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Pendant lighting has become a very popular choice for our clients who are remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. This type of light hangs from the ceiling from a pole, cord, or chain and comes in a wide variety sizes, styles, and materials. Often, they become a focal point, which makes them an important part of the overall design aesthetic for a room. From oversized lanterns to more refined decorative glass or intricate metal designs, there is pendant light available to suit nearly any space.

Have you seen a no-threshold shower? It's a shower that has no curb or surrounding edge to it, making it flush with the bathroom floor. You may have also heard the terms barrier-free, curbless walk-in-shower or zero threshold, but they are all the same thing. I know what you may be thinking. Where is all the water going to go? Won't I have a flood on my hands after every shower? No! The secret to containing the water is in the drainage system. This type of shower will have either a trench drain, which is a long and narrow drain placed where the shower door would be placed, or a center drain with the floor just slightly pitched towards it.

Picture your dream bathroom. What does it look like? Does it have a luxurious spa shower or a modern soaking tub? Maybe you envision a floating vanity with a gorgeous granite countertop. Does that vision fit into your budget? When it comes time to make all the selections for a bathroom remodel, things can start to add up. Thompson Remodeling knows how important it is to keep your project on budget and we have a few tips on which items are worth splurging on for your bathroom remodel.

With the first day of school just around the corner, we thought a blog about getting your kitchen back-to-school ready was timely. So much goes into preparing for the new school year from buying school supplies, new clothing or uniforms, and shoes to saying “goodbye” to another great summer. One thing that can make this transition so much easier for both you and the kids is to have your kitchen set up and ready to handle the daily comings and goings during the week. We’ve put together a list of simple tips that will have your kitchen back-to-school ready in no time.

Ah, summertime, nice to see you again! I am so excited to be able to spend time outdoors with my family and it’s especially nice to do it in my own backyard. The upcoming holidays and weekends are the perfect times for cookouts on the deck, stargazing on the patio, or playing yard games with friends and neighbors. And recent studies say there’s been a major uptick in homeowners adding outdoor living areas to their homes this year. One of their top design requests is to add a shade element to provide a bit of relief from the sun on extra hot days. For many homeowners, a pergola is great option to consider, which will add not only partial shade but also lots of character.

Composite decking materials have been around since the 1990s, but let’s face it; many of them don’t look like real wood. The biggest benefit of using a composite material has always been the easy care and low maintenance, but improvement in finish, tone and texture have made it much more aesthetically appealing. Homeowners who have shied away from composite decking because of its appearance should give it a second look.

The selections you make for your remodeling project have a direct impact on your overall budget for the project. Two bathroom remodels of the same exact size and layout can vary in cost by the thousands or tens of thousands based on the selections and finishes that are used. This is why making selections within your budget is so important, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or luxury. There are some great budget-friendly alternatives out there today that mimic the look of more expensive finishes. If you are looking for ways to keep your budget in-line consider some of these options when making your remodeling selections.

Turkey Day is coming and we are super excited! I'm sure all of you have your plans underway for visiting family or hosting a Thanksgiving feast at your own home. The gathering of multiple family generations and friends is great fun, but can also be a bit stressful for the hosts who have to plan and orchestrate the big event. We have a few great ideas to help make your Thanksgiving all fun and no stress!

As you plan your remodel and make all the big selections like flooring, countertops, or cabinetry it’s easy to forget about the finishing touches that will add detail or improve function in a space. Fortunately, these small but important details won’t break the bank. In fact, they are often the things many homeowners end up loving the most about their remodel.

Thompson Remodeling of Grand Rapids, Michigan has received a 2016 Design Award in the annual national competition presented by Professional Remodeler magazine. Thompson Remodeling won the Gold award in the Kitchen Under $50,000 category. “This is the first Professional Remodeler Design Award for the Thompson Remodeling team and we are very excited to win in this very competitive category. This kitchen remodel was a challenge due to its size and position within the home, but our inventive design plan used every square inch wisely and even included a hidden doorway to the basement through the pantry,” said Ben Thompson, President of Thompson Remodeling.

Many of our kitchen remodeling clients will ask us about painting their cabinets instead of replacing them. Often, they are considering taking on the task themselves as a DIY project. Before we can provide a simple yes or no answer to this question, there are a few important considerations. We certainly understand staying within budgets and looking for ways to save money, but sometimes painting your own cabinets may not be the best solution.

There’s no place like home. It’s where you feel safe, comfortable and cozy…and that’s a good thing. However, even inside your safe haven there can be some potentially dangