Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Tag: home remodeling columbus ohio

  • The Power Of Connections

    The Power Of Connections

    Connections – we all have them and we all need them, whether it’s in business or our personal lives. Here at The Cleary Company, we know the connections with our Team, our vendors, and our clients help us navigate our way through our business goals. The connection with our marketing agency, Burgie MediaFusion, has been a successful part of our business for many years. Through dynamic collaboration they help us create brand awareness, refine our message, establish our digital presence and further our success by being a sounding board for our ideas for future growth. This connection with Burgie MediaFusion is one that we are grateful for and appreciate.

    Connections – Make the Right Ones

    Barb Burgie, owner at Burgie MediaFusion says, “In our lifetime, we migrate in and out of people’s lives, be it in business or personal life. We owe it to our self personally to surround our soul with people who nurture our connections.”

    Barb Burgie, owner Burgie MediaFusion Worthington OH

    The right connections can help you be a better person and find greater joy in life. As we work to help business and teams succeed, we have learned over the years there are key relationships that help the world move and having a personal connection with a service provider in these areas can help solve most any problem you might have.

    Attributes of a good connector include someone who is trustworthy, honest, well respected, influential, charitable, loving, patient and kind. Many of your friends and family are likely already providing you necessary connections but we find ensuring you have the right connectors makes for a better life! Read on for Barb’s top 5 connections every homeowner should have.

    Key Connectors:

    1. Healthcare Hero — everyone needs someone who understands the healthcare system, from billing to navigating hospitals and the care needed for loved ones. There is no greater connection than having people in your corner when you need healthcare advice. We advise friends and family to build relationships specific to their particular healthcare needs so if help is needed there is someone who can advocate and help you along the way. We also find our connections keep us healthy by keeping us informed!
    2. Financial Mastermind — the second most important connection to have in our life is someone who understands the world of finance. From bankers to financial planners, having someone who understands numbers and can help you connect the dots is critical.
    3. Home Fixer — you need someone who understands your house. Someone who can help you fix your toilet and find the right realtor when you are looking to move. The rolodex of your home fixer becomes the most important problem solver for any homeowner and that’s where you have won the lottery by having The Cleary Company on your side. They can assist with any problem you have regarding your home because they have spent 25 years building solid relationships with people you can trust.
    4. Calendar Keeper — we suggest finding a connection to someone who knows all those dates you forget. In life, we have found there is always someone who you cross paths within various scenarios who has the answer to who, what, when and where. Keep those connections close because we are all overloaded with submission dates, deadlines and birthdays. Finding the right connector for reminders is a keeper.
    5. Technology Wizard — we all need someone in our lives who can help with our IT and gadget needs to help us keep connected. If you haven’t found the right technology wizard, we suggest doing your research and to identify that right someone.

    If there is an area here where you don’t have a solid connection, the team at Burgie MediaFusion is happy to help build these relationships that help you!

    Who Are Your Connections?

    As you look at your business or family, do you have people who can help you navigate your way through your day? Who can you reach out to for help in one or more of these areas? Here at The Cleary Company, we truly believe our strongest connections help us to educate ourselves and our clients, give back to our community and maintain our connections with all who have come through our doors.

    Visit our Facebook profile for a video of George & Barb discussing their most powerful connections.

  • Choosing Tile For Your Home Remodel

    Choosing Tile For Your Home Remodel

    Tile Trends That Create Tranquil Spaces

    Our homes are providing us with a greater sense of safety and security than we have ever felt in the past. To #LiveBetter at home, we seek spaces that offer tranquility and sanctuary in an environment that promotes wellness.

    At The Cleary Company, our Design-Build Team loves to collaborate with our friends at Hamilton Parker and we rely on their exceptional products and service. They provide premier building products, from designer tile and masonry products to fireplaces and garage doors. Together we can guide you to find the latest and greatest for your next remodel.

    Randi Garris, Hamilton Parker 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.” Below are 5 ways to bring this trend to life for your next remodeling project.

    Choose natural colors. Use a color palette found in nature, like warm neutrals. And instead of accenting with a pop of color in building materials, accent with plants, using green as your pop of color.

