Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Tag: Columbus Ohio Remodeling

  • Remodel Right – Your Home Deserves It!

    Remodel Right – Your Home Deserves It!

    The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus OH knows that beginning a home remodeling project might feel overwhelming, but when you work with the right company it should be a TEAM effort! We aim to take the uncertainty out of your home renovation. With our experience and expertise, we can help make any project seem less daunting. Our Design-Build Team shares some home remodeling tips to help guide and prepare you through your next remodel.

    Planning a Design-Build Remodel? So where do you start?

    Do your research

    Drive around your neighborhood and see who’s working in the area. Ask neighbors, family and friends for referrals. Once you have a list of several companies visit their websites, and narrow your list to those you want to contact.

    Hire a professional

    Certifications and memberships in local & national trade organizations show that a remodeler invests in continuing education and earns positive customer references. When hiring a professional, it is most important to find a remodeler you can trust and are comfortable communicating with.

    Visit a job site

    Ask for references and contact them. See what a project in construction looks like. The best remodelers maintain clean & organized work sites and welcome your visit.

    Remember the big picture

    Be honest and upfront with your desires and expectations. A good design-build home remodeling company’s goal is to produce a product that goes beyond the client’s expectations. They can only accomplish this with your input. 

    Lifecycle of a Design-Build Home Remodel

    Development & Design

    Proper planning can help keep your home remodel project on schedule and on budget. The Cleary Company has a thorough Team approach that guides you through each step and decision. It’s a fun, collaborative process!

    First, we identify what it is you want to accomplish.

    • Do you want or need to add more space?
    • Or do you simply want a new floorplan within the existing footprint?

    We will help you decide whether it makes more sense to reuse existing space or build an addition to meet your needs. Let’s explore all your options!

    Second, we can help you establish a realistic remodeling budget by discussing the investment range you’re comfortable committing to. Through our Design Agreement phase, we’ll collaborate with you on the development and design.

    Your Project Developer and Design Consultant can help determine if what you want is in line with the amount of money you want to invest. The goal is to create a functional design that meets your needs and that enhances the look and style of your home.

    Pre-Construction Planning

    After you sign a construction contract with The Cleary Company you’ll need to allow time for your project’s construction documents to be prepared. Our Team will convert the preliminary designs into detailed drawings specific to your local building and zoning code requirements. They will include calculations and specific details necessary to acquire building permits.

    Permit plans typically consist of a site plan, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, sections, product and material selections, and detailed notes to provide clear communication for a successful project.

    Phases of Construction

    Building your project is typically the longest part and toughest part of your remodel. The visual below is a simplified version of what happens in your home. For a more detailed description of these phases read our Renovation Lifecycle – Construction blog post.

    A fun visual we post on our jobsites!

    Home Stretch

    Although the details of your remodeling project will be unique to you and your home, there will be several phases from demo to completion you can expect; demolition, mechanicals, and inspections followed by a time when the basics, from walls to wiring, are rebuilt or upgraded as needed and then more inspections. The home stretch begins with the installations of cabinets, appliances, etc. and finally paint, hardware, and other finishing touches will be put in place.

    We hope you choose to experience your next remodeling project the way it should be done RIGHT. Contact our Remodel-Design-Build Team today to get started!

  • Clients Tackle Two Dream Bathroom Remodels

    Clients Tackle Two Dream Bathroom Remodels

    “It’s time!” During the summer of 2020, Katie and Mario decided they were ready to remodel 2 bathrooms in their Hilliard home built-in 1991. Both spaces were not only past their prime with dated fixtures and finishes they were also not functioning well for the family’s current lifestyle.

    The first remodel completed was the hallway bathroom used mainly by the couple’s two daughters. The footprint remained unchanged but the space was gutted and all of the fixtures and finishes were replaced top to bottom. We needed to complete the hall bath first since the clients would be using it while the primary bath was in construction.

    Second, on their list was the primary en suite. This bathroom required a complete redesign of the footprint. This project was completed by our award-winning Design-Build Team.

