Tag: Columbus Ohio Remodeling

Dublin Couple Finds Perfect Partner for Bathroom Remodel

After meeting with several companies at their home and not being satisfied with the information presented, a sighting of a sign in a neighbor’s yard changed the narrative for Mike and Paula of Dublin. They now love to show their remodeled main bathroom to anyone who wants to see it!

How do they feel about their remodeling journey, the quality of the work and the end result? We asked them to share their thoughts and experience so you can understand why they love their new bathroom!

Bathroom Remodeling with The Cleary Company

Why did you hire The Cleary Company for your bathroom remodel?

After meeting with a few companies and reviewing some estimates, we just weren’t pleased with what we’d heard and seen. Coincidentally, Aaron Enfinger, (Chief Operations Officer for The Cleary Company) is our neighbor. He had a sign in his yard and we talked with him about our needs.

We visited their bathroom design studio. The materials were the quality we were searching for, and we really liked the people. A key difference for us was being able to see and touch all of the materials we selected. The other companies we talked with had just come to the house with photos of the materials.

What did you like best about their remodeling process?

The quality of products our Designer proposed was exactly what we wanted for our bathroom. A no-pressure sales tactic was a welcome change and being able to easily select from the curated materials and design we wanted sealed the deal!

What was your favorite part of working with their bathroom remodeling Team?

We really appreciated their attention to detail. The team taped off the areas of our home that needed protection for the remodeling of our main bathroom that is off of our bedroom. They took care of everything!

As messy as a remodel can be, they kept everything neat and tidy. The managers came to check on the progress of the project. Everyone that worked in the house was very professional, polite, and even greeted our dog every day. From the first time visiting the showroom to sitting and talking with Thomas and the team, everything was handled professionally.

The entire process was excellent!

Describe your bathroom remodeling experience in three words?

Oh My Gosh!! We’d do it again. That is more than three words, but it’s how we feel! Here are three more words we would use to describe our experience – Quality, Professionalism, Timeliness.

Would you recommend their bathroom remodeling Team to your friends and neighbors? Always. We have already recommended them to four or five neighbors. We also have three more bathrooms we might have complete.

We have no hesitation recommending or showing our bathroom to anyone who wants to see it. The attention to detail and the quality of work is impeccable. Every morning when we go in the bathroom, we are so happy! We love the bathroom!

What advice would you offer to someone considering a bathroom remodel?

We moved into our guest suite during the remodel. It’s great to have other usable spaces in your home separate from the remodel if you plan on staying in your home during the remodel. They blew our entire bathroom out and moved the drain for a tub.

Successful Results

Primary Bathroom

Guest Bath Double Vanity & Tub

Guest Bath Single Vanity & Shower

We are thankful for happy clients who love their new bathrooms and share their remodeling experience and The Cleary Company name with others. Providing an exceptional remodeling experience, high-quality products, and being able to personalize the bathroom for each and every client is not something we take lightly. We thank them for their trust in us!

If you’re ready to begin a bathroom remodeling project, visit our website to learn more!

September 10, 2021
5 Backyard Entertaining Trends
While we want to get out and resume our lives as we knew them, most of us are still playing it safe and staying home as much as possible here in Central Ohio. As spring arrives and with it the promise of summer and fall, we’re looking to our backyards for entertaining and relaxing. But is it the oasis you’ve always wanted?

On trend for 2021 is the need to make our backyards better. We crave areas to dine outdoors, spend time with the family, create a staycation feel and have a private outdoor escape. It’s become an extension of our indoor living. A reimagining of the space that we have available. It’s a shift to making it functional for a place to escape from the house. Did you know it can also boost the overall value of your home? For the latest local data on ROI for home remodeling projects check out Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value report.

If you are searching for a backyard that makes you want to spend more time outdoors then read on for inspiration and ideas from our Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus OH.

What can you do to your backyard to create the outdoor living oasis of your dreams?

