Category: Project Profiles

Riverfront Retreat: How One Columbus Home Became a Year-Round Oasis

As summer ends, it is the perfect time to start planning your ideal outdoor space to enjoy for many years to come. Imagine stepping into a luxurious retreat right in your own backyard, where you can enjoy the beauty of every season without ever leaving the comfort of your home. That is exactly what a local family in the Columbus area envisioned when they embarked on an extraordinary outdoor remodeling project that transformed their property into a resort-like haven.

A Vision Turned Reality

Having lived in their home for three years, the homeowners were eager to expand their living space and make the most of their picturesque location along the Scioto River. They envisioned a multi-functional outdoor area that would not only enhance their lifestyle but also complement the existing architecture of their home. The result? A stunning transformation that combines elegance, functionality, and the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Photos of Home Before Addition & Remodel

The Heart of the Transformation: A 4-Season Sunroom

The project began with the addition of a 4-season sunroom, a versatile space designed to provide comfort and relaxation throughout the year. The sunroom’s flooring was meticulously chosen to blend seamlessly with the stone pool surround, creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large, moveable glass wall system from NanaWall were installed, allowing the homeowners to fully open the space to the outdoors. These walls connect the existing basement to the sunroom, providing a seamless transition from the interior to the exterior.

According to Residential Designer Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP, Development Manager at The Cleary Company, “The 4-season sunroom was a crucial element in this remodel, providing the homeowners with a space that could be enjoyed in every season. The integration of the sliding window walls truly brought the outdoors in, creating a flexible and inviting living area.”

Bringing the Indoors Out: A Two-Story Fireplace

One of the most striking features of the remodel is the two-story fireplace, designed to serve both the sunroom and the deck above. This stunning centerpiece not only adds warmth and ambiance to the space but also ties the two levels together, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Whether it is a chilly evening in the sunroom or a cool night on the deck, the fireplace ensures that the outdoor living areas can be enjoyed year-round.

Outdoor Cooking and Entertainment

Above the sunroom, a large composite deck was constructed, offering an expansive area for dining, lounging, and enjoying breathtaking views of the river. Understanding the importance of outdoor entertainment, the remodel included dual covered outdoor cooking areas, allowing the homeowners to prepare meals and entertain guests in style, regardless of the weather. A dedicated pool storage area ensures that all pool-related items are organized and easily accessible.

A Seamless Blend with Nature: Landscaping and Pool Area

The outdoor remodel would not be complete without a carefully designed landscape plan that enhances the overall aesthetic. Working closely with Hidden Creek Landscaping, the homeowners created an extensive pool, hot tub, and entertainment area that perfectly complements the new structures. The sunroom’s stone flooring was extended to the pool surround, providing a unified look. Natural stone walkways and steps were added to connect the deck with the lower yard, while outdoor lighting, including sconces, post lighting, and stair lighting, was thoughtfully integrated to enhance the ambiance and safety of the space.

A Retreat for the Whole Family – Including the Dogs!

With two beloved Bernese Mountain dogs, the homeowners wanted to ensure their outdoor space was as accommodating for their pets as it was for their family and friends. The expansive indoor and outdoor areas provide plenty of room for the dogs to run, swim and explore, while the flexible design of the space allows it to be used for a variety of activities depending on the weather, time of day, or season.

A Vacation at Home

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this outdoor remodel is how effortlessly it brings a vacation-like experience to everyday life. The resort-style amenities, combined with the thoughtful design that integrates both the indoor and outdoor spaces, create an environment where the homeowners can host large family gatherings or simply relax and unwind. The addition complements the existing home’s architecture beautifully, ensuring that the view from the Scioto River is nothing short of spectacular.

Laura summarizes the project by stating “It was all about creating a retreat that felt like a vacation every day. The seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the resort-like features, allows the homeowners to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing environment without ever leaving home.”

Ready to start planning your own outdoor retreat?