    Use Earthy textures. Nature is full of texture, so bring it into your space to channel a connection to the Earth—the smoothness of honed marble, the grit of wood grain, the water-like translucence of glass. Today’s tiles offer unique and easy ways to incorporate a variety of textures.

    Keep it minimal. When done right, this trend will evoke feelings of calm and serenity. Minimalize the aesthetic of a space by creating clean lines and surfaces, and by including stow-away storage solutions.

    Go luxe beyond looks. Think dimensionally about this trend by moving beyond the aesthetic of the space and thinking about other senses, too. Heated floors, anyone?

    Accent thoughtfully. Details are everything. Choose beautiful light fixtures with dimmers to set the mood. Select lush linens for bathrooms and kitchens or comfy blankets for other spaces. And finish the space with a soothing, Earth-inspired scented candle.

    Contemporary Master Bathroom Addition Columbus OH

    We hope you found some new ways your home can be transformed into a serene sanctuary and a place where you want to spend time. With the quality tile products from Hamilton Parker and the experienced designers & craftsman at The Cleary Company we can create your renovated dream home. Visit Hamilton Parker to take a look at their stunning products! To get started on your next project give us a call at 614-459-4000.

  • Jobsite Safety & COVID-19

    Jobsite Safety & COVID-19

    Keeping you, your family, our Team & trade partners safe is always our number one priority. The Cleary Company is fortunate to be among the essential businesses allowed to continue operating during the State of Ohio Stay at Home Order. The next 30-60 days are going to be highly abnormal for everyone and we will be adjusting as needed. I’m proud to report that in less than 24 hours Our Team was able to quickly adapt to our new working conditions!

    Our Office, Development and Design Teams are working remotely from home by conducting meetings with clients and vendors via Zoom, FaceTime and virtual showrooms online. Read more about office precautions here. Additionally our Production Team has instituted new and enhanced jobsite cleaning protocols so they can stay busy keeping our Client’s project moving forward.

    Here’s a list of those new safety protocols posted on each of our jobsites:

    • If you have a fever you are not allowed to work on any jobsite, please go home immediately!
    • If the clients, who live in a home that is an active jobsite, have tested positive for COVID-19, we need to shut down that jobsite for 14 days.
    • Each jobsite will be equipped with all of the essential supplies for cleaning & maintaining personal hygiene.
    • Before & After each shift all surfaces on jobsite will be disinfected.
    • Maximum number of workers on site limited to 5.
    • Anyone working on any jobsite needs to maintain a safe social distance while performing their tasks.
    • Sharing of tools, personal items and/or food is not be allowed on any jobsite.

    Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any concerns regarding your current or upcoming project or any scheduled meetings with our Team.

    Be well & stay safe! George Cleary, CR

    Russell has a new title COVID-19 TCC Safety Officer

  • Chase Away Winter Blues – Lighting Tips from Ferguson

    Chase Away Winter Blues – Lighting Tips from Ferguson

    Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures for Your Home

    The winter days can be dark and dreary, but with the right lighting, everything looks better and your mood and energy levels can improve. That’s how we feel about our partnership with Ferguson. Not only do they provide quality products for your home, but working together with them, our designers create lighting solutions for our clients, making their projects brighter and better.

    Choosing the right lighting for your home might seem like an easy task. Lamp goes here, chandelier goes there, then you head to the store to grab a few different types of light bulbs because what if those ones are too warm? Or too cool? Or too bright? Too dim? Whatever—it’s a light, how much of a difference will it make?

    Bulb Types

    Choosing the fixtures is the fun part. Choosing the bulbs is a little less sexy, but just as important when it comes to getting lighting right. LED lights come in a variety of color temperatures and are typically budget-friendly, both at the time of purchase and long-term. Classic incandescent lights are an option as well, but consider swapping them out for brighter halogen bulbs or more subdued (and trendier) Edison bulbs – which can add a “vintage” flair to your fixtures and spaces.

    Whether you’re planning an entire renovation or just giving your space a facelift, you’ll need to put together a plan before anything else. Consider the space, size and style of each room and the activities that take place in each of those rooms.