1 – Outdoor living – After spending so much time at home, we really see the value in being outdoors as much as possible. When creating an outdoor living space, we suggest considering these items:
- Large tables for socially distanced gatherings or neighborhood get-togethers!
- Comfortable weatherproof furniture placed in designated groupings for conversation or cozy alone time.
- Water features for background noise.
- Lighting- string lights, torches, and solar fixtures. Consider safety as well as atmosphere – lighted pathways and placing ambient lighting over seating areas.
2 – Outdoor kitchens – Maybe you’re ready for more than just a grill on the patio. The outdoor kitchen continues its popularity with homeowners. We love implementing these features in our designs:
- Built-in grill
- Beverage refrigerator
- Kegerator
- Countertop for food prep and entertaining
- Prep and/or cleanup sink
- Pizza oven – portable or built-in
3 – Pools – The addition of a pool continues to be on the rise. It was very hard to find above-ground pools last year, and no one (that didn’t already have one planned) was able to have an inground pool built. They don’t have to be big; just a way to relax, cool off and float around. When is the best time to call a pool contractor? At least a year before you want to be using it.

4 – Decks and patios – For most of us, a deck or patio is what summer means. Hanging out with the family, watching the kids play, having neighbors over for a cookout – it all happens on a deck or patio.
- Create regions on your patio or deck – for the grill or outdoor kitchen, seating areas, and a table. A multi-level deck is a great option.
- Choose materials that will weather well.
- Take advantage of a walk-out basement by adding a patio and sliding doors.
5 – 3 season rooms and sunrooms – Large picture windows, sliding doors, retractable screens and heat allow these rooms to be used for most, if not all, of the year. They serve as an extension of the interior living space, anchor the backyard space and increase the overall function and enjoyment of your home. Our Design Team can create several options to fit your needs.
- Build additional square feet onto your home’s existing footprint.
- Enclose an existing patio with either a pergola, roof and/or walls.
- Replace screens on an existing porch with new insulated windows.
- Remodel existing rooms to open up the views of your yard.
Other things to consider when planning your backyard living space.

Shade – Unless you are blessed with many trees, you will want some shade for hot summer days. Many options are available to create shade. These features also serve to anchor a space, add character and create welcoming spaces.
- Retractable shades and motorized screens
- Umbrellas or shade sails
- Pergola or covered porch
- Gazebo
Gardens – Gardens are having a moment for more people and creating a sustainable garden is one of the most searched items on Google. Why not try a raised garden bed, install a drip irrigation system, or just design some container plantings? Native plants are on the rise to help bring back bees and other pollinators, so talk with a garden nursery for advice on the best plants to use in your yard.

Technology – We love being connected, even if we’re outside. A Saturday football game setup, a spot to connect and work from home, or just some fun perks all add comfort and fun to the backyard design.
- Electricity for outlets, heaters, lighting, and media
- WIFI
- USB ports
- Bluetooth speakers
Among the many things the last year has shown us is what we love about our homes and what we need to change. On the plus side, any upgrades you do in your yard also adds value to your home. If you’re ready to create your outdoor oasis or remodel to include a new sunroom, 3 season porch, patio or deck, we’d love to talk with you. Our Remodel – Design – Build Team will collaborate and create what you’re missing in your outdoor living spaces.

Visit the Outdoor Living Portfolio on our website for inspiration!

7 Amazing Before & After Backyard Transformations
March 18, 2021
New Home Services Division Gives Back to Community
Even before establishing his remodeling company 27 years ago, George Cleary was active in his community. Regularly, he gives his time, talents and funds toward many local organizations. Choosing to surround himself with similarly passionate people committed to serving their communities has been a goal of building his Team. Over the last few years, the company has been particularly active with Pelotonia, Hope Hollow, Operation Backpack, Dublin Woman’s Philanthropy Club and Special Spaces.

The Columbus Community

Despite the launch of their new division, Home Services, during the pandemic, The Cleary Company committed to paying it forward to the Columbus OH community. The unanimous decision of the management Team? Supporting Central Ohio’s front line workers at area hospitals!

