Cleary Company: Design Build Remodel

Tag: universal design

  • UDCP NARI Certification | Designer Shannon Tannehill

    UDCP NARI Certification | Designer Shannon Tannehill

    Join us in celebrating Design Consultants Margot Sheehan & Shannon Tannehill! They both earned Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

    Preparation for the UDCP test includes attending an 8-hour online course and reviewing the study guide materials provided by NARI. The program addresses the key concepts of Universal Design as applied to residential remodeling:

    • Conducting client needs assessments
    • Universal design applications used in residential remodeling
    • Construction techniques used to implement universal design in a remodeling project
    • Plumbing and electrical systems unique to universal design
    • Differences between model building codes and ones described in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Q&A with Shannon

    Shannon Tannehill, UDCP | Design Consultant

    As Design Consultants at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio, they serve a crucial role on our Project Development Team. Their main role and responsibilities include collaborating with our clients in selecting the fixtures and finishes for their remodel, all the while keeping the client’s needs, style and budget top of mind.

    Shannon Tannehill – 6+ years industry experience, 1.5 yrs @ TCC – Interior Design @ The Art Institute of Cincinnati

    Why did you decide to take the Universal Design test for certification?

    Shannon – To further my education and be able to spot things early on that need to be adjusted for living in place or multigenerational households.

    How did you prepare for the UDCP test?

    Shannon – Attending online classes and studying with flashcards.

    Why did you choose a career in remodeling?

    Shannon – I have a diverse background in the design world and this role incorporates all my knowledge.

    How has TCC supported your growth, both personally and professionally?

    Shannon – TCC has supported my growth with continuing education, job site visits and working with other team members, lots of teamwork! 

    What do you believe is the hidden gem of working for TCC?

    Shannon – The team! we all have such unique backgrounds and knowledge that make a dream team for every project.

    What do you enjoy the most about working for TCC?

    Shannon – Being around other creative problem solvers and having events that cultivate our role in the community and with our vendors. 

    What is NARI Certification?

    Passing a comprehensive 90-question examination under the supervision of an examination proctor is the last step to professionals earning a NARI Certification.

    Certified professionals represent an elite group of industry experts who possess extensive technical and management skills. These skills set them apart as capable remodeling professionals. Standards and exam questions are developed by leading remodeling experts who are well-versed in technical and management best practices for the remodeling industry.

    Why does our Team values industry certifications?

    As a trusted Remodel-Design-Build firm in Columbus, Ohio, we believe continuing education is important and the development of our Team is a responsibility we have to our clients. From formal CEU classes administered by our industry partners to informal Lunch-n-Learns hosted by our vendors, our team regularly participates in webinars and live presentations each year to improve our knowledge of home remodeling.

    Not to mention, data suggests 80% of consumers would choose a remodeling professional who is certified over one who is not.

    Want to know more about what Universal Design is? Click here to read our blog post on the subject!

    Certification
  • Project Consultant John Hamlett | NARI UDCP

    Project Consultant John Hamlett | NARI UDCP

    headshot of John Hamlett
    John Hamlett

    Join us in congratulating John! He recently earned a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) accreditation from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). John joined our Team in 2020 with over 30 years of experience in retail and restaurant design and construction along with a B.S. in Architecture from The Ohio State University.

    Because more of our clients are wanting to live in their homes longer, our Design Team, at The Cleary Company Remodel Design Build in Columbus Ohio, recognizes that all of our projects should include principles of Universal Design. This not only applies to our clients looking to “age in place” but also to their extended family, caregivers and guests living or visiting with them.

    Q & A with John Hamlett, Universal Design Certified Professional – Project Consultant

    Why did you decide to take the Universal Design test?

    After working on a few projects where the clients were asking us to use Universal Design principles to help them age in place, I wanted to educate myself so that I could better serve these kinds of clients

    How did you prepare for the UDCP test?

    I took an online prep course thru nari.org and had help studying from my NARI-certified colleagues here at The Cleary Company.

    What is your role and responsibilities @ TCC?

    I am a Project Consultant with responsibilities to provide accurate as-built drawings, to assess constructability issues, produce construction/permit drawings and to see projects through the permitting process.

    Why did you choose to pivot your career into remodeling?