Explore our outdoor living projects portfolio for inspiration and then schedule an initial phone conversation with our Client Relations Coordinator to discuss your remodeling needs.

September 12, 2024
Decades of Trust for Upper Arlington, OH Client

25 Years of Multiple Remodels & Lifestyle Transitions

Meet Donna. She’s been a client of The Cleary Company since 1999. She hired George to build a 2-story addition on her cape cod home in Upper Arlington OH. That first project included adding a family room, master suite, plus another bathroom to accommodate her growing family. Since then we’ve also remodeled her kitchen, mudroom, basement, garage and last year a Universal Design full bathroom remodel. Donna is not only a client but a cheerleader for The Cleary Company, by referring several family members, friends and neighbors over the years.

Why did you originally choose to hire The Cleary Company? And why do you continue to choose them as your preferred remodeler?

We had several proposals for our addition, but when George came over we just felt it was right, there was an immediate connection. He’s kind, compassionate and he really listened to what we wanted and needed. It was such a huge project and we were concerned about hiring the right person. You get more than just a construction company when you work with The Cleary Company. They really become part of your family. We love the transformation of our tiny cape cod into a home our family could grow into.

What’s been your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company?

It’s hands-down the people. George is an amazing soul and he attracts really good people. Even his subcontractors are great. When your living in your house through a remodel project you have to trust the people you’re inviting to be around your family. We’re just thrilled with all of the remodels The Cleary Company has built for our family. We also really enjoyed having the guys in our home for the bathroom remodel last year!

It had been several years since we’d hired The Cleary Company for a remodel but when my husband had an unexpected stroke we contacted George for help with our bathroom to accommodate his limitations. Our home was not set up for a wheelchair and ADA standards which all had to be done before he could come home from the hospital. They worked tirelessly to get it all finished in such a short time frame. George is someone we trusted with all of the decisions. Dan and I communicated with post-it notes throughout the project because after the stroke I was spending all of my days at the hospital.

What advice would you offer to someone considering a remodel of their home?

Remember whomever you hire you’re inviting them into your home for the duration of the project. You have to feel comfortable with their daily presence in your home. You can’t put a dollar amount on that piece of the process. The Cleary Company product is top notch and first rate. George stands behind everything they do and Rob makes sure everything is done right.

Testimonial after her 2018 bathroom remodel:

“I’m feeling the Cleary love! Please know that I appreciate and love you guys so much. Thank you, George, for being in my life!” – Donna, Client 25 years, Upper Arlington OH

Before & After Universal Design Bathroom Remodel

August 13, 2024
May 20, 1994 George Sells His First Contract

After spending several years working for other general contractors, George Cleary established The Cleary Company in April 1994. His wife, Cathy, encouraged George to create his own business in an industry he was obviously passionate about. His vision was to execute quality property enhancement that improved people’s lives.

He began by promoting himself and his new business to not only his family and friends but to the families of his friends. It wasn’t long before he secured his first clients and sold his first contract for The Cleary Company. Luke & Gail, the parents of a classmate from Bishop Watterson High School, hired George and his crew to build an addition on the back of their home in Upper Arlington.

The Contract & The Details

The 15′ x 19′ screened porch included two skylights and a ceiling fan. A 28′ paver patio surrounded the new addition along with a concrete pad, cedar steps and landscaping for their new hot tub. Total contract price? $25, 575.00! Our estimators ran the numbers and came up with ballpark budget amount of $130-145k if The Cleary Company were to build this same project in 2024.

The Plans & The Build

The Results

Photography for finished projects was a little different in 1994! Digital camera technology wasn’t widely used by George until about 2004.

An Interview with Luke & Gail – George’s First Clients

In 2019, Luke & Gail were gracious and did an interview to celebrate The Cleary Company’s 25th anniversary. Read more about their history with George and all their remodeling projects.

Why did you first choose to hire George to build your remodel? And why did you continue to choose The Cleary Company for all your future renovations?

