| thompson remodeling grand rapids mi (6)

Older homes have a unique charm about them. Many homebuyers find themselves drawn to a particular home because of its history and details that make it stand out, such as a special molding, exposed brick, vintage hardware or fixtures, or an architectural feature. Over time, these beautiful historic homes will need some updating either to improve safety or functionality. There are some common issues that may arise when renovating an older home and knowing what might come up will lessen the surprise. A professional remodeler will be prepared for these and will be able to provide solutions to solve the problem so they can complete the updates you would like to make.

Stainless appliances have been THE popular choice for kitchen appliances for more than a decade. We love them for their sleek look and versatility to work in any type of design aesthetic from traditional to modern. But if you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and you want to go with something different, there are options that are just as good looking as stainless. In this blog we are going to talk about when using white, black or paneled front appliances are good alternatives.

May is officially National Home Improvement Month! When the weather warms up, homeowners start getting the itch to make updates to their home. Taking care of your biggest investment is definitely worth your time and is very rewarding once the project is complete. Perhaps you want to improve your outdoor areas or maybe one of your bathrooms needs some updating. Whatever the case may be, there are some important building code violations that are commonly made, unknowingly by DIY remodelers. We’d like to bring these to your attention, so you can avoid making them yourselves.

Laundry rooms are a critical space in every home, yet they rarely get the design attention they deserve. Households of all sizes need a spot for the washer and dryer, but let’s face it, when they are shoved into small closet spaces in the hallway or tucked into the kitchen, those areas end up being a catch-all space for laundry bins and hampers and cause a traffic jam. The most functional laundry rooms incorporate enough space for your appliances, folding, a sink, and storage for detergents.

Coverings is an annual trade show that showcases the latest tile and stone products. Earlier in April, the show was held in Orlando and featured 9 miles worth of trends and exhibits. Wow, that’s a lot of floor and wall coverings! Although we didn't attend, we've done our research to keep up with the latest innovations and how designers and trendsetters are using tile. Since the majority of our remodeling projects include flooring and sometimes wall coverings, tile is a material we talk about every day. And if you are planning a remodeling project, it’s probably in your future as well. So, take a look and check out the trends that were spotted at this year’s Coverings show below.

Durability, functionality and safety are important considerations of a remodeling plan especially when your household includes children. Knowing that your flooring can handle the daily activities without scratching or that you actually have a place for all the kids to store their book bags and sports equipment can really provide some peace of mind. If your home could use some improvements to better suit your family’s lifestyle, here are several suggestions on projects you might want to consider.

When it comes to a house, its hard not to judge a book by its cover. That first glance you get when you drive up to a home is heavily influenced by the type and condition of your siding and when its not looking good the curb appeal score goes way down. Besides looking nice, your siding has another important job to do and that’s protecting your home. Next to the roof, it’s your main defense against the outside elements so it’s important to know the pros and cons of popular siding options when you are ready to upgrade. Let’s take a look at your options.

The use of reclaimed and recycled materials has become extremely popular in remodeling. Although it may have started as a trend, it has now become more mainstream to look for ways to incorporate salvaged materials into remodeling designs. It’s really a win-win decision. Not only can homeowners and remodelers feel good about using environmentally friendly materials, but they can also enjoy the unique character that reclaimed items bring to a remodeled space. If you love the concept but don’t know where to start, here are some ideas on how you can reuse, recycle or upcycle in a kitchen remodel.

After months of planning and construction your remodel is finally complete. The production crew and all their tools are gone, the house is quiet again…you finally get to enjoy your improved spaces. This is cause for celebration! We encourage you to invite your friends and family over to show them your newly improved home, after all they will be anxious to see how things turned out. After you’ve hosted your party, or even before, here are few things we suggest that you do after your remodel is complete.

Would you be surprised to know that you can get a countertop made of natural volcanic rock? Lava stone is exactly that, pieces of volcanic rock that have been quarried from ancient eruption sites in France and Italy. It’s a great option for homeowners who want a natural stone material, but prefer it in a vibrant color that granite or marble cannot offer.

The results are in! Every year the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) surveys its members to learn the current and emerging trends they see in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The questions aim to find out what the professionals are specifying in terms of design style, colors, materials, and products. Last year, they heard from 562 professionals who work directly with homeowners throughout North America. Here’s a look at what they reported for trends in kitchen remodeling.

Are you curious to hear about what’s trending in bathroom remodeling? We are! Recently, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released the results of their annual Kitchen & Bath Design Trend Report, which is based on a survey of its members throughout North American. The survey asks for input on the design style, colors, materials, and products they are commonly specifying for their kitchen and bath remodeling clients. Here’s a look at what they reported for this year’s trends in bathroom remodeling, as well as what we can expect to see in the near future.