    After many years in retail architecture, I wanted to have a chance to work on projects that affect people at a more personal level.

    How has TCC supported your growth, both personally and professionally?

    The Cleary Company supports every employee to seek growth. They provide both time and finances for us to pursue continuing education, professional certifications and personal growth.

    What do you believe is the hidden gem of working for TCC?

    The office is very well designed and a great environment to work in.

    What do you enjoy the most about working for TCC?

    The quality of the people. George takes his time in the hiring process to assure that the people he brings on are the right fit.

    What is NARI Certification?

    Certified professionals represent an elite group of industry experts who possess extensive technical and management skills. These skills set them apart as capable remodeling professionals. Standards and exam questions are developed by leading remodeling experts who are well-versed in technical and management best practices for the remodeling industry.

    Why our Team values industry certifications?

    As a trusted Remodel-Design-Build firm in Columbus, Ohio, we believe continuing education is important and the development of Our Team is a responsibility we have to our clients. From formal CEU classes administered by our industry partners to informal Lunch-n-Learns hosted by our vendors, throughout each year, our Team regularly participates in webinars and live presentations to improve our knowledge of home remodeling.

    Not to mention, data suggests 80% of consumers would choose a remodeling professional who is certified over one who is not.

    Want to know more about what Universal Design is? Click here to read our blog post on the subject!

    Universal Design
  • Accessible Bathroom Remodel in Upper Arlington OH

    Accessible Bathroom Remodel in Upper Arlington OH

    Project Profile: Universal Design isn’t something most homeowners think about when building or remodeling a home, but it is something we discuss frequently with our clients. Aging In Place or Universal Design, both used interchangeably, simply defined is a home designed and built to be used and accessed easily by all people no matter their age, size, or abilities. This universal approach to design and construction is all about planning and details. Carefully researching and choosing the products, features, and space considerations for your home to function for all throughout you and your family’s life cycle.

    In the summer of 2018, Donna, a longtime past client of The Cleary Company, called George with news that her husband was suddenly and unexpectedly confined to a wheelchair. They needed a full bathroom on the first floor of their home remodeled to accommodate his new accessibility requirements. George was, of course, ready to fast track a remove and replace bathroom project to meet their needs!

    Before & After Universal Design Bathroom Remodel

    BEFORE BATHROOM REMODEL – Upper Arlington, OH
    AFTER UNIVERSAL DESIGN BATHROOM REMODEL – Upper Arlington, OH

    20 Years of Multiple Remodels & Lifestyle Transitions

    Meet Donna. She’s been a client of The Cleary Company since 1999. She hired George to build a 2-story addition on her cape cod home in Upper Arlington OH. That first project included adding a family room, master suite, plus another bathroom to accommodate her growing family. Since then we’ve also remodeled her kitchen, mudroom, basement, garage and last year a Universal Design full bathroom remodel.

    Donna is not only a client but a cheerleader for The Cleary Company, by referring several family members, friends and neighbors over the years. Read more about Donna’s relationship and past projects with The Cleary Company here.

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

    Incorporating Universal Design principles into any bathroom remodel is important, especially if you plan to “age in place” gracefully in your present home or if injury or health issues require assisted care. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to collaborate on your next bathroom remodel with a Remodel-Design-Build Team who cares about you and your family. Call 614-459-4000 or Visit our website!

  • Universal Design – What Does It Really Mean?

    Universal Design – What Does It Really Mean?

    Universal Design isn’t something most homeowners think about when building or remodeling a home, but it is something we discuss frequently with our clients. Aging In Place or Universal Design, both used interchangeably, simply defined is a home designed and built to be used and accessed easily by all people no matter their age, size, or abilities. This universal approach to design and construction is all about planning and details. What products, features, and space planning considerations need to be in place for the space to function for all?

    Creating a Universal Design home means that the living spaces are designed with those principles in mind from the beginning and is aesthetically beautiful. Some examples in design, planning, and adaptations that can be made are wider doorways, smooth level flooring, curb free showers with grab bars and benches, no step entryways, lowered countertop work spaces, elevators or stair lifts, accessible electrical outlets and switches, and kitchens that offer multi-level surfaces for people who use a wheelchair or just need to sit while preparing food.

