Category: Design-Build

Your 8 Step Guide to Hiring the Right Remodeler
Navigating the Remodeling Maze

Planning a remodeling project is exciting! You’ve been thinking about the room or rooms you want to change, you’ve probably been binge watching some renovating shows, looking through home magazines or scrolling through Pinterest, and dreaming. But now it’s time for the nuts and bolts of the plan—choosing the right remodeler to make your dream a reality.

The Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is ready to create your vision and we want to help you hire the right company for you! The following eight steps should help guide your research to find the best company for your home remodel.

8 Step Guide
1. Define your project: It’s important to start by clearly defining your project. The scope of the work, your goals, budget, timeline, and any specific requirements and preferences are the first steps to think about. Knowing these allows you to articulate your thoughts and ideas to potential remodeling companies.
2. Ask for recommendations: Many times, asking friends, neighbors, or colleagues for company recommendations is an effective way to start your search. Who better than those that have been through a project to give you their thoughts? Checking the company websites for reviews is a good unbiased referral as well. From these recommendations, create your shortlist.
3. Do your research: With your recommended companies in mind, visit their websites, and explore their project profiles, photo galleries, and testimonials. When looking at their websites, find those that fit with your project idea and have a successful company. Another useful resource is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). A NARI professional remodeling contractor is bound to a code of ethics that holds them to a higher standard of professionalism, integrity and excellence.
4. Check licenses and insurance: We’ve all heard horror stories of companies starting work and not finishing or taking the money and not doing the work. A reputable company is properly licensed and insured and can be verified by local authorities. Licensing does vary by state, so ensure they have the correct licenses and certifications.
5. Schedule a consultation: Now take your shortlist and schedule appointments. During the meeting, discuss your intended project’s details, ask questions, and pay attention to their communication skills, expertise, and professionalism. Who are you most comfortable with having in your home? Ask to tour their job sites, office, showroom or design center.
6. Request references: A remodeling company should have references readily available from their past clients for you to contact. Call them and ask questions about their experiences, the quality of the work, how issues were handled, and how communication was between the client and the company.
7. Develop a project proposal: Choose the company you feel is the best match for your family and project. Enter into a Design Agreement or request a written proposal or quote that includes the general project scope options, timeline of the project, and estimated costs.
8. Sign the contract: After finishing the project development process request a contract that includes a detailed proposal with drawings, a scope of work, materials to be installed, project price and payment terms.
Want to learn more? Read our blog post “Ready for a Home Remodel in 2023“.

Need some inspiration for your next home remodeling project? Visit our Po r tfolio!

Let’s Get Started!

Following these steps will bring you to the right remodeling company for your project. It’s also your responsibility to communicate openly, set realistic expectations, and relay them clearly.

The Cleary Company’s Remodel-Design-Build Team in Columbus, OH, would like the opportunity to collaborate with you by engaging in these conversations. Our Design Studio is available by appointment. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator who will answer all your questions, and explain our process. Call today 614-459-4000 or visit our website!
June 29, 2023
Top Four Benefits of a Home Addition | Columbus, OH
Why building a home addition makes sense for your family.

Do you need more space or functionality in your home for a growing family? Maybe you need a home office or want a sunroom? Or do you desire a ground-level primary suite for aging in place in your home of 20-30+ years?

A design-build home addition can provide many benefits for your family. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is who you can trust to collaborate with you to develop and execute a plan that works for your family and lifestyle.

