels can improve. That’s how we feel about our partnership with Ferguson. Not only do they provide quality products for your home, but working together with them, our designers create lighting solutions for our clients, making their projects brighter and better.

Choosing the right lighting for your home might seem like an easy task. Lamp goes here, chandelier goes there, then you head to the store to grab a few different types of light bulbs because what if those ones are too warm? Or too cool? Or too bright? Too dim? Whatever—it’s a light, how much of a difference will it make?

Bulb Types

Choosing the fixtures is the fun part. Choosing the bulbs is a little less sexy, but just as important when it comes to getting lighting right. LED lights come in a variety of color temperatures and are typically budget-friendly, both at the time of purchase and long-term. Classic incandescent lights are an option as well, but consider swapping them out for brighter halogen bulbs or more subdued (and trendier) Edison bulbs – which can add a “vintage” flair to your fixtures and spaces.

Whether you’re planning an entire renovation or just giving your space a facelift, you’ll need to put together a plan before anything else. Consider the space, size and style of each room and the activities that take place in each of those rooms.

Living Rooms – Perhaps the most flexible room in your home, the living room is typically one of the first rooms you and your guests see when entering the home. The living room is where you go to relax, and it also serves as a social gathering spot for any parties you might have. Getting the lighting right here is vital to setting the tone for the rest of your home. For larger, taller spaces, consider subtle recessed lighting or a stunning chandelier to spark conversation. For smaller spaces, a flush-mount overhead light and a couple of bold table lamps should do.

Kitchen – Often the focal point of many homes, kitchen lighting tends to be morecomplex. The odds of you utilizing more than one type of light are strong, so this is where your plan will come in handy. Recessed lighting is a great option for general illumination – or ambient lighting – but for more nuanced options, consider LED strips along the top of cabinets. Under-cabinet lights are perfect for task lighting, and decorative pendant lights over islands can help establish your kitchen as a unique space.

Bedroom – Just because you’ll spend most of your time asleep in this room doesn’t mean you have to skip out on good lighting. Bedrooms are sanctuaries. Whether you’re retreating into bed after a long day, curling up on your day off or simply reading a book before heading off to sleep, the right lighting can make or break your bedroom’s entire atmosphere. Forget table lamps on nightstands and instead opt for unique sconces or pendant lights on either side of your bed to add some style and flair to the room. Utilize floor lamps and ceiling lights – maybe a fan, too – for broader lighting options. No matter what, remember that dimmer switches are ideal for setting every mood.

Bathroom – Overhead lighting is ideal for lighting up entire bathrooms, but near your vanity you’ll want to opt for task lighting over or next to your mirror. Avoid installing light fixtures directly overhead, as it can cast harsh, unflattering and inaccurate shadows. For baths and showers, use two or more lights to sufficiently brighten the space. Like your bedroom, a dimmer switch might be a good idea, as not many people enjoy being awakened by bright, crisp lights.

When it comes time to start changing your interior lighting, let Ferguson and The Cleary Company create a plan for you that will illuminate your vision for your remodeled home. You’ll live better with Ferguson and The Cleary Company lighting the way. Visit fergusonshowrooms.com to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of their product experts.

January 29, 2020
Bathroom Remodeling Tips from Kohler

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

Choose a smaller faucet

Change your sink faucet to a space-saving, single-hole model.

Recommendation- Margaux® faucet

Rethinking the vanity, increasing storage

Save real and perceived space by installing a smaller vanity, a pedestal sink or a wall-mounted sink to remove bulky furniture. Pair with a medicine cabinet to increase convenient storage with no wasted space.
Recommendation- Jute® wall-hung vanity & Maxstow® medicine cabinet

Taking the tub down a notch

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.

Recommendation- Underscore® Rectangle

Matching accessories

From robe hooks to towel bars, maximize your storage and counter space by utilizing hanging space with matching accessories.
Recommendation- Margaux towel bar, Margaux toilet tissue holder, Margaux robe hook & Margaux towel ring

Going bold with a statement piece

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 us for our Build Better Open House Event with Kohler on January 22, 2020.