    Recently, we had the privilege to speak with Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. an expert on the topic of Universal Design. She and her husband designed their home along with a talented group of architects and designers. The Universal Design Living Laboratory is a marvel of good design that not only works for her, but for everyone. A virtual tour and video tour can be viewed on her website, www.udll.com. What follows are her thoughts on Universal Design, what she’s learned, and what she shares with others.

    Universal Design Living Laboratory – 6141 Clark State Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230
    Rosemarie & Mark in their master bathroom at the Universal Design Living Laboratory

    Q & A with Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.

    What does Universal Design mean to you? 

    Independence, Safety, Accessibility, and Convenience. These are the 4 pillars of what I’ve experienced as a person using a wheelchair. Having a home that enables me to be independent in my daily living is absolutely the right design for our home. All homes should consider designing with Universal Design from the beginning. It isn’t a specialized design, but rather it’s just good design. The home should include features and products that are ergonomic and right for the conditions of the people that live there whether they have a disability or not. The design accommodates everyone. It’s a whole new design framework of thinking about home design.

    Rosemarie demonstrating the elevated dishwasher in the UDLL kitchen.

    What adaptations did you make that were harder/easier than you thought?

    The pouring of the concrete in the garage was easier than I thought it was going to be. We created two 2-car garages with 2 entrances from the home with no steps. I thought it would be a nightmare to pour the concrete correctly, with the right slope away from the doors, so that when you enter the home there are no steps, just a smooth transition. I imagined how many times, the concrete would have to be jackhammered, removed, and fixed, but it was done right the 1st time. The installers understood the slope and got the gradual grade from the house to the driveway done perfectly the first pour.

    I also anticipated that the Franklin County building authorities would have pushback when we showed them the plans that had no step from the garage to the house, which is needed to prevent any carbon monoxide from entering the home. They understood what we were trying to do and approved our plans. We already had in the plans 2 exhaust ceiling fans in the garage that run 24/7 that keeps any possible fumes from entering the home.

    Harder? That was watching people install pavers in our landscape. The pavers were being installed so that I could have rollable surfaces on all of the patio areas. It was a tedious process to figure out the pattern and how much gravel and sand to use. Then installing, tamping them down, and leveling took a lot of time.  Some of them were installed with a gradual slope and some were edged around retaining walls. This took a long time.

    Rosemarie’s wheelchair moves effortlessly on the on the paver paths. The paver paths give her full access the the gardens in the backyard.

    Now that you have lived in your home, what would you change?

    Actually we are getting ready to make a change now. We found a new product from ShelfGenie. They are going to be a contributor to the home and will be installing roll out shelving under the kitchen and bathroom sinks and some pull down shelving in the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. This will give me more convenience, storage, reachability, and accessibility. I can only reach so high in a cabinet so this will be a huge help to me.  I was delighted when I learned about this product and that they are willing to be a contributor. We will have before and after photos on our website so that people that visit can see the significance of their products.

    What are the key elements that you recommend to keep in mind when building or remodeling their home?

    Look at the ROI (return on investment) over the long haul. Many people are shortsighted as they think about remodeling and don’t think they need the wider 36” doors, grab bars in the shower or no step entrance from the garage. They just don’t understand there are advantages to the family over the long term when designing a home using Universal Design. Spend the money and do it right the first time. Listen to the design team that is working with you that knows more than you do about staying in your home for the long tem versus paying to live in an assisted living facility because suddenly you don’t have a home that serves your needs. There can be tremendous value to having Universal Design elements in your home. The key here is value. What is the value versus cost? You have to look at this over the long term of living in your home.

    When someone visits your Universal Design Living Laboratory, what is the one aspect of Universal Design they now understand that they didn’t before?

    It’s beautiful, not institutional, very attractive, and they want it. Universal Design has so much to offer. They see it in its form here as a demonstration home and say, “Wow, I wish we had this. Why didn’t we do that? Why don’t we go home and talk about this?”

    Designer Manager Laura Watson has an accreditation in Universal Design (UDCP) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). In 2015 Our Team visited with Rosemarie and her husband, Mark, at the Universal Design Living Laboratory click here to see photos from our field trip!

    Rosemarie & Mark visited our Design Center on Kenny Rd in 2015