Furthermore, adding on to your home is a wise investment to make for your family, especially when you want to stay in your neighborhood. The following are some benefits to consider, helping you decide when it’s time to add on to your home.
1. Increase family living space. How great would it be to expand part of your beloved home without having to move or leave your neighborhood? Adding a bedroom, family room, home office, blowing out the wall to expand the kitchen, or adding a sunroom keeps you in your home without the hassle of moving. Extra square footage can greatly impact the quality of life for your family and give you the extra room you need to grow.
2. Comfort, functionality, and personalization. Designing an addition for your home allows you to tailor your design plan to suit your family’s preferences and needs. Customizing the plan during development and design gives you the flexibility to create a spa-like bathroom, a functional home office, a spacious family room, or an additional bedroom to serve as a primary or a guest suite. Perhaps it’s the addition of a 4-season room to complete your vision for your backyard oasis. Personalizing it ensures that your home is tailored to your lifestyle and design aesthetic.
3. Cost-Effectiveness. Of course, a home addition will cost you money. But that will pale in comparison to the cost of purchasing a new, larger home. The cost of moving to a new home involves real estate agent fees, closing and moving costs, and potential renovations to make a new home yours. A home addition allows you to add the room you need, without the cost of relocating to a new home. A side benefit, you will increase the value of your property, depending on what you add to your home. Additional square footage usually translates into a higher market value.
4. Aging in place. This is a top consideration for many of our design-build clients. They love their home, their neighborhood, and their community. But a two-story home that worked for their family isn’t working as well now that the kids are gone, and the parents are getting older. The need for more living space on the first floor is a common theme we encounter. Creating additional kitchen space, a first-floor primary bedroom and bathroom suite, and a sunroom is high on the list for remodeling projects.
Watch the Home Additions playlist on our YouTube channel to see how we’ve transformed many homes in central Ohio!

After you hire the Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company, we will not only collaborate with you to develop and execute a plan that works for your lifestyle but our Team will handle all of the details. We are responsible for the budget, scope of work, design plan, quality and completion of your project as well as,
- Provide you one point of contact.
- Navigate your local zoning regulations.
- Draft construction documents & plans for building permits.
- Determine any impacts on the overall aesthetics of your property.
- Work within your budget by simultaneously designing and estimating your project.
What does a home addition cost in Columbus, Ohio? Read our blog to see what investment ranges you can expect when hiring a design-build firm for a home addition.

Read more tips for planning a home addition from BobVila.com the quintessential resource for trustworthy advice for your home.

Let’s work together to fulfill your vision and improve your home life! Visit the Contact page on our website or call our Client Relations Coordinator @ 614-459-4000.
June 12, 2023
The Anatomy of a Basement Remodel
Basements are an often-underutilized area that, when remodeled, could improve your home and how you live in it. However, understanding what it takes to remodel a basement is a topic we felt important to discuss. At The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio, our Remodel-Design-Build Team has collaborated to create many basement remodels. Read on to learn what Development & Design Manager, Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP, believes clients should know, think about, expect, and understand about remodeling their basements.

When should you remodel your basement?

So, how do you know you need to remodel? There are many variables to consider when determining this, and depending on what they are, the scope of the work will differ.
- You want additional living space for a craft or hobby area, home office, workout room, or a place for the kids to play or hang out with friends.
- You’d like to entertain more. How about a space for a custom wine cellar with a tasting room or a home bar ready for football games?
- You need another bedroom and/or bathroom for in-laws, guests or when a kid returns during or after college.
Need some basement remodeling inspiration? Visit our YouTube channel to view completed projects!