George and Rob were classmates of our daughter and her husband so we knew them and liked them. We had a problem and they were able to solve it. After the project was completed we could not have been more pleased. Everything came out just the way we wanted and more importantly just as he said it would. Later when we purchased another home we had George and his crew back to remodel that home as well. When we eventually sold that home the new owners were so impressed with the craftsmanship they hired The Cleary Company for several remodel projects.

Who is your favorite Team member and how did they exceed your expectations?

Rob has unique skills of craftsmanship. He fabricated a beautiful mantel for us and every time we had a fire in that fireplace we remarked at his artistry.

What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to remodel their home?

Hire George and his team. They can build dreams into reality!

If you could use one word to describe why you choose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would that be?

There isn’t one word! Dependable, caring, careful, creative, problem solvers. They are a great company to do business with.

2008 Exterior project in Westerville

George & Luke in 2012 on Kenny Rd

Gail, George & Luke at 25th party

“It’s been a great ride George, Congratulations! We have always been proud that we were your very first client. We will always hold dear the wonderful memories of you and your crew working on our two beloved homes.” – Gail & Luke, Clients 30 years, Upper Arlington OH & Westerville OH

Save the Date!

“30 years ago I took a leap of faith and created The Cleary Company. For many years we were small and humble but I had a simple vision for how I wanted to run my business ~ build relationships & improve peoples’ lives. Thank you to everyone who has been part our journey. I look forward to celebrating with you all at our anniversary party on Friday September 27,2024. Cheers and stay tuned for details!”, George.

May 20, 2024
Lakehouse Remodel & Addition

Project Spotlight: Extensive interior remodel of an A-frame style lakehouse near Columbus, Ohio that included multiple additions. The project scope included gutting a majority of the interior but left several of the home’s architectural details which were important to the family and fit its unique style.

As-Built Floorplan & Before Photos

BEFORE Interior photos

BEFORE Exterior photos

New Remodel-Design-Build Whole House Plan

A 2nd story addition created a new primary suite with a private balcony plus a den, guest bedroom, bathroom and loft area with built-in bunk beds. The kitchen was expanded to accommodate gourmet appliances, a large island with a seating room, plus a service bar and butler’s pantry. Another addition included a screened-in porch with 2 sided fireplace.

Part 1 Kitchen

Part 2 Main Living Spaces

Bathrooms & Bonus Room

The Result!

Primary Bedroom w/ views of the lake from private balcony

Primary Bathroom

Powder Room

Great Room w/ vaulted ceiling and view of the lake

Loft serves as game room and guest bedroom

Entry mudhall

Kitchen

Sitting room off the kitchen

Service bar in kitchen

Entry Hall

Watch the before & after video below! See the transformation of this classic A-frame style home after the two additions and interior remodel. For more videos of this extensive whole house remodel project located on the shores of Lake Choctaw near London just outside the metro area of Columbus Ohio, check out our YouTube playlist.

Does Your Home Need a Remodel?

Contact our Client Relations Coordinator to get started today! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website.

May 5, 2024
Outdoor Living Space Addition | Upper Arlington OH
Project Spotlight: This new build home backs up to a wooded ravine and was purchased by our clients in 2019. They contacted us in September 2021 to add more functional entertaining and family gathering space to their backyard outdoor living space.

Award-winning design & build! Our Team has received 3 Contractor of the Year awards for this project in the Residential Outdoor Living Space $100,000 to $250,000 category.
- NARI of Central Ohio, December 2023
- NARI East Central Region, February 2024
- NARI National, April 2024
The prestigious Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards are presented each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) at the local, regional and national levels for the design, planning and building of this project. NARI members nominate their best projects through an online portal for judging by industry professionals selected by NARI Executives outside their local chapter or region.

