Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Tag: design build remodel

  • Remodeling & Renovation Refresh Updates

    Remodeling & Renovation Refresh Updates

    Client Profile: Pleasant memories – this is what comes to mind for Susan as she reflected back on her remodeling experiences with The Cleary Company. Susan has known George Cleary for many years and reached out to him when she wanted to remodel and make several changes to her current home. Her goal? To be able to live in her house for the rest of her life.

    The Cleary Company is honored to have worked with Susan on many home remodeling projects over the many years she’s lived in Upper Arlington, OH. Susan’s projects have utilized both our Design-Build and small projects remodeling Teams.

    Since moving to her forever home in 2019, Susan has hired The Cleary Company for multiple remodeling projects.

    Q & A with Susan

    What spaces have you remodeled?

    It all started with a 6’x18’ extension on the garage that the previous owner built and used as storage. Cleary’s Design-Build Team remodeled it by opening it directly into the house, building a bathroom, as well as a laundry/mudroom. There are plenty of cabinets to hold supplies, coats, dog paraphernalia, and my sweeper and floor polisher. The floor is heated for cold days too!

    Home Services Remodel
    Rendering new laundry/mudroom & powder room.

    Then my main bathroom was too small for my needs and it needed a remodel. An existing adjacent half bath was used to create a large en suite. The zero-entry shower with bench is wonderful and just what I wanted! I chose fun tile and the design looks great!

    Home Services Remodel
    Rendering new main bathroom en suite.

    Additional Home Services remodel projects included: (View more photos on our Facebook profile)

    • In my kitchen, I upgraded to new Cambria countertops and a new tile backsplash.
    • After a leak was discovered in an upstairs bathroom the showerhead was replaced and new tile was added.
    • New stair railing and new front door.
    • Added shutters on exterior windows.
    • Replaced a door from the dining room to the patio. The old door swung in which didn’t function well, so it was replaced with a sliding door. In the process, we found there had been a water leak, so the whole support beam in the floor was rotten and had to be replaced as well.

    Coming up next? Replacing an old bar in my family room. Another water leak has led to this project! A new counter, cabinets with glass fronts, improved lighting, and pull-out drawers will create a brand-new look for the bar.

    What is your favorite part of your remodeled home?

    I love it all! They have taken my home that was built in 1975 and made it so much more livable. The house has 4 bedrooms upstairs and the main bedroom on the first floor. I wanted all my living to be on the first floor, but still have a 5 bedroom house. It’s perfect for my grandchildren or out-of-town friends to visit since they can take over the upstairs bedrooms! 

    Why did you choose The Cleary Company to remodel your home?

    I’ve known George and his wife, Cathy, since they were in college. Cathy’s parents were two of my best friends. I have always enjoyed George and was excited when he started his remodeling business. I knew his company would be successful. The Cleary Company excels in planning out each part of the project.

    You talk with them, they listen and come back with a plan. They listen to changes you want to make and then create the project. I love that they don’t start the work until everything is ordered and in, so there are no gaps. Everything moves along fluidly, with no hiccups. In my opinion, the timing of a project will make it or break it, and their planning reflects this. They don’t start until everything for the job is ready and available.

    What is your favorite part of working with The Cleary Company and why?

    Everyone that I have met that is part of the company–the project manager, a tile contractor, heating and air conditioning people, carpenters, everyone is supreme. They all know what they’re doing and don’t make mistakes, which I find amazing. The other thing I loved was how they cleaned up after themselves while working. Even the cardboard laid on my wood floors was cleaned daily!

    Mike Seyfang, Homes Services Project Manager, is a fabulous carpenter and an amazing person. Justin Juenger, my Design-Build Project Manager, is a great guy. I would give him 17 stars!

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

    Don’t give it a second thought–work with The Cleary Company. You’ll know it’s going to be done right, be quality work and exceed your expectations! They made it possible for me to be happy here and be able to stay in my house.

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

    That’s easy Integrity.

  • What to Expect During Your Home Remodel

    What to Expect During Your Home Remodel

    Between the large expense and the excitement of anticipating your finished home remodel project, it’s hard not to feel a little nervous. If you’ve never remodeled before you may be a little apprehensive. At The Cleary Company, we want to help you know what to expect for the weeks or months we will be in your home. Hopefully, by knowing what to expect you’ll be prepared for each stage of the process.