8 things a homeowner needs to know about remodeling a basement:
1. A basement remodel doesn’t go any faster than other remodeling projects. Supplies have to be ordered and delivered, areas must be demoed and rebuilt, permits need to be pulled, inspections completed—you get the idea. A great remodeling project takes time, no matter where it is in your home.
2. Headroom matters! The Ohio Residential Building Code dictates the “ceiling heights in basements shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches clear except for under beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions where the clear height shall be 6 feet 4 inches”. Ductwork might have to be moved or raised, especially in older basements. This height applies to staircases as well. In some cases, the stairway must be reworked to create the appropriate head height.
3. To be classified as a finished basement, the space must be a walkout to the yard or have an egress window.
4. Mechanicals (sump pump, water heater, HVAC) can be in the way of a new design plan. In cases where these mechanicals are cost-prohibitive to be moved, they can be enclosed in a separate room. Doing so often means a louvered or vented door must be installed for proper airflow.
5. If a bedroom is in the scope of work, there must be an egress window in the room as well as a closet added for it to count as a habitable bedroom.
6. What is the heating and cooling like in the basement? This will determine the kind of flooring installed if your basement tends to be chilly. Carpeting might be a good option if you love to be barefoot or if the space is going to be used for sleepovers and kids hanging out. If heating/cooling isn’t an issue, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring is a great option.
7. How are you going to use the space? If it’s going to be a place for kids, you might need to deaden the sound with more insulation or other soundproofing materials.
8. Determine how you want the space utilized for your needs—a beautiful laundry room, a guest suite with a bathroom, a play area, a workout room, more storage, or a home bar. Knowing what will work for you and how YOU want to use the space determines the scope of the project and the cost.
How much does a basement remodel cost in Columbus, Ohio?

What you need to do before your project starts:

There are several things that need to be done before the construction of your remodel can begin. Knowing these ahead of time makes the whole process easier for you and your remodeler!
- Move everything away from the walls so every area can be accurately measured during your initial meetings and trade partner inspections.
- Purge, organize and store items someplace other than in the basement to create adequate room for carpenters and trades to complete their work. If you need help with this process, Our Team can connect you with a professional organizer.
- Is there water damage or areas where water gets in during heavy rains? Have this remediated before your remodel begins. Again, Our Team can recommend a professional to tackle any waterproofing issues.
- Consider adding a sump pump with a battery backup. You may not have water issues now, but they can happen to anyone at any time.
- Assure adequate space and clearance to get furniture and supplies down into the basement.
Ready to get started?!

Value added, another place to hang out, the added space you need for your home, all of these contribute to the anatomy of your basement. We’re here and ready to collaborate and create your vision. Contact us today! Visit our website or call at 614-459-4000 to discuss your basement remodeling ideas with our Client Relations Coordinator.
May 11, 2023
Selecting Cabinets for Your Kitchen Remodel
A major part of the aesthetic of your kitchen remodel is reflected with the cabinets you choose. Do you want painted or stained? What material and style? What price point will fit your budget? Do you keep your existing cabinets and refresh or update them? So many questions!

Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is here to help you navigate your way through a kitchen remodel and your cabinet choices. We have remodeled many kitchens and the discussion around cabinets is an important step in the development of your project. Second to appliances, they can be the biggest investment of your remodel, so knowing what you really need is a key part of the discussion.

Cabinet Budget Categories

In the cabinetry industry, there are 3 main categories. They are stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry. They come in all styles, price points, and materials. Knowing your options is a great way to start to narrow down what will work best in your kitchen. We have installed many types of cabinets and will work with you to create the best option for your kitchen.
- Custom cabinets are built by a skilled cabinet maker or carpenter that can correctly measure and work with the layout and size of the room. The materials chosen and the quality of the cabinet maker will affect the price, but the end result is cabinets expressly made for the design of YOUR kitchen. The ability to choose different woods, glass, or metal creates limitless possibilities. We prefer this option for a majority of our projects. The quality and expertise of central Ohio cabinetmakers is unmatched by any other category!
- Semi-custom cabinetry is also a viable option. They are built by larger manufacturers that also build stock cabinets, but they have created a process that allows them to make modifications to their stock cabinets so that they are able to offer some of the benefits of true custom-built cabinets. You can get the look of a custom cabinet at a lesser price point.
- Stock cabinets utilize standard designs, sizes and trim pieces with limited selections of material and finish types. They are factory produced in larger quantities and typically have a quicker ETA than custom or semi-custom options. The biggest benefit though is cost savings. Most companies still build their cabinets to fill specific orders, but do so in a standardized process to limited specifications. It creates efficiency in manufacturing and typically allows for a more budget-friendly option. When using stock cabinets, the kitchen floorplan must utilize set dimensions of the cabinets in order to create a functional space. The cons—they don’t have as many design and finish options as custom cabinets do and there can be dead or wasted spaces depending on the layout and sizes available.
- Reuse or repurpose your cabinets. Sometimes reusing your cabinets can be a feasible choice. If your existing cabinets are solid wood and are in really good shape, then refreshing them is a good option. Some updates we can make to your existing cabinets to give them a new look are:
  - Replacing the doors and drawer fronts and keeping the frame boxes.
  - Refinishing them with new paint or stain.
  - And the simplest and most economic option, replace the hinges, knobs & pulls.
Painted or Stained Cabinets?