By choosing to donate 20% of the 2020 proceeds from Home Services, funds totaling $6,800 were evenly distributed between Ohio Health Foundation’s Associate Emergency Assistance Fund and Mount Carmel Foundation’s COVID-19 Rescue Response.

Fixed Spaces = Happy Faces

Between March and December 2020, Home Services, led by Director Jen Sommers, CR, Allied ASID and Lead Carpenter Michael Seyfang, completed 41 small projects. 21 of those projects were for past clients of The Cleary Company and bath2BATH.

Lead Carpenter Michael Seyfang (R) along with Carpenter Angel Aquino and Home Services client – Installed new shutters for past client in Upper Arlington OH.

“Improving Your Home Life” is a main focus of Home Services by The Cleary Company in Columbus OH. The Team specializes in the following projects.
- Carpentry
- Window & Door Replacement
- Drywall & Paint Repairs
- Electrical & Plumbing Fixture Replacements
- Porch-Patio-Deck Replacements & Repairs
- Mud & Laundry room Updates
- Smart Home Upgrades
- Small Spaces Refresh
- and MORE!
To learn more about Home Services by The Cleary Company visit their webpage. Do you have a project you’d like to discuss? Contact our Team today!
March 1, 2021
Team Cleary Wins NARI Remodeling Awards

George Cleary, CR, Owner & CEO of The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio, is proud to announce his Team’s recent industry achievements in design and craftsmanship. “The CotYs are great for recognizing the best of the best. I’m more thrilled with each win we receive. It’s truly a Team effort but it’s also great for the Project Developers, Designers, Project Managers and Carpenters who collaborate with our clients to build these winning projects that showcase their awesome talents. It’s also great to receive remodeling recognition by our industry peers with these wins.”

The NARI CotYs are awarded at the local, regional and national levels. In December 2020, three projects designed and built by The Cleary Company won NARI of Central Ohio CotY awards. On February 1, 2021, those three projects plus a master bathroom remodel each won a NARI East Central Region CotY award. National awards are scheduled to be announced the afternoon of Friday April 30, 2021 in a virtual presentation of NARI’s annual Evening of Excellence.

Residential Exterior Remodel $100-200k :

Project Developer John Coleman, CRPM & Designer Matt Zimmer

Residential Kitchen Remodel $60-100k

Project Developer & Designer Jen Sommers, CR, Allied ASID – Read more about this project on our blog!

Kitchen Remodel – Dublin OH

Commercial Interior Remodel:

Project Developer Robert Raskin – Designer Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP – Project Manager Eric Isler

Fun facts! This Commercial Interior project remodeling award winner was our previous office location. Our Team also won a CotY in 2012 for this building in this same category for the extensive remodel and addition we designed and built. Now it’s home to Puptown Lounge‘s newest location! Check them out at 4766 Kenny Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43220.

Residential Bath Remodel $50-75k

Project Developer Robert Raskin & Project Manager Rob Lindeboom, CLC

What are the CotY Awards?

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

Because CotY-winning remodeling award projects demonstrate exceptional design and craftsmanship in renovation, a diverse and impartial panel judge each project. Projects entered into the National CotY Awards program are eligible to win a Regional award among 48 categories in seven regions nationwide. Selection of one National CotY winner is from amongst the Regional winners in each category. Stay tuned for more announcements!

The Cleary Company Team has several active members in NARI’s Central Ohio chapter, which is located in NARI National’s East Central Region. Ten Central Ohio remodeling companies submitted a total of 45 project entries in the 2020 local competition. Ultimately, twenty-seven winners were announced in 26 award categories with a rare tie in the Commercial Interiors category!

February 9, 2021
Are You Ready For a New Career in Construction and Remodeling?
Skilled trade jobs in the burgeoning construction and remodeling industry are in high demand in the Columbus, Ohio, area and throughout the country. Many of us have been told a college education is the only way to a successful career. However, we know firsthand a career in construction and the skilled trades can be fulfilling, satisfying and lucrative!

