| thompson remodeling grand rapids mi (2)

The holidays are upon us! This is one of my favorite times of year. I love seeing the Christmas lights and checking out some of the holiday festivities around town with friends and family. If you are looking for something fun to do with the family, there’s a lot of great options in Grand Rapids. Here are some ideas to consider that will be fun for adults and kids of all ages.

Any large investment requires establishing a budget. Whether it’s purchasing a new car or remodeling your home, determining how much you want to spend is one of the steps you will take early in the process. Just as anyone who has shopped for a car will know, the price will vary widely based on all of the additional features or upgraded materials that you choose. The same thing holds true with remodeling. This is why many remodelers will give you a range when providing their initial estimates for a particular project type and as you determine the project scope and make the specific material selections for your project, the actual cost can be determined.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your dream kitchen. Take a virtual walk around and notice the cabinets, countertops, and the floor. What are the colors and textures that stand out to you? Do you see any special details such as a unique sink or range hood?

For years we’ve been designing master bathrooms that improve functionality and create a more relaxing atmosphere for homeowners. Finishes and fixtures that suit our client’s color preferences are always incorporated, and many like to add showers or bathtubs that can transform their bath into a spa-like experience. We don’t anticipate any of that going away; in fact, wellness has come to the forefront of manufacturer’s like Kohler and Toto’s new product offerings for the bath.

Every year thousands of builders, remodelers, and designers attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to see the latest and greatest products being offered by over 600 exhibitors. As the largest kitchen and bath design show in North America, this is THE place to spot the trends and innovations coming our way in cabinets and countertops, and this year things are taking a dark and dramatic turn – in color that is.

Wow! We’ve been doing some research and there are some really nice new colors, finishes, and innovations available in appliances. Each year we learn about new technology and it seems homeowners are eager to take advantage of those appliance options. New finishes however, take a bit longer to trickle down into our local neighborhood kitchens. The annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) just wrapped up so it was the perfect time for us to take a look and see what’s new out there. Here’s what we found was making waves at the show.

Let’s start with the basics. What is a transom window? The term transom refers to the horizontal beam or wood positioned above a window or door. A transom window sits right above that beam and is typically a narrow rectangular or half moon shape. You will most commonly see these above the main entry door or the front windows of a home. They can be operable to not only let light in, but also fresh air, or they can be used purely for light and architectural interest.

Do you have a room in your home that always feels dark and dreary? Take a look around the space, is it well lit, or does it lack natural or artificial light sources? Homes with poor lighting can feel small, uninviting, and even affect our mood. If you feel that yours fits this description, don’t despair; there are several renovation options you can undertake to make your home feel lighter, brighter, and happier!

Grand Rapids has been experiencing bitter cold temperatures. In fact, yesterday it was the coldest day on record since 1994! With the continued treacherous weather conditions, school, and business closings, we hope that your family and pets are safe and warm inside your homes. If you've got a case of cabin fever, grab a mug of hot cocoa and read through our cold weather tips!

Every year Remodeling Magazine releases its Cost Vs. Value Report, which provides data on how 22 popular remodeling projects, ranging from bathroom additions to siding replacement, are retaining their value throughout the country. The studies are broken down by geographic area and are based on professional remodelers completing the renovations. We study it annually to see which projects have the top recoup value in the Grand Rapids area.

When you are looking to gain more usable space in your home without adding an addition, a basement remodel can be the perfect solution. Basements provide a blank canvas from which to design the exact areas that your family needs to support your lifestyle. You can create family rooms, kitchens, bar areas, bedrooms, theaters, music studios, or whatever you like really. But, unlike renovations to the upper levels of your home, a basement remodel presents unique challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure a safe and dry space that you and your family can enjoy for years.

Every household can benefit from a mudroom. Families with children and pets appreciate this room for supplying the all-important drop and go zone for daily comings and goings. Even adult-only households recognize the benefits of having a place to store cold and wet weather necessities, shoes, cleaning supplies, and other items you want to have easy access to but keep out of the main areas of your home.