    Remodeling Can be an Emotional Roller Coaster

    Home Remodel
    An example of our fun emoji chart that is posted on each jobsite!

    MOMENTS OF JOY

    It may be as simple as seeing that old ugly vinyl floor in your bathroom go into the dumpster. While others may seem to be giddy at the sight of drywall being hung or the carefully selected custom tile backsplash being installed. Whatever gets you excited about your project know that we share your joy and excitement. We want your remodeling experience to be the best it can be.

    REMODELING FATIGUE

    Although mostly short-lived, every client has a point in their project when they just want it to be done! It may be because you’re tired of selections or answering so many questions or you may just want to have all the people out of your house. Whatever the reason please know that we have years of experience dealing with homeowners and we know you just want to move back into your newly remodeled space.

    So Hang in There!

    The 4 D’s to Expect During Your Home Remodel

    DECISIONS

    The client’s ability to make decisions is one of the biggest factors that drive the Development schedule. You may reach the point of decision fatigue but know that your Development Team is with you every step of the way. Your Designer and Design Consultant will offer their assistance and guidance through the seemingly overwhelming number of choices you will need to make. Have no fear though, making the design choices is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process.  

    DUST

    Everything we do creates dust! We implement multiple strategies to minimize the amount of dust in your home, however, a fine layer of dust will gather in parts of your home far from the construction. The first line of defense is temporary walls made with plastic sheeting that are installed & secured around the area being remodeled. During certain phases of your project, we may use one of several different methods of air filtration and dust isolation. We will inspect your furnace air filter regularly and replace it as needed at the conclusion of the project.

    DRAWS

    Your project’s draw schedule will be reviewed at the Contract presentation meeting. Using a percent of completion method for developing the payment schedule keeps it simple. Divide the anticipated number of workdays by the number of payments. Draw payments will be due at that interval. Usually 25%, 50%, 75%, and Substantial Completion.  

    DELAYS

    Like death and taxes, project delays are almost a foregone conclusion. But one thing your Project Manager will work hard to do is when one thing gets delayed, move something else into its place and move ahead the best they can. We seldom have simple scheduling delays derail a project. Everyone on the Production team strives to find solutions to scheduling delays in order to keep on track.

    Recent product delays due to the impacts by COVID-19, such as appliances, are outside the control of everyone and your Production and Development Team will work to find alternatives for selections that are more readily available when possible. Communication is the key here, you will know what your team knows. Updates are passed along as soon as they are known to us.

    You’ll Also Want to Prepare for These 3 Realities of Remodeling

    NOISE

    There will be times when you will not want to be in your home. Whining saws, buzzing sanders, thumping nail guns followed by bellowing compressors will leave you little peace and quiet during our working hours. We encourage you to communicate, before the project begins, your needs for quiet time. This will help us try to coordinate around your needs and keep your project’s schedule on track.

    CHANGE ORDERS

    The aim of our Design-Build approach is to produce a comprehensive, detailed scope of work and final price when you sign a contract. Sometimes things change. While it is ideal to avoid them, when a Change Order becomes necessary your Production and Development team will collaborate with you to get things worked out. Change Orders are an interruption in the flow of a project, so speak with your Project Manager as soon as you think you may want a change!

    THE UNEXPECTED

    Our Design/Build remodeling process prepares you and us for the scope of work required on your project. However, there are situations where no amount of investigation will prepare a contractor or homeowner for the potential of concealed conditions that can arise on just about any job site. It could be incorrect wiring, critters nesting in the attic, framing that is not code compliant or unsafe plumbing. With our years of experience, we will work with our Trade Partners to make onsite decisions that will keep your project running on schedule. There will be surprises during your project but know we have been here before and we will work together to find solutions.

    Time To Enjoy Your Newly Remodeled Home! 

    PROJECT CLOSEOUT

    As the completion of your home remodel approaches, your Production Team will create and complete the punch list of items to wrap up. At Substantial Completion, your Project Manager will schedule a time to review the project with you and get your signature on our Field Closeout forms. Once that happens the paperwork triggers a few things at the office. Once the team completes the Office CloseOut your final invoice is created and posted on BuilderTREND for your review and payment.

    While a home remodeling project might seem like an inconvenience for your family and occasionally feels like it will never end, before you know it, you are enjoying your renovated spaces and wondering why you waited so long to renovate your home. Our goal is to ensure satisfied clients and raving fans! Are you ready to jump in with both feet and remodel your home? Contact us today!