We challenge you to find out more about a trade you find interesting, get the schooling or on-the-job training you need, and pursue it with passion. You will be able to build a stable career in construction and remodeling if you’re willing to work hard, stay motivated, and enjoy solving problems. For example, a great start is to check out Columbus State Community College‘s program offerings.

What jobs are available in the construction and remodeling industries?
- All skilled trades are currently in high demand! Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, tile setters, HVAC technicians, welders, and masons.
- The current labor shortage is bound to continue. As the current talented workforce ages out, the need continues to grow.
Benefits of pursuing a career in the remodeling and construction industries:
- It’s rewarding! Specifically, at The Cleary Company, we are primarily residential remodelers and find creating, building, and fixing intrinsically rewarding. At the end of the day, we see a real and tangible result. Walls are framed, floors are laid, rooms are painted, and plumbing is installed; it’s satisfying to see what you and your team have created.
- You directly impact the quality of life for your clients. This is because you get to work in their homes, build rapport, and get to know their daily life. Their appreciation of your work is rewarding as well.
- Jobs are plentiful. Due to retirements and fewer people entering the industry, you will have job security.
- Residential real estate continues to be a booming industry in Central Ohio and with this come all of the jobs needed to build and remodel homes. Your skilled trade will always be needed.
- You can earn a comfortable, even lucrative, income.
How important are construction trade jobs?

Remodeling Apprentice – Joe Hamlett
- If current jobs continue to go unfilled the labor shortages in trade careers will continue to rise. Due to this, the availability of these services will become harder to secure, resulting in the window to complete home improvement projects will become longer and, most likely, remodeling costs will go up at an accelerated rate.
- “People place a high value on the talents of a tradesperson. Just ask someone that needs a toilet fixed or old light fixtures replaced how they view the tradesperson who helped them fix their home,” shares General Manager of The Cleary Company, Aaron Enfinger, CR. “One of the keys to people loving where they live is loving how it functions. Or conversely, how they hate it because it has so many things that do not function properly. Loose handrails, doors and locks that won’t shut or latch; When a tradesperson fixes these concerns, the value of their skills skyrocket to those whose quality of life was just enhanced.”
Get more information on Careers at The Cleary Company by visiting our website!
January 28, 2021
Your Dream Bathroom Starts Here: Choosing the Right Team for a Remodel You Can Trust

Q & A with Lori | Clintonville, OH

When you’re thinking of remodeling your bathroom, you have many choices to make. Which company, what design, the kind of experience you’ll have, the trust you need and want, and the professionalism of those involved in the remodel all feed into your decision.

The Cleary Company’s home remodeling professionals have been helping homeowners in Columbus, OH remodel their homes since 1994. What better way to understand what we are doing for the bathroom remodeling business than to hear from one of our highly satisfied clients, Lori of Clintonville OH.

Why did you hire The Cleary Company for your bathroom remodel?

I selected them because their bathroom design style was exactly what I had in mind for my bathroom. All of the options are on trend!

What did you like best about the remodeling process?

I liked how my Project Manager texted me every day to let me know what was completed that day and what I could expect to happen the next day. The constant communication was very appreciated and nice.

Was the remodel easier than expected?

Yes, overall, my experience was easier than I expected it to be. Their design templates and showroom made the selection process easy and the quality of materials used was top-notch.

5-Star Guild Quality Review & Testimonial:

The Cleary Company was great to work with and provided constant communication on my project’s next steps and what to expect. I would 100% recommend them. My bathroom looks fantastic!

BEFORE | EXISTING BATHROOM

AFTER | BATHROOM REMODEL CLINTONVILLE, COLUMBUS, OH

Ready to upgrade your bathroom with a remove-and-replace remodel? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or schedule a phone call here!

March 17, 2019
Modern Farmhouse New Build Home | Upper Arlington, OH

Project Spotlight: A modest ranch home in Upper Arlington, Ohio is demolished. The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build completes a new 2 story modern farmhouse style home.