    Q & A with Katie & Mario Hilliard, OH

    What was the goal for your remodeled bathrooms?

    Our hall bathroom was basic, old, cracked and broken. We wanted a modern beautiful updated space. Although the space limited the size of bathtub we could select, we were delighted to be able to go with a deeper model to be used as a soaking tub.

    The goal with our main bathroom, connected to our bedroom, was to create a private, calm Zen-like space. It was a poorly designed footprint with small cut-up spaces and builder-grade finishes. It only had one sink! The existing shower was very small, dark and had several cracked tiles. We were worried about the shower leaking and creating water damage. It was very important to us to have an open floorplan with additional storage, a larger shower and a double vanity with two sinks.

    Which feature of your remodeled bathrooms is your favorite?

    Everything! The deeper tub in the hallway is wonderful because we can fully soak in it. We also appreciated their recommendation of relocating the shower plumbing to another wall. This makes it much easier to use, eliminating the bending and reaching around the toilet. Both bathrooms feature custom vanities that are taller and shower niches that add much-needed storage.

    BEFORE
    AFTER
    Hallway Bathroom
    BEFORE
    AFTER
    Primary Bathroom – Vanity
    BEFORE
    AFTER
    Primary Bathroom – Shower

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

    • Planning – Make sure you are ready to do it—we talked about it for years before we were ready.
    • Budget – Be prepared for it to cost a bit more than you think it will because it probably will.
    • Schedule – Give yourself time and understand that it may take longer than planned.
    • Construction – Be prepared for people in your home during working hours and, of course, the inevitable mess (even though everyone on our project did a great job of keeping our home as clean as possible).

    We also learned that a good project manager makes a significant difference, giving us a primary contact with clear information and who is well-organized. I always knew who to call. Go with a company that sets you up with a project manager and the keys for success.

    The Cleary Company Difference

    Why did you choose The Cleary Company for your bathroom remodels?

    We’ve lived in our home for 20 years and wanted it done well! We only had one other company look at our hall bath, but their options were a bit limited for what we wanted. My husband knew George Cleary from Bishop Watterson High School. When I was looking around on The Cleary Company website, I saw the option to use bath2BATH. This made sense for the hall bath since we would not be changing its footprint.

    I did talk to some neighbors about their projects with other companies and it seemed like the pricing was going to be similar. When we visited the design center, we talked to George. After speaking with him and everyone else at The Cleary Company, we made our minds up to do it the right and lasting way!

    Because we had two construction options available to us, had seen their signs around for years and knew they were a reputable company we didn’t seek out any other remodelers.

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

    The people! One of our favorites was meeting our design team on a visit to the design studio. We felt welcomed immediately and they showed us all our options. George also popped in to sit and talk with us. Everyone we worked with laid out the process and explained how each step would break down, from start to finish. They helped us understand how long it would take.

    Because our construction was during the pandemic, before vaccines were available, we were extremely pleased with the communication, cleanliness and safety precautions each person took while in our home. When my husband and daughter had to quarantine with COVID, everyone was so flexible and friendly when our project was on hold.

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

    Professionalism or Quality (I know it’s two, lol!)

    Would you recommend The Cleary Company?

    Yes! It was a team effort, and we are incredibly happy with our bathrooms.

    Just for Fun!

    Who stood out? Name a Team member(s) and how did they exceed your expectations.

    The Lead Carpenter for the hall bath project stood out because he basically did everything himself. The plumber and tile cutter helped, but he was a one-man show. His work ethic and talent were impressive.

    Justin, the Project Manager for our primary bath, was amazing and kept everything on schedule.

    Katie, our Designer, was not on-site, but if there were questions we needed help with, she came out to our home to help out. We appreciated the design plans they created.

    All the workers that came into our home worked hard, did the best to their ability, and were able to be flexible. There were big supply chain issues and when we had to wait for products or materials to arrive, they utilized the time they had by doing other parts of the project.

    Want to Learn More?

    Read our blog for more details on Katie & Mario’s remodeled bathrooms as well as other client and project profiles!

