Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to many of the common questions we receive. Don't see your answer here? Contact us and we'll get you connected.

01. How long have you been in business?

Pat started the company as a teenager in 1969. That makes 39 years this year.

02. Is your company licensed and insured?

Yes, we hold a Residential Builders License wih the State of Michigan and carry Worker's Compensation, General Liability, and other business insurances.

03. Do you have your own employees or do you subscontract all the work?

Our own employees do all of our carpentry-related work and certain other specialties such as ceramic tile and wood floor finishing. We subcontract with reputable companies for work that we are not licensed for, e.g. plumbing, electrical, and hvac (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). On larger projects we may subcontract roofing, siding, drywall or other building trades that require multiple specialists.

04. Are you competitively priced in the market?

Yes we are if you are comparing us to other highly competent firms that provide design and other special services.

05. Where is your office located?

Our office/showroom is at 4820 Cascade RD SE, which is about two blocks east of Forest Hill Ave. or 8/10 of a mile east of the I-96 exit. We are on the south side of the road. For further details, visit our contact page.

06. How big is your company?

We currently employee 10 people and complete 40-50 Design/Build Projects and many more Service/Home Innovation Projects. Our Service Projects solve difficult [but usually smaller] problems that other companies do not have the expertise to solve. We love our past clients and will happily service home maintenance issues for them. But again, this service is only available to TRI's past Design/Build clients. Examples of Home Innovation Projects available to everyone: Making homes more energy efficient, healthier to live in (great for people with allergies), and bringing homes into the 21st century through special technology - lighting control, home theater, structured wiring.

07. Do you offer design services?

Absolutely. We have three project designers who are proficient with 3-dimensional visualization software. That means you will be able to see your new project on our computer from almost any angle.

08. What types of projects do you specialize in?

Room additions using conventional framing and newer energy efficient structural insulated panels (SIPs), Kitchens,Baths,Room conversions, e.g. two bedrooms to a master suite, a living room to an office, a screened porch to a sunroom, etc.,Whole house remodels,Basement finishes.

09. Where can I see examples of your work?

Our office also acts as a showroom where you can see the high quality of our work in addition to a wide variety of products in use. You can also view our gallery online!

10. Can I speak with your past clients?

Yes. We can provide you with a list of clients who would be happy to talk with you about their experience with Thompson Remodeling & Kitchens.

11. Is there a place to stay while you are working on my home?

Yes! We have two fully furnished and equipped guest homes available for our clients for periods when the remodeling process causes temporary major inconvenience, such as during a kitchen project.

12. Can you help me with financing?

We do not currently finance projects directly, but we do have a relationship with one of the local banking institutions and would be happy to refer you to one of their loan specialists.

13. Can you work within my budget?

By all means. Our designers work with you to help you choose a combination of products and services that will keep your project costs on track.

14. What is a fixed price contract?

At Thompson Remodeling & Kitchens, all of our projects are done on a fixed price contract basis. In other words, you are provided with a detailed description of all project specifications, including a total price and payment schedule. That way you know exactly what is included in your project and how much you will be paying before you "sign on the dotted line."

15. What if I change my mind about something after the contract is signed?

Homeowners often decide to make additions or deletions to their projects after work has started. This is documented with a change order - sort of a "mini-contract" that clearly states the work and materials to be added or deducted, and the change in the contract price. No changes are made to your original price or specifications without your written consent.

16. How can I avoid change orders?

Change orders can be avoided by working with your project designer before the contract is signed to plan your project thoroughly and incorporate all you needs and desires into the final project specifications.

17. Can you meet my deadline?

We are almost always able to meet our clients' deadlines. Rarely, we must extend a deadline due to special order products that are not delivered by the date promised, or by some other unusual circumstance that is beyond our control. The approximate length of time to complete your project is included in the contract. In addition, our production manager prepares a detailed work schedule that he will share with you.

18. What is a design agreement/fee?

It's a simple agreement ($1000-$2500) between TRI and our customers. Right then and there we'll measure your home for existing drawings & discuss design requirements.

19. Do you perform smaller jobs?

Yes, for our past clients we are happy to do any project they have for us to maintain their homes. However, for people who are new to working with Thompson Remodeling, Inc. we have a minimum job size. Give us a call and we'll get you headed in the right direction.

Prev: What's Hot | Next: Links / Associations