CotY award-winning remodeling projects have demonstrated exceptional design and craftsmanship in renovation. A diverse and impartial panel rates each project based on 5 criteria.
- To what degree were the expressed needs of the client met?
- To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure functionally?
- Is there evidence of superior craftsmanship?
- To what degree does the project enhance the existing structure aesthetically?
- Were innovative used of materials and/or methods of construction used in the project?
The Plans

As Built & Demo Plan

Proposed Build Plan

Scope & Details

Project Year: 2023

Project Cost: $200,001 – $500,000

Our Remodel-Design-Build Team executed the project plan and scope of work to upgrade their outdoor living space which features an addition of a new timber framed porch with a stone fireplace. Architectural upgrades to the existing porch include new railing and corbels on the columns. WeatherStrong outdoor cabinets were also installed on both porches offering the functionality of both countertop service space and storage.

Before & After Photos

Existing backyard & porch

AFTER

Client Testimonial:

“Our favorite part of the project was the design. It’s where our ideas came to life. The onsite team were pros, good with communication and with giving us explanations on decisions we had to make. We now use the new spaces daily since completion. We have other projects planned for the future.”

Watch a video tour of this project on our YouTube channel!

Design & Build Team

Design Consultant – Margot Sheehan, UDCP

Lead Carpenter – Eric Coleman

Ready to add a new outdoor living space?

Get inspired by checking out our Outdoor Living & Exteriors Portfolio. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website to schedule a phone consult.
April 17, 2024
Whole House Remodel | Clintonville OH

Project Spotlight: A classic 1928 3-story brick home with loads of charm and character gets a whole house remodel with a fully updated main level and second-floor bathrooms. The remodel design build plan took this home from a dated traditional interior to a clean, crisp but soft modern design style with nods to the home’s history. Gorgeous fixtures and finishes were installed throughout and custom cabinetry throughout added functional storage in the kitchen and all the bathrooms.

5 star Google Review! “We were impressed with the Cleary Company! They helped us design our extensive remodel and during the actual work we were kept informed and on time. We loved their work and our home is now a showpiece but also comfortable and functional. They were friendly, helpful, and extremely responsive. Can’t recommend them enough!”

Existing 1st Floorplan

All of the redlines below are items included in the demo scope. Walls between the kitchen, dining, and entry hall were all removed. Of course, there are always surprises when remodeling older homes. After the demo was completed it was discovered that a new steel beam was required to properly carry the load of the 2nd and 3rd floors.

New 1st Floorplan

The project scope included removing walls between the kitchen, dining and entry hall. The new kitchen is open and cabinetry was installed from the front to the rear of the home. Combining the kitchen and dining rooms resulted in an open-concept floorplan that creates better function and flow for the family’s lifestyle.

The home’s existing hardwood floors were refinished and new flooring was patched into match where needed. A new custom stair railing and front door were installed and now the entry is opened up to the kitchen. Custom storage solutions were installed with built-in cabinetry in the family room & mudroom increasing the functionality of those spaces.

Existing 2nd Floor Bathroom Plans

All of the redlines below are items included in the demo scope. Both bathrooms were gutted to the studs. The existing primary shower was smaller than our clients desired and they disliked the wasted space in the existing layout. The primary bathroom received some adjustments to the floorplan as seen below in the new plan.

Proposed 2nd Floor Bathroom Plans

In the new hall bathroom plan the original linen closet was removed and open shelving was installed for storage. A double trough sink was installed replacing the smaller single sink vanity allowing for 2 users at once. The new primary bathroom floorplan features a larger shower and two new vanities with more functional custom storage.

Want to see more?

Watch this walk-thru video tour on our YouTube channel or click here to view this project on our Houzz profile.

Clintonville, Columbus, OH / Whole House Design-Build Remodel

Ready to remodel your home?

Start the conversation today by contacting our Client Relations Coordinator at 614-459-4000 or by visiting our website!

March 20, 2024
Whole House Interior Remodel | Dublin OH

Project Spotlight: A comprehensive interior home remodel on the Muirfield golf course built in 1984. The empty nest homeowners hired our Team to make updates to their contemporary floor plan to add more openness and flow to the kitchen and dining room as well as bring a newness and freshness to the home’s main living spaces and bathrooms.