December 18, 2019
Color & Design Trends with Ruthanne Hanlon

Ruthanne Hanlon, PPG’s National Color + Design Manager, recently chatted with us about color design trends and what impact this may have on our homes for 2018. Color can create a new vision, a different feel to a room, or just a long-awaited change to the space. We were excited Ruthanne could join us at our February 20th Wine & Design Open House where she presented the 2018 Color forecast to 18 local Interior Designer members of ASID! We love her insight and are excited to share her thoughts with you.

What colors are trending for 2018?

Based on industry shows and consumer requests we’re seeing shades of blue, soft off-whites and warmer neutrals trending in both residential and commercial spaces. Dark hues are in abundance as well, including black or shades of black. The fear of darker colors has decreased drastically and many are embracing the dramatic effects dark colors provide.

What changes do you see color having in our homes this year?

Grays have been trending for ten years now. With many people looking for something new and fresh, warmer versions have been on the rise. Dark colors have become widely accepted for walls, furnishings and more. Shifting from cool grays to warmer versions will impact the overall mood of a space, making them less somber and more comfortable and inviting. The introduction of dark colors provides stability and interest.

What colors will remain popular?

Warmer grays, mineral blues, soft off-whites and shades of black or near blacks.

What impacts color trends each year?

World events. Everything from the economy, major national disasters, demographics and the political climate impacts how we live our lives and the spaces we want to surround ourselves with.

What do you think is important when choosing colors for a home?

Color schemes should be based on personal preference and which feel best to us. Referencing trends helps edit our choices but it’s critical we make our final selections based on which we like most and compliments the other elements in our spaces; flooring, furniture, etc.

What colors should we avoid in our homes and why?

There’s no such thing as a bad color. If it compliments and coordinates with the other colors in the space and appeals to you, it’s the right color.

Has this conversation inspired you to paint or change a room or rooms in your home? If you’re looking to remodel, Our Team is ready to help your family. Whether you’re searching for timeless transitional, contemporary, industrial modern, or a style somewhere in between, The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus OH wants to be your home remodeling company, and we have a “colorful” palette of plans, ideas, and colors perfect for you. Contact us to get started!

Our thanks to Ruthanne Hanlon for her expertise in sharing her knowledge with all of us.

If you would like to join us for our next Wine & Design event please click here for more details and to RSVP!

March 13, 2018
Interior Home Maintenance Checklist
This Late Summer To-Do List Will Help Transition Your Home into Fall

Just because most schools in our area are in session, it doesn’t mean summer is over. August in Ohio is usually hot and muggy so with the late summer heat upon us now is the time to tackle some indoor maintenance items. The following checklist will spruce up these often-neglected spaces and keep the dust to a minimum in your home. These tasks can also save you as much as $100 a year on your electric bill if you do them regularly.
1. Replace Air Conditioner Filter. It’s important to replace the air filter on your central heating/cooling system every one to three months to keep the system operating efficiently. The arrows on an air filter indicate the direction of air flow. Click here for a DIY video.
2. Check Air Conditioner Drain Lines. You’ll want water to move freely thru the line. Sometimes dust and debris can accumulate near the floor drain so cleaning the drain screen is usually all that is needed.
3. Clean Bathroom Vents. Removing dust from the covers will help them run quietly and efficiently.
4. Clean Range Hood Filter & Fan. You’ll need hot soapy water for this dirty task. Citrus-based cleaners work well as they help cut through grease build up.
5. Clean Refrigerator Coils. Use a vacuum to remove dust from underneath and behind your fridge.
For more seasonal maintenance tasks click here for the Midwest Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide from HouseLogic.
August 17, 2017
Our Trade Partners Matter

How & Why Our Trade Partners are Instrumental in the Creation & Completion of Projects

There are quite a few reasons a good Design-Build Remodeler is able to complete many high-quality, unique projects. At The Cleary Company, we are often talking about how good our projects, people, and processes are. This doesn’t adequately represent all that is necessary to be successful in this field. One huge component of our success has been the ability to find a great set of teammates. We call this group, Trade Partners and they are truly partners in the creation and completion of projects to be proud of.

Finding the Right Partner

We feel that finding the right type of person/company to partner with is key to maintaining the fun, family like character of our company. The Cleary Company looks for partners with similar values as ours. It starts with demonstrating respect for every individual and every project. How you handle the fact that you are working in someone’s home, making a significant impact on their lives, is critical.