    Living Rooms – Perhaps the most flexible room in your home, the living room is typically one of the first rooms you and your guests see when entering the home. The living room is where you go to relax, and it also serves as a social gathering spot for any parties you might have. Getting the lighting right here is vital to setting the tone for the rest of your home. For larger, taller spaces, consider subtle recessed lighting or a stunning chandelier to spark conversation. For smaller spaces, a flush-mount overhead light and a couple of bold table lamps should do.

    Kitchen – Often the focal point of many homes, kitchen lighting tends to be morecomplex. The odds of you utilizing more than one type of light are strong, so this is where your plan will come in handy. Recessed lighting is a great option for general illumination – or ambient lighting – but for more nuanced options, consider LED strips along the top of cabinets. Under-cabinet lights are perfect for task lighting, and decorative pendant lights over islands can help establish your kitchen as a unique space.

    Bedroom – Just because you’ll spend most of your time asleep in this room doesn’t mean you have to skip out on good lighting. Bedrooms are sanctuaries. Whether you’re retreating into bed after a long day, curling up on your day off or simply reading a book before heading off to sleep, the right lighting can make or break your bedroom’s entire atmosphere. Forget table lamps on nightstands and instead opt for unique sconces or pendant lights on either side of your bed to add some style and flair to the room. Utilize floor lamps and ceiling lights – maybe a fan, too – for broader lighting options. No matter what, remember that dimmer switches are ideal for setting every mood.

    Bathroom – Overhead lighting is ideal for lighting up entire bathrooms, but near your vanity you’ll want to opt for task lighting over or next to your mirror. Avoid installing light fixtures directly overhead, as it can cast harsh, unflattering and inaccurate shadows. For baths and showers, use two or more lights to sufficiently brighten the space. Like your bedroom, a dimmer switch might be a good idea, as not many people enjoy being awakened by bright, crisp lights.

    When it comes time to start changing your interior lighting, let Ferguson and The Cleary Company create a plan for you that will illuminate your vision for your remodeled home. You’ll live better with Ferguson and The Cleary Company lighting the way. Visit fergusonshowrooms.com to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of their product experts.

  • Primary Suite Addition & Private Courtyard

    Primary Suite Addition & Private Courtyard

    Home Details: 1950’s craftsman ranch our clients in purchased in 1996

    Project Duration: Design – 3 months  & Construction – 5 months

    Project Spotlight: Home addition and remodel of a primary bathroom and bedroom incorporates contemporary craftsman design style, spa technology and includes a peaceful Zen garden with two water features and an outdoor shower.

    The expanded primary bedroom features a custom platform bed with built-in storage underneath and floating cabinets on each side. All lighting, sound, temperature and fans in the space are fully automated through wi-fi connection to the owners’ phone. Large picture windows allow natural light to fill the bedroom & bathroom spaces.

    Project Designer – Laura Watson ASID, UDCP

    NARI National Contractor of the Year Award winning project

    Click the publication links to read articles featuring this project!

    Pro Photography by Marshall Evan Photography

    Design Statement:

    • Contemporary Style – Warm, Tranquil, Simple Lines, Clean, Fresh, Open & Natural Light.
    • Spa like retreat for busy professional couple.
    • Tech options galore – state of the art smart home systems.
    • Maintain & enhance architectural details of existing home.

    General Scope of Work:

    • Design & Build addition of new master suite & private courtyard w/outdoor shower & water feature.
    • Relocate and add all new plumbing & electrical services in remodeled space.
    • Incorporate “smart home” technologies into remodeled space – switches, speakers, outlets, etc.
    • Remove awkward angles of bedroom and install new larger windows to bring in ample natural light.
    • New foundation for 2 additions approx. 70-74sf each plus roof modifications.
    • Spray foam insulation in all new walls.