The project scope included updating the entire interior with new paint and flooring, upgrading all the fixtures and finishes throughout plus changing the style of the railing on the first floor. Big changes included remodeling the following spaces for better function and flow – entry, kitchen, laundry, powder bathroom, dining, living, primary bath, and the walkout basement areas including a bathroom, family room, 2 offices, play therapy space, and kitchenette/bar. A few of the great vendor partners who worked on this project with us include Midwest Quartz – Cambria, Hamilton Parker, Ferguson and Northern Lighting.

Designer Cricket Kirk, UDCP

Design Consultant Shannon Tannehill, UDCP (Read Shannon’s Blog on 2024 Color Trends!)

Project Year: 2023

Project Cost: $750,001 – $1,000,000

Kitchen – Before & After

As-Built & Demo Plan

Kitchen Before Remodel

Proposed Design-Build Plan

Kitchen After Remodel | Dublin OH

Bathrooms – Before & After

Powder Room – Before

Upper Level Guest – Before

Basement Guest – Before

Primary – Before

Powder Room – After

Upper Level Guest – After

Basement Guest – After

Primary – After

Interior Spaces – Before & After

Laundry – Before

Entry – Before

Basement – Before

Kitchenette – Before

Laundry – After

Entry – After

Basement – After

Kitchenette – After

Are You Ready for an Interior Home Remodel?

Need a kitchen, bathroom, basement remodel or addition in Columbus, Ohio? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website to schedule a phone consult. Our Team of experienced professionals will collaborate to create and design-build a remodeling plan that works for your family’s lifestyle.

February 21, 2024
Outdoor Living Addition | Galena, OH

After 10 years of living in their custom-built home, Sheela and Abhay came to us with a request to convert their covered porch into a sunroom. They also wanted to add an outdoor pavilion and stamped concrete patio to increase the livability of their backyard. They hired our Remodel-Design-Build Team to create a gorgeous home addition increasing both their interior and exterior living spaces. What did they think of their experience and working with The Cleary Company?

Q & A with Sheela & Abhay — Galena, OH

What was the goal for your remodel?

We wanted to create a more usable outdoor living area, that we could use for a larger part of the year. It allows us more space and enjoyable views of our yard.

Before Additions

What is your favorite aspect of your remodeled space?

The backyard pavilion and two-sided outdoor fireplace. It feels like an outdoor living room. We spend a good deal of time out there!

Read more about the details of this outdoor living addition project on our website!

What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of remodeling their home?

Make a point to look at previous projects completed by the remodeling company to get ideas about what can be done and to see the quality and type of work they do. We found this to be very helpful and informed our decision to work with The Cleary Company.

The Cleary Company Remodel Difference

Why did you choose The Cleary Company to complete your remodeling project? We liked the finished look of other outdoor projects completed by The Cleary Company that we saw on their website.

What was your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company and why? Getting the 3D renderings made it much easier for us to visualize the finished project. It brought our vision to life.

Who from our Team stood out? How did they exceed your expectations?

Justin Juenger was our Project Manager. He was very professional to deal with and was very good at communicating with us.

If you were asked to explain in one word why you choose to do business with The Cleary Company, what would it be?

Quality.

Would you recommend The Cleary Company?

Yes, The Cleary Company is very good at what they do.

Watch a Video Tour!

Check out all the details of our clients’ new sunroom & outdoor living addition featuring a fabulous two-sided stone fireplace and timber frame pavilion. View full project photos on Houzz.

Meet the Team!

Project Developer & Designer Katie Florjancic, UDCP
Design Consultant Shannon Tannehill, UDCP
Project Manager Justin Juenger, CRPM

Are you ready for a Remodel?