Developing a long-term relationship with a likeminded group like this helps maintain our ability to consistently produce high quality work. In order for us all to stand behind our work it is important that we all display qualities like reliability, dependability and longevity. It is easy to focus on the Client and their home when you work with people who you know have your best interest in mind.

Collaborating

While working through design concepts, selection options and problem solving in the field we collaborate with some of the most creative, knowledgeable folks in town. They help us make sure we are considering all available options and identify ways for us to bring the best value to our Clients’ projects.

Continuing Education

We appreciate working with partners who continue to advance their professional skills and knowledge. These advancements include continuing education, certifications and designations. There are several organizations The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build and our related Trade Partners rely on for some of this development. NARI, ASID, NKBA and others offer us all the ability to improve how we can assist our Clients with their design/remodel needs.

Our Extended Team

If you are a past or present Client, you probably already know some of these great teammates. If you are considering a remodeling project, contact us and we will introduce you to some of these fine folks. If you are one of our Trade Partners, I hope we are letting you know how important you are!

For additional reading check out these resources:

How to Navigate the Remodeling Process

Characteristics of Successful Contractors

The Top Five Traits of an Excellent Contractor

July 6, 2017
5 Benefits of Rain Barrels
Did you know rain barrels have community as well as household benefits?

A rain barrel is a container that captures and stores rainwater draining from your roof. Barrels usually range from 50 to 80 gallons and have a spigot for filling watering cans and a connection for a soaker hose. Our design center has a rain barrel conveniently installed for watering our plants and trees. Here are our top 5 benefits of using a rain barrel as part of your eco-friendly gardening.
1. Save Money. Reduce your water bill with a rain barrel’s water catch. A typical gardener can save as much as 1,300 gallons of water during the growing season. Landscape watering typically accounts for up to 40% of a homeowner’s water use during the summer.
2. Reduce Runoff Pollution & Erosion. Runoff from rains pick up soil, oil, pesticides, fertilizers and other contaminates and push them to other areas. When these pollutants accumulate they contribute to algae growth in lakes and alter the habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife which can also make lakes and oceans dangerous for humans and other mammals. Your rain catch will be especially helpful!
3. Promote Plant & Soil Health. Rainwater is better for your landscaping because it’s highly oxygenated and more importantly free of salts, fluoride and inorganic ions. Use of rainwater in your garden also makes plants more drought-tolerant.
4. Conserve Water. Storing rainwater can do a world of good for the environment. You’ll have your own water source in times of mild drought or watering restrictions. The average rainfall of one inch within a 24 hour period can produce more than 700 gallons of water that run off a typical house!
5. Wash Cars & Windows. Rain water is free of calcium, chlorine, and lime making the water from your rain barrel a great option for washing your car. Since it’s soft water, it won’t hurt your car’s paint or damage windows. And, you’ll be saving some of that precious tap water for more practical uses, like drinking.
Easily estimate how many gallons of water you can collect with a Rainfall Harvest Calculator. We found a site that will do it for you Gardener’s Supply Company. Just enter the dimensions of your roof (note: only the section that drains into your barrel) and then, add the amount of rainfall in inches.

SAFETY NOTE: Do not use collected water for drinking, cooking or bathing!
June 9, 2017
Saving Energy and Money in Your Home
Knowing where your home uses energy is the first step to saving energy and money. A home energy audit can identify opportunities through a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy use. Your audit report contains personalized recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades and generous discounts for completing the improvements.

Professional energy assessments generally go into great detail to assess your home’s energy use and most will include at least checking for leaks, examining insulation, inspecting the furnace and ductwork, performing a blower door test and using an infrared camera. An energy auditor will do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills.

Step two to saving energy and money in your home is by following some or even all of the recommended upgrades in the customized report. In doing so homeowners can save money, energy as well as improve the comfort of their home.

Locally Columbia Gas Ohio offers a Home Energy Audit program for a low cost of $50 that includes the following:
- Three-hour comprehensive in-home assessment by a trained energy adviser (a $500 value)
- Installation of free energy-efficient items like shower heads and a programmable thermostat
- A safety check of your gas furnace for carbon monoxide levels and efficiency
- A personalized report of your home’s efficiency with generous discounts, rebates and incentives to put toward your upgrades
For more information and to schedule your audit click here!

The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends these 8 tips for saving energy~
November 23, 2016