It is a big decision, paint or stain? There are pros and cons to both. It really just depends on the type of cabinets being used, the design style, your preference, and the benefits or challenges for both. Our Design-Build Team will work with you to sort through all of these options.

Paint
- Creates a crisp, clean look.
- It conceals the character of the wood species and creates a sleek uniform finish.
- If you desire white or prefer bold dark colors, then painting is the best option.
- The finish of paint is easy to wipe clean.
- But the finish can be difficult to touch up because of a custom color or matching the original sheen and most often touch-ups will be visible.
Stain
- Allows the grain and natural character of the wood species to show through.
- Highlights the beauty of natural products and the variations provided by the growth process are not monolithic in color or tone.
- The finish can be more forgiving with touch-ups and in general, wears better than paint.
Shaker style grey painted in Upper Arlington, OH

Contemporary flat panel stained in Upper Arlington, OH

Shaker style white painted New Albany, OH

Raised panel style stained in Lewis Center, OH

Shaker style white & dark grey painted in Upper Arlington, OH

Shaker style painted island base with stained perimeter in Dublin, OH

Choosing your kitchen cabinets hinges on several factors.
- What is your budget and how do you want to allocate the funds? Knowing that the cabinets are a large focal point, investing in custom or semi-custom cabinets is an effective use of your money.
- What is the layout that will work for you? If you are refreshing your kitchen and not altering the existing footprint, then choosing semi-custom or stock cabinets might be the right choice. And of course, if your cabinetry is solid wood or in really good shape, paint and refreshing might be the option that works for you.
- What features are important to you? If you’re going industrial or modern, then glass, steel, and painted custom cabinets will create that aesthetic. You want to work with the décor you’ve chosen, the personality of the space, and the style of the home.
Special Features

Let’s not forget about the special features that can personalize your kitchen and meet your needs. Visiting a friend’s house, wandering through a cabinet store, or searching the internet can help you start to figure out what you want to splurge on, and what might be worth it.
- Soft close drawers and doors are the most important option we recommend to our clients. No one loves the sound of cabinets banging closed.
- The knob, pull and hinge options are endless. Showcase your style, create a mood, add some bling, stay traditional or somewhere in between.
- Organization and ample workspace is key to functionality. How do you cook? Specialty drawers and cabinets can be designed for all your storage needs!
  - spice drawers that slide out
  - hinged lifts for mixers or small appliances
  - pull-out pantry shelves
  - utensil and cutlery blocks or dividers
  - specialty spaces for baking sheets
  - deep drawers for pots and pans
Pan rack base pull out

Utensil holder base pull out

Deep base drawers for large pots

Appliance base lift shelf

Deep pull out base shelves

Pull out cutting board & bread drawer

Cutting board drawer & base receptacle pull out

Base knife block & spice pull outs

Blind corner base pull out shelves

There’s nothing we can’t figure out a way to store it and make it work for you!

Choosing quality cabinets should be the one thing you do. Choosing cheap or inferior quality cabinets will make it difficult to get the look and function you are looking for in your remodeled kitchen. This is not the place to save a few bucks. The function of the cabinets is particularly important, and we will talk with you about how you use your kitchen, what essentials you have and what you want from your kitchen design.