A quality working relationship with our clients is the cornerstone of our Remodel-Design-Build Team’s mission. We work hard to get to know you as we collaborate to bring your design to life. We are honored to be part of our clients’ lives, during the remodel and for many years after.

Contact our Client Relations Coordinator to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website.

February 6, 2024
Outdoor Living Space & Sunroom Addition
Project Spotlight: Backyard outdoor living space addition includes converting an existing covered porch into a sunroom, installing new stamped concrete patio with timber framed roof extension and a stone fireplace. In total, four separate but connected spaces were designed and built allowing the family to utilize more of their beautifully landscaped yard and increasing the living and entertaining spaces for their home.

Before & After Floorplans

Existing Backyard & As-Built Site Plan

Proposed Plan New Patio, Pavilion, Fireplace & Sunroom

Project Scope & Details

Project Year: 2023

Project Cost: $200,001 – $500,000
- Enclose the existing 230sf covered porch to convert to a new sunroom with access to new outdoor spaces through a new doorway.
- Keep existing window locations & door into the home.
- Install five new double-hung windows on the west wall.
- LVT flooring was installed for ease of maintenance.
- Replace existing lighting and ceiling fan.
Interior view of proposed sunroom addition
- New stamped concrete patio 820sf.
- Build timber frame roof extension of cedar over 285sf middle section of new patio.
- Build seating bar to accommodate 12.
- Install stone veneer around bar seating with a granite countertop.
Proposed rendering sunroom addition exterior & outdoor living space.
- Build new 2-sided masonry fireplace with stone veneer and gas starter.
- Install into the ceiling of the pavilion 10 can lights, 2 electric outdoor heaters and a combo fan-light.
- Provide new electric service in the fireplace chimney for TV installation.
Elevations of proposed fireplace an roof extension.

After Photos

View full project photos on Houzz. Watch a video tour of this project on our YouTube channel! Want inspiration for your outdoor living project? Visit the Outdoor Living & Exteriors Portfolio on our website!

Development, Design & Build Team

From Left to Right: Project Developer & Designer Katie Florjancic, UDCP, Design Consultant Shannon Tannehill, UDCP, Project Manager Justin Juenger, CRPM

Ready to Get Started on Your Sunroom or Outdoor Living Space Addition? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or visit our website.
January 24, 2024
Kitchen Remodel & Expanded Floorplan

Project Spotlight: After eight years of living in their Upper Arlington, Ohio home, our client realized the 1968 footprint of their suburban home’s kitchen did not function for their family’s lifestyle. With a desire for a larger footprint and more open space to accommodate gatherings of family and friends, they decided it was time to hire a remodeler. “We don’t spend much time watching HGTV,” says the homeowner with a laugh, “which is part of why we went with The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build. They have a strong design process and did a great job with the color palette.”

As-Built Plans & Before Photos

The kitchen remodel demo scope included not only gutting the kitchen but also removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. The dining room window and a section of the wall between the kitchen and living room were also removed.

Proposed Design-Build Kitchen Plan Solves Client Issues

The wall section between the kitchen and living room was removed to accommodate recessed pantry cabinets. About 15sf of floor space was used from the living room’s footprint. Using this space made a huge impact on the functionality of the kitchen’s new layout.

A large 13’x4″ 2-level center island offers the family seating for four along with storage on both sides. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry was installed in what previously was the dining room. The family gained a bar and loads of customized storage.

The Result!

An entertainer’s kitchen, hosting large gatherings of family & friends is made easy in this redesigned floorplan. The whole kitchen floorplan was reorganized for better function. The cabinets are customized with personalized storage solutions including charging drawers, a spice rack and utensil holders. A new sliding glass door in place of the old dining room window gives direct access to the backyard from the kitchen.

Read more about this remodel in HouseTrends Magazine’s August 2023 issue!

Take a video tour of the space on our YouTube Channel!

Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen?

Get started by contacting our Client Relations Coordinator today! Call 614-459-4000 or Visit our website.

January 3, 2024