    Project Challenges:

    • Several custom options & details needed to be thoroughly planned prior to installation.
    • Keeping on schedule – several adjustments were made due to customized products & details.
    • Extensive plumbing & electrical upgrades pushed limits of some of our trades.
    • Roof design required great attention to detail due to current roof shallow pitch.
    • Super involved homeowner who wanted latest and greatest plumbing & tech products created learning curves for designer and project manager.
    • Custom courtyard gate designed & fabricated from scratch.
  • Home Remodeling in Central OH with George Cleary

    Home Remodeling in Central OH with George Cleary

    Celebrating 25 years in business, George Cleary shares what his experience as a design-build-remodeler has taught him.

    “I have been working in this industry for over 35 years, initially working for other contractors. But 25 years ago, with about $10,000 in my pocket, a computer, a truck, some tools and a few of my good buddies, I decided to start my own business.”

    “After all these years, the thing I still enjoy everyday is the relationships. Also, translating a customer’s vision into a design and then building their dream is the best part of what we do!”

    Read the full article from HouseTrends Magazine.

    Best Buddies George & Russell enjoy working together!

    • George Cleary, owner of The Cleary Company, with shop dog Russell.

     

  • Client Profile: Home Remodeling Projects in Powell OH

    Client Profile: Home Remodeling Projects in Powell OH

    Since 2010, The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus OH has built 3 major projects for Rick as well as several smaller updates to his home in Powell OH. We started with the remodel of his master bathroom, but since then have also remodeled his home’s kitchen, basement and 2 guest bathrooms.

    During the remodel of Rick’s kitchen he asked the project’s Lead Carpenter to save the dated oak cabinets for storage in his basement. 2 years later when Our Team returned to remodel his basement into an industrial-style lounge we repurposed some of them to build a new kitchenette. Another interesting feature in his basement remodel is a secret door hidden in the wine rack bookcase. When opened, by pulling on a book, the door leads into a storage room. Rick’s confidence and trust in Our Team has been one of the highlights of our 25 years in the remodeling business.

    Q & A Interview

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

    I’ve always told people the best thing about The Cleary Company is George and the confidence and professionalism he and his team provides. I never worried about having people in my home when I was gone. George surrounds himself with quality people and everyone involved with the project understand there is a standard by which they have to behave and perform. As a result I never worried about something not being done right. Getting things done right and respectfully meant a great deal to me.

    Why did you originally choose The Cleary Company to remodel your home? And why did you continue to choose them for future projects?

    The initial way was through my realtor, who knew George, and told me to give him a call. The Cleary Company wasn’t as big as they are now but from the get-go, I liked their approach and the ideas we came up with. It was almost an interview process for me. George is hard not to like and throughout the first project we became friends. Because of this experience it wasn’t a question of who else I was going to ask to do subsequent projects. The quality of work is excellent, that goes without saying. This is someone I trust and consider a friend, does great work and why would I not continue to work with them.

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

    Know what you want to do and have an idea or vision in mind before you begin, but be open to suggestions. Second, make sure you work with people you trust. The actual renovation can be tough because of the time your home is in turmoil and if you don’t have that trust, you won’t be happy throughout the process or with the end product.

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

    George of course, but the entire team is great! On various projects I’ve worked with Rob, who does outstanding work. Laura is a fantastic designer who’s created the plans for all of my projects. Even April who’s primarily behind the scenes is great at planning and hosting all The Cleary Company’s events. Everyone at the company is approachable and good to work with.

    Enjoy these photos of Rick’s master bathroom, kitchen and basement remodels!

     

    Basement Remodel in Powell, OH
    Basement Remodel in Powell, OH

  • Home Remodeling Clients for 25 Years | Columbus OH

    Home Remodeling Clients for 25 Years | Columbus OH

    In the spring of 1994 George Cleary established The Cleary Company at the urging of his wife, Cathy. 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, Luke & Gail, the parents of a classmate from Bishop Watterson High School. The project? Build an addition on the back of their home in Upper Arlington! A 15′ x 19′ screened porch with 2 skylights and a ceiling fan. Plus a 28′ paver patio, a concrete pad, cedar steps and landscaping for their new hot tub. 

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

    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.