Are you ready to remodel your kitchen? Contact us here or give us a call at 614-459-4000. Our Design Team is waiting to chat with you.
January 24, 2023
Ready for a Home Remodel in Columbus, Ohio?
How a Remodel can create more joy in your home.

Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 on remodeling their homes! Homeowners choose to remodel for many reasons. Do you need more space or better function in your home? You may be looking to remodel your existing spaces or create more space with an addition. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is ready to collaborate on your next project.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) & National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) partnered to produce the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. Over the past few months, we have been sharing parts of this report, specifically certain remodeling projects and their impact on homeowners. To complete this series, we have summarized the information to give you the whole picture of this report. Read the full report here.

Takeaways from the Report – What Happens After You Remodel:
- Many of the projects, although completed during the pandemic, indicated that 83% of homeowners stated they would have remodeled regardless.
- Top 3 reported reasons for a remodel?
  - Upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes, and materials. (30%)
  - Add features and improve livability. (20%)
  - Increase functionality. (16 %)
- 86% reported that remodeling one area made them want to remodel other areas in their homes.
- 57% would do the project the same way but 35% stated they would make some different choices.
- 84% have a greater desire to be in their homes since the remodel.
- 57% feel increased happiness.
- Most feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of their project.
Joy Scores

The report utilizes a Joy score for each project based on the happiness it provided the homeowner after completion. The scores are not necessarily informed by the cost recovery (ROI) for a project but by how much the project has improved the way they live in their home. A typical score is 9.6 but many projects scored a perfect 10!
- Painting the entire interior or just one room
- Adding a new home office
- Refinishing or installing new wood flooring
- Closet renovation or adding more storage
- Converting an unfinished attic into living space
Read this blog post to check out 3 attic spaces our Team converted into full bathrooms!

Do you want a new love of your home, increased satisfaction, a positive change to how your family functions in your home, stay in your community, and a feeling of accomplishment? Then it is time for you to remodel and The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build Team is ready to provide you with a plan to achieve your goals for your home!

Contact us to get started ~ Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website today to schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator.
January 19, 2023
What’s the ROI of an Attic Remodel?

Your attic. It’s that space you aren’t sure you can do anything with, right? Well, guess what? Most of the time, you can do something amazing with an attic. Whether it is creating more storage, a bathroom, bedroom, office or kids’ playroom, our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio can collaborate with you to create a project plan that fits your lifestyle needs.

Want to know what an attic remodel might it cost? We’re diving into information from the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Research Group and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). According to this study, Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 remodeling their homes. And remodeling attics is part of where money has been spent!

Read on for what the Report tells us about Attic Remodels

NAR utilizes a Joy score for each project based on happiness. The Joy score for an Attic Remodel is a 10/10! That score tells us that an attic remodel is 100% joy-driven! 83% of consumers would have undertaken the project, regardless of the pandemic.

Remodeling an attic by creating a livable space (living area) has a cost recovery value of 75%. “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.”

It’s important to realize that NARI Remodelers placed the cost estimate of an attic remodel at $100,000 (nationwide) and the estimated cost recovery is $75,000. This amount is based on creating a living area, so costs will vary based on your needs for the attic.

NAR / NARI 2022 Remodeling Impact Report

To learn more, read the full report here.

Functional, Beautiful, & Livable #ImprovingYourHomeLife

More often than not, our Team has designed & built bathrooms in unfinished attic spaces however, we can also create new bedrooms, offices, gyms and more! Adding an extra room or finishing unused spaces will change the way your home functions and will make it a home you’ll want to stay in for a long time.

Check out some of our favorite attic remodels!

Bexley OH – After Attic

Upper Arlington OH – After Attic

Dublin OH – After Attic

Bexley OH – Before Attic

Upper Arlington OH – Before Attic

Dublin OH – Before Attic

Does this make you ready to think about your attic in a new way? Contact us to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website today to schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator.