In 2015 we were hired to design, remodel and build an addition on a 1008sf single-story home built in 1952. The client requested an open concept floor plan with vaulted ceilings, new flooring, fixtures and finishes throughout. After several months of design, planning and estimating this extensive remodel, the decision was made to tear off down the entire house and rebuild the foundation.

The new foundation allowed the home to be better positioned on the existing lot as well as create a new dry basement with taller ceilings.

BEFORE – Exterior curb view

AFTER – Exterior curb view

Design-Build custom home in Upper Arlington, Ohio, 2018

Read more about this project in HouseTrends Magazine.

Do you have a home addition or whole house remodel you’d like to discuss? Contact us today to get started!

March 1, 2019
5 Benefits of Rain Barrels
Did you know rain barrels have community as well as household benefits?

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

SAFETY NOTE: Do not use collected water for drinking, cooking or bathing!
June 9, 2017
Good Communication Matters

Why Effective Communication is Vital to Successful Remodeling

Left to Right: Robert Raskin- Project Developer, Laura Watson ASID, UDCP- Designer,Michael Gharrity CR, GCP, UDCP- Project Developer, Cathryn Brassfield Allied ASID- Designer, George Cleary CR- Owner, Olivia Kern IIDA Associate, LEED-GA- Designer

The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build, Columbus OH, takes pride in our communication with our clients. We feel that a good relationship and trust all begin with clear, concise communication.

Effective communication is vital to the successful completion of any remodeling or new build project. Good communication can improve teamwork and lead to better collaboration. Poor communication can result in misunderstandings, delays and sometimes increased job costs.

Being able to transmit a message so it is received and understood by the intended recipients is of the utmost importance. Seems simple enough, right? If you’ve ever played the Telephone Game you know it’s not always that easy. The message usually gets misheard a few times and then changes the message completely!

Communication throughout all aspects of your project is very important to us. For this reason, every project is assigned a Project Developer and Designer to create a budget & design plan. When we’re ready to begin building your project we also assign a Project Manager and Carpenter to your jobsite. Throughout the process our Team uses face to face, phone, txt, email, project documents and our BuilderTrend app.

In addition to establishing a clear chain of command for communication, determining the best methods of communication to use, and we also discuss with our clients how often they would like to receive information regarding the project.

Our Team also understands that being good at communicating is a skill that can be improved upon with practice and training. Which is why we are active in the local chapters of NARI, NKBA & ASID. These professional affiliations help keep our Team up to date by regularly offer continuing education classes and meetings.

Overall, we want every project to go as smoothly as possible, and working out any details beforehand is beneficial. Open and honest communication is always key! We have high expectations for our team members, and by using these guidelines we know your project will be a success!

April 28, 2017
Commitment to Serving Others Matters

What giving back means at the Cleary Company

The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus, Ohio, is committed to giving back to the communities we live and work in. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk~ Caring for our Team, Caring for our Clients and Caring for our Community.

Take for example, George Cleary –Owner: George leads his team by example, volunteering his time and talents locally to Pelotonia, Bishop Watterson High School, St Timothy’s church, Kairos prison ministry and internationally to Passion Center for Children in Malawi, Africa. He’s not only happy to be part of enhancing properties in the neighborhoods where he lives and works but by volunteering with various community, church and school activities. George feeds his passion of connecting with people, building relationships and having fun.

As a Team and as individuals, we give many hours of service and donations to a wide variety of causes, including, WCBE local NPR station, Komen Race for a Cure, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Stowe Center, Heart to Heart Food Pantry, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Lifeline of Ohio, Ovarian Cancer Alliance, NARI as well as many churches and schools our families attend. We are proud to be such great community supporters and we truly love what we do! Giving back into the communities we serve is such a rewarding experience.

George believes, “It just makes sense to invest in our community and give back. We want to be visible and provide great services both through our trade and through our volunteer commitments.” The Cleary Company is blessed to be a part of so many wonderful neighborhoods, and we hope that we are your first choice when it comes to home renovation, Columbus, Ohio. You can invest in us knowing that we are committed to excellence in service and in work!

April 6, 2017