    Luke & Gail’s Westerville OH Home exterior project 2008:

     

    George & Luke at our 2012 open house for our newly remodeled Kenny Rd location:

    George with Gail & Luke at our 25th Anniversary party 10-10-19:

    “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 25 years, Upper Arlington OH & Westerville OH

  • Repeat Clients for Remodeling Projects

    Repeat Clients for Remodeling Projects

    Cleary’s Craftsmanship Earns Repeat Business: Homeowners Return for Multiple Remodeling Projects

    8 Home Remodeling Projects Large & Small | Columbus, OH

    Meet Jane, she and her husband Joe have been clients of The Cleary Company since 2002! Over the years they’ve hired our Team to complete a total of 8 home remodeling projects ranging from new windows and an exterior face lift to a kitchen remodel. Working with Jane and Joe over the years has been a pleasure and we appreciate their trust in us.

    Jane on the red carpet at our 20th anniversary party! | September 25, 2014

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

    My favorite part is the quality of work they do! I have high expectations and no matter the project big or small, they’ve completed what I expected.

    Why did you originally choose The Cleary Company to complete your renovation/remodeling projects? And why did you continue to choose them for future projects?

    We had seen their job signs in the area and George is our neighbor. We know him personally which is very important. He even stopped by one night to just check and see how the project was going and how we were doing.

    One of the main reasons I went with them for our last two projects, all new windows and a kitchen remodel that included removing interior walls, was the fact that they have a design team. I had seen some of their completed projects on social media and in person.  For us to take on a project of this size when you’re committed to staying in your home that is 50+ years old, we didn’t want it to look like we did a remodel. We wanted it to look like we updated a home and everything still flows. I knew that they would be able to accomplish my vision. Their Team and the quality of work is why we’ve had them do so many projects over the years.

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

    Do your homework! If it’s a huge project then you should seriously consider if living through a remodel is what you really want to do. Weigh all of your options, location, cost to remodel, moving or building new. If you do decide to remodel, seriously consider moving out during the project. It’s hard to live in it day to day when people are interrupting your schedule. It can be done, but it’s hard.

    Who is your favorite team member? 

    They’re all good! I just love Laura and learned to trust her from the very beginning that she was going to create a design plan that reflected my vision. I didn’t want to get rid of my original kitchen cabinets because they didn’t look like they needed to be replaced and she was able to pull everything together so it didn’t look like I had old and new mixed together. Her design insight is incredible.

    Rob, my project manager, made sure that when something came up he addressed it. The open communication was perfect.

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

    Watch Jane’s video testimonial from our 2017 VIP Client dinner!

  • Tips for Adding Color to Your Kitchen

    Tips for Adding Color to Your Kitchen

    Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home remodeling projects call our Team receives. And it’s also one that we love to design and build for our clients! The kitchen is the heart of your home, a place for family and friends to gather and cook, eat, and hang out. But when you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, it can be tough to know where to start.

    That’s where our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company, Columbus, OH comes in. We get to see the kitchen renovation process from start to finish. We are blessed and grateful to work with so many amazing clients since 1994 and to share their joy when they see their vision come to life.

    Choose a colorful Appliance:

    Houzz published some great inspiration for adding color to your kitchen design. Of course, we think #4 is the best example!

    Have Fun with Color in Your Backsplash:

    Tile can take a backsplash from boring to beautiful with some careful planning.

    • 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.
    Blue glass mosaic tile Upper Arlington OH Kitchen remodel

    Make a Statement with Your Cabinets:

    Light or dark, painted or stained? It is a big decision. Why not both?! Each type has their pros and cons. It really just depends on the type of cabinets being used, the design style, your preference, and the benefits or challenges for both. This mid century modern kitchen uses a combination of light and dark stained cabinets with simple flat panel drawers and doors to compliment the unique light fixtures and orange accents.

    Kitchen Mid Century Modern The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build Columbus Ohio

    Don’t Forget the Hardware:

    Go beyond polished or brushed chrome and nickel. Why not choose antique copper, bronze or matte black? Don’t be afraid to try different shapes and sizes too!

    Need more inspiration? Check out our Kitchens Portfolio on our website.

    Ready to Get Started on Your Kitchen Remodel?

    Our Remodel-Design-Build Team is here to collaborate with you on your new kitchen. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or visiting the contact page on our website.