    Our clients are awesome. We were honored to collaborate with Katie, Mario and others to create their visions of their much-loved homes. Remodeling is our main business but creating raving fans is our goal and we love what we do!

    Ready to remodel any or all of your bathrooms? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or schedule a time for us to call you!

  • What is the Role of a Lead Carpenter?

    What is the Role of a Lead Carpenter?

    At The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, Ohio, a Lead Carpenter plays an important role in the production of the remodeling projects we execute for our clients.

    They serve as the eyes and ears of the Project Manager on the Jobsite. Working alongside our skilled Craftsmen, they and the Project Managers, help navigate the space between the execution and the administrative oversight of the work.

    It takes an individual with extensive residential construction knowledge to effectively execute the duties of a Lead Carpenter. They work closely with the Project Manager to ensure that the project schedule continues to move forward. They ensure that Trade Partners are scheduled, supplies and materials are ordered and delivered, and all inspections are completed.

    Questions always arise on a construction site, and someone needs to be available to help collaborate and find the answer. Our Lead Carpenters are knowledgeable and skilled in all aspects of residential construction. They are one of the best sources of knowledge for any job site questions. Simply put they’re focusing on the details of a project.

    Experience Matters for Lead Carpenters

    Typically, a Lead Carpenter with The Cleary Company needs to have 10-15 years of experience in residential construction to acquire the necessary knowledge for this role. Expertise in all areas of the home building process is required to effectively lead a project. From laying out foundations, framing techniques to the principles of building science and an eye for the quality control of the details; all these skills and more are needed to expertly direct the activities and movement on a job site.

    A Lead Carpenter never fully takes off the tool belt. Their happy spot is building and making dust. But another responsibility of our Lead Carpenters is teaching. Whether that is directing a crew of installers or jumping in and leading by offering a helping hand is a must to be an effective Lead Carpenter. Teaching the less experienced team members by showing how to accomplish a specific skill or modeling the work ethic and Jobsite behavior of a seasoned leader is critical to the growth of our rising superstars.

    The value of a Lead Carpenter on a job site is more than simply being the most tenured or experienced person. They truly lead the project and the people to complete each project.

    Do you have what it takes to be a lead carpenter? Visit our Careers page today to find out more, see our available positions and submit your resume!

  • Highlights from KBIS 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.

  • Tile, Design & Home Remodeling

    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?

    Kitchen renovation with sliding cabinets and blue and white backsplash
    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…

  • Suburban Colonial Home Updates It’s Curb Appeal | Upper Arlington, OH

    Suburban Colonial Home Updates It’s Curb Appeal | Upper Arlington, OH

    Project Spotlight: A traditional 2-story Colonial home built in 1942 in Upper Arlington, OH has it’s exterior transformed creating a new curb appeal. The curbside view of any home is an important first impression to your neighbors and visitors. The homeowners, past clients, hired our Design-Build Team to brighten up and upgrade the architectural details to their home of 25 years.

    Before
    After
    Front Exterior Home Remodel – Upper Arlington, OH (2020)

    Scope of Work:

    • Design-Build a new portico on front entry
    • Paint front exterior
    • Install new garage and front entry door
    • Install new shutters
    • Upgrade electric and install new lighting fixtures

    Project Developer Jayde Boyd
    Designer Matt Zimmer
    Project Manager Justin Juenger, CRPM

    How Much Does an Exterior Home Remodel Cost?

    So, what does it cost to upgrade your home’s curb appeal or remodel the exterior? Calculating the cost of any remodel requires knowing first the general design, scope and size of the project and this is especially true for a home exterior remodel. Do you just want to add new doors or windows or do you also want to change the architectural details of your home’s exterior?

    Read our Blog for articles that address these questions and more!

    • Click here for helpful information for pricing your next exterior home remodel project.
    • Read this article to learn how 4 exterior upgrades can boost your home’s value.

    Or Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to schedule a consult.

  • Landscape Your Yard with Native Plants

    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.

  • Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    Winners of 10 CotY Remodeling Awards

    We won! Kudos to our Team for receiving 5 Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards from NARI of Central OH. George Cleary, CR, Owner & CEO of The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus, OH believes, “Winning a CotY is not only great for company moral but it also gives us multiple chances to show off our amazing projects to more people. We love what we do and it’s a great feeling to be recognized by our industry peers!”

    NARI of Central Ohio announces CotY winners annually at their Evening of Excellence gala. On December 3, 2021, at the spacious Wigwam Event Center in Pickerington, 177 remodeling industry members gathered for fellowship, food, fun and awards. 50 entries were submitted by 11 companies in 22 categories.

    Watch this video to see all 5 winning projects!

    Project categories & Team Cleary recognition

    Addition under $100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd
    • Designer – Matt Zimmer

    Bathroom $75-100k

    • Project Developer – Jayde Boyd

    Commercial Interior

    Entire House $750k-$1m

    Residential Exterior

    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP

    Stay tuned for more announcements! Regional CotY winners will be announced next month and National awards will be presented in April at NARI’s annual conference.

    5 More Awards from NARI’s Regional Competition!

    On Tuesday February 1, 2022 NARI announced the winners of the Regional CotY competition. Team Cleary was honored with 5 additional awards for Region 4 East Central. 4 of the 5 projects are two time winners now! Watch this video to see which additional project took home an award.

    Residential Interior under $100k

    • Project Developer – John Coleman, CRPM
    • Designer – Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP
    • Project Manager – Rob Lindeboom, CLC

    What is a CotY Award?

    The prestigious CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards are presented each year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) to it’s members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. Members submit projects for judging by their peers located outside their local chapter or region.

    CotY award winning remodeling projects demonstrate 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?

    Projects entered into the National CotY competition are eligible to win a Regional award among 48 categories in 7 regions nationwide. The National CotY awards are selected from those Regional winners in each category. The 2022 National project winners will be announced on Thursday April 7th in Savannah, GA.

    Team Cleary’s commitment to NARI

    The Cleary Company is proud to have several active members in NARI’s Central Ohio chapter, which is located in their East Central Region. Aaron Enfinger, CR, COO also serves on the National Board. There are currently 11 team members who’ve earned professional certifications from NARI. Click here to learn why we believe continuing education should matter to you!

    • George Cleary CR
    • Aaron Enfinger CR
    • Jen Sommers CR
    • Laura Watson UDCP
    • Katie Florjancic UDCP
    • Coury Sicker UDCP
    • John Coleman CRPM
    • Justin Juenger CRPM
    • Rob Lindeboom CLC
    • Pete Mossman CLC
    • Dan Irwin CLC

    Visit The Cleary Difference page on our website to learn more!

  • Whole House Remodel | Bexley, OH

    Whole House Remodel | Bexley, OH

    Project Spotlight: An extensive whole house remodel of a 7,600sf home built in 1958 included gutting a majority of the home’s interior, removing an atrium and building a new family room. Check out the feature profile in the 2022 spring edition of Excellence in Design Central & Southwest Ohio in Architectural Digest!

    Our clients relocated to Columbus to be closer to their grandchildren and needed their new home remodeled to function for family gatherings and their love of entertaining guests.

    Key structural changes included removing the atrium along with several walls allowing the new interiors to take advantage of natural light and unobstructed views out the front and rear windows. The staircase in the foyer was rebuilt to open up the foyer and create flow in the floorplan.

    Existing 1st Floor Layout
    Proposed New Floorplan

    Tour this project on our YouTube channel!

    Family Room Addition
    New Foyer
    New Dining Room
    New Bar
    New Kitchen
    New Living Room
    Bexley, OH – After – Whole House Remodel + Family Room Addition

    Design Features Include:

    • Natural travertine floors throughout main living spaces
    • 2 spiral staircases
    • 3 large kitchen islands
    • 3 unique stone & tile fireplaces
    • Rustic wood ceiling beams
    • Accent wall in bar clad with reclaimed wood

    Design-Build Project Team:

    Learn More About This Whole House Remodeling Project!

    Ready to start your next home remodeling project? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to schedule a consult!

  • Using Smart Technology in Your Home

    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!