In 2015, a natural gas explosion in Betsy’s Upper Arlington, OH neighborhood created a change to her remodeling timeline. She’d been discussing multiple remodeling projects in her 1950’s ranch with George but had planned to begin when she retired. Circumstances changed due to damage her home sustained from the explosion, and Betsy knew it was best to move up her timeline.
Completed in 2018, Betsy is still enjoying her home’s new open layout that functions better for her active lifestyle as well as entertaining family and friends. “I had a vision for my home. The Cleary Company team brought it to life, and I love it.”
Client Q & A
What spaces did you have redesigned and remodeled?
Almost all of it. The extensive remodel included opening the main living spaces, creating a better connection between the living room, den, and kitchen. Before the remodel, my large living room sat unused and now that room is used every day.
- Addition 1 – An old and dated flat roofed 3-season room was damaged in the explosion. I was not sorry to see it or the indoor 13’ brick planter gone. A new sunroom was built with skylights, cabinets, a beverage fridge and a wall of glass with 8’ sliding doors opening up to the backyard.
- Addition 2 – The new sunroom ceiling was vaulted and extended out over a new concrete patio, based on a suggestion from George Cleary. This created a shaded outdoor living space near the pool.
- Kitchen – Gutted and removed a bulky closet and the soffits. All new custom cherry cabinets, granite countertops and 3×12 glass tile backsplash. The small eating area, which had no view, became more counterspace and cabinets. It was relocated to take advantage of the views out of both the front and back windows.
- Bathrooms – A half bath was completely updated & the main bath got a new shower.
- Fireplace – Removed large floor-to-ceiling, brick wall that contained two fireplaces—one in the living room and one in the den. A new Heatilator 60″, see-through fireplace was custom built that provides warmth to both the living room and den, creating a more open floorplan and better flow between the spaces.
- All new windows, contemporary trim, baseboards, as well as a new entry door and all new closet doors were installed.
- All of the floors were sanded and stained with a new updated color.
Interior Remodel Photos of Before – During – After
Exterior Remodel & Outdoor Living Addition Photos of Before – During – After
What is your favorite part of your remodeled home?
The openness! It was so interesting to remake my 50’s ranch by removing a wall that now allows seamless movement from one room to the next. The layout flows much better, making it easy and a wonderful home to entertain and live in.
Why did you choose The Cleary Company to design-build your home remodel?
George Cleary has the best team around. He did some work on my prior home and I personally know him as well as some of his family. I didn’t even look at any other company because I knew The Cleary Company would take care of me, create my vision and I trusted I would love the end result.
I knew we would have a great experience. The Cleary Company craftsmen and their subs were all great. I trusted having The Cleary people and their subs in my home, even when I wasn’t there. George and Rob Lindeboom had creative ideas and suggestions and understood the look I wanted to create. It was a year-long project, with very few issues.
Who stood out and how did they exceed your expectations?
My Project Developer was great help during the dealings with the insurance claims from the explosion. He’s meticulous and focused on the details.
Rob Lindeboom is a fabulous onsite Project Manager. He has amazing creativity and great experiences to not only draw on but also to utilize to solve issues. He had so many great ideas. For example, my kitchen is long and linear, and he knew we needed to install all the electrical wall plugs horizontally, to keep the right look of the room. He is very easy to work with and was extremely helpful with the construction details of the new fireplace. He is a wealth of knowledge and talent.
Testimonial
What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of remodeling their home?
When talking with your design team, tell them what you want, ask for pictures, and visit examples in other homes the remodeler has done. Talk with homeowners who’ve worked with your remodeler. Ask questions like what they like and don’t like about their remodel.
I did this and it was most helpful to visualize and feel what I wanted in my 3-season room, especially George’s vaulted ceiling idea, by visiting a home The Cleary Company had remodeled. That ceiling completely transformed the feel of my sunroom and carrying the ceiling out over the patio transformed that space as well.
What two words would best describe The Cleary Company?
Trust and Quality! I trust them and the quality of their work is fabulous. I lived in my home throughout my renovation, and they were very sensitive to my needs.
Do you recommend The Cleary Company for anyone remodeling?
Absolutely! One of my friends just completed a kitchen remodel and another friend is talking with them now.