November 14, 2022
Kitchen Remodel ROI

Have you been in your home for many years? Or maybe you just purchased a home that needs a bit of tender loving care. One of the projects we get the most calls for is kitchens! Whether it’s a complete gut and remodel that involves removing walls, relocating plumbing, and significantly changing the existing footprint, or a facelift, refresh or upgrade—removing everything and replacing it, a kitchen remodel can increase your health and well-being.

Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company will collaborate with you to create a project scope that fits your needs and goals for your new kitchen. Let us help your space go from drab to dreamy!

We’ve been sharing information from the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Research Group and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). According to this study, Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 on remodeling their homes. That’s a lot of remodeling!

Let’s take a look at what the report tells us about a Kitchen Upgrade Remodel.

What does the report tell us about completing a Kitchen Upgrade Remodel? NAR utilizes a Joy score for each project based on happiness. The Joy score for a Kitchen Upgrade is a 9.8 out of 10. That score tells us that a kitchen upgrade is worth it and produces a great deal of joy! 83% of consumers would have undertaken the project, regardless of the pandemic.

Remodeling a kitchen by completing a remove and replace upgrade has a cost recovery value of 67%. “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.”

It’s important to realize that NARI Remodelers placed the cost estimate of a kitchen upgrade remodel at $45,000 (nationwide) and the estimated cost recovery is $30,000.

National Association of REALTORS® Research Group – 2022 Remodeling Impact Report page 26

To learn more, read the full report here.

Function, Beauty, and Livable / #ImprovingYourHomeLife

A kitchen will change the way you live in your home. Creating more memories while spending quality time with family and friends. Whatever your vision is for your kitchen, we can make it a reality.

Need inspiration? Check out our Kitchens Portfolio. Is a kitchen upgrade or remodel in your future? Contact us to get started!

October 11, 2022
Bathroom Remodel ROI

Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. After all, you use it every day! Remodeling a bathroom is a big decision, but one you’ll never regret. Our Team at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build has over 28 years of experience remodeling bathrooms for our clients in Columbus, Ohio.

Remodeling a bathroom adds not only to your satisfaction but also increases the value of your home. 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), remodeling your bathroom has a cost recovery of 71%! This yearly report contains valuable information about remodeling that we feel is worth your time to read.

What does the report tell us about a bathroom 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 the report says about completing bathroom remodels. NAR utilizes a Joy score for each project based on happiness. And since we know we bring joy to our clients when we complete remodeling projects in their homes, we love the name of this score! The Joy score for renovating a bathroom? 9.6/10! That’s a whole bunch of joy!

Remodeling a bathroom has a cost recovery value of 71%. “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.”

It’s important to realize that NARI Remodelers placed the cost estimate of a bathroom remodel at $35,000 (nationwide). Realtors® estimated a cost recovery is $25,000, so 71% is the percent of value recovered from the project.

National Association of REALTORS® Research Group – 2022 Remodeling Impact Report page 24

And this is interesting—84% of consumers would have undertaken the project, regardless of the pandemic. And we have seen this isn’t slowing down. We get calls weekly to discuss renovating bathrooms, both primary, guest and kids’ bathrooms.

To learn more about this report, read it here.

Function, Beauty, and Livable / #ImprovingYourHomeLife

When discussing the renovation of a bathroom with our clients, we focus on what their needs are for the space. Is it to refresh and upgrade the space, complete a total renovation, or a bit of both? We know we are tasked with creating a beautiful space, with better function and livability.

Do you want a bathroom that functions better, is beautiful, up to date, and safe? We know we can create a bathroom oasis for your personal private escape!

Overview of Bathroom Remodeling Costs in Columbus, OH by The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build

Need inspiration? Check out our Bathroom Portfolio. Are you ready to remodel your bathroom? Contact us today to start a conversation!

September 22, 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