From their fully-custom design/build remodeling process, to the focused personal attention — The Cleary Company not only gives clients expert work, they also deliver an enjoyable building experience.
“As a design/build remodeling company, we focus on the whole concept of remodeling,” says George Cleary, president and founder of The Cleary Company. “We like to be part of creating the blueprint.”
The Cleary Company is set apart by the personal attention they give to every client. Importantly, they take the time to find how their homeowners want to live. “We care about our clients and we really want to know them personally,” Cleary stresses.
The company works throughout central Ohio on a wide variety of remodeling projects including kitchens, baths, basements, room and two-story additions, whole house renovations and exterior renovations.
The Cleary Company has also built new homes from the ground up, including infill homes and other single-lot homes.
Named BIA Remodeler of the Year in 2012, The Cleary Company, takes a fresh approach to their buyers’ remodeling experience: they understand that it can be stressful, so everyone in the company tries to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Says Cleary: “We want to get people into the mindset that we’re going to have fun doing your project and we want you to have fun too.”
This year, The Cleary Company marked its 20th anniversary — and they celebrated in September with a party that was a clear extension of their extroverted, fun-loving style. The event featured a live band, two food trucks, a magician and juggler. Clients, trade partners, suppliers and staff, all got together to enjoy food and entertainment at The Cleary Company’s homey offices.
To create spaces that are beautiful and livable, The Cleary Company makes their design phase an integral part of the building process. Their first step is to learn the specifics about each client’s tastes and needs. “It’s helpful for us to get to know the client, whether they’re single, married, have multiple children or if there are multiple generations,” says Cleary.
Cleary Company designers Laura Watson and April Howe take the time to find out the details that will make every aspect of a space just right. Whether it’s perfectly placed lighting, storage customized for a cook’s favorite equipment or a floor plan that’s just right for a homeowner’s entertaining style, Watson and Howe ask questions that will help them collaborate with clients on each aspect.
Says Cleary: “It’s very important to not only design the room so it looks great and it feels great, but it is also going to work right.”
Cleary Company designers examine their clients’ preferences from every angle — and they also make design a highly creative process. Homeowners usually emerge from planning with fresh ideas they hadn’t previously thought of.
The designers even consider your future home needs. They cover possibilities such as parents moving in, kids moving out, accessibility after surgery and aging in place.
“We make aging in place part of the conversation,” says Cleary. “We’re talking about remodeling projects that could last for our client’s life span. We talk about accessibility needs and that could also be having something suitable so you could do rehab at home.”
Known for their caring attitude toward clients, The Cleary Company does everything they can during construction to make the process as easy as possible. Baths are remodeled on a schedule that keeps use-during-building in mind, and homeowners who are tired of eating microwaved food during a kitchen remodel often receive restaurant gift cards.
“We really communicate upfront what to expect,” says Cleary. “We’re empathetic. You have a three week schedule on the wall so you know what’s happening day-to-day on your job, and we send nightly texts on what’s going on.”
Cleary Company takes solid steps to keep projects as clean and dust-free as possible. The company uses state-of-the-art dust extraction and replaces furnace filters frequently during construction. After project completion, professional cleaners make the space spotless.
As a remodeler with a very successful track record, The Cleary Company attracts many positive comments from clients. Observations from homeowners, like the ones below, provide an insight into Cleary Company’s strong relationships with buyers:
“From beginning to end, the Cleary team is excellent. The design process was super helpful and they really listened to our wishes. The workmanship is outstanding and they quickly resolve any concerns.”
“We continue to enjoy our new kitchen everyday. Great job Cleary Company!!!”
“The Cleary Company was outstanding to work with through the whole process. They understood our desire to stay in our home of 29 years and brought to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience to give us an owner’s suite we enjoy.”
Cleary, who grew up in Columbus, began making valuable business connections while he was still a student at Bishop Watterson High School.
He learned construction basics while working after school and summers, for a school friend’s father who was a home flipper. Cleary, his friend, and the friend’s father worked as a team to turn around dilapidated homes. In the process Cleary not only became skilled in everything from drywall to plumbing — he also discovered that he loved remodeling.
While he was still at Watterson, Cleary learned sales by working in a hot tub business owned by another high school friend’s father.
He next became general manager at TJ Young General Contractors, where he worked for 10 years before starting The Cleary Company in April 1994. Cleary immediately landed an extensive remodeling project that launched his new business.
Today, The Cleary Company includes a staff of eight talented humans — plus Russell the laid-back Golden Retriever.
The company also has many longtime trade partners who thoroughly understand not just Cleary Company’s high standards for construction but also their commitment to client attention.
Ten years ago, The Cleary Company converted a Columbus home into their offices. Recently, they gave the space a complete overhaul. It now doubles as a product showroom, as well as meeting and work area, with eye-catching design in every area. Clients can see examples of countertops, windows, sliding barn doors, lighting, custom cabinetry, trim and many other home items in use at Cleary Company headquarters.
Cleary says the newly renovated offices help inspire clients. “What I try to communicate to people is that if you like these spaces we can create this in your house. We can bring new life to your home,” says Cleary. “We really try to design spaces that reflect your personality.”
Empathy is a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy, and one that comes naturally to every member of the staff. “When we can make somebody’s life easier because, for example, we design a space so they can move around in their wheel chair, that’s really rewarding work,” explains Cleary.
At Cleary Company, improving the quality of their clients’ life is a core principle. Says Cleary: “When you hear people love their kitchen and they’re entertaining when they never used to, or their new bath feels like a spa — that kind of feedback brings great happiness to me.”
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Contact The Cleary Company
4766 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43220
(614) 459-4000
george@clearycompany.com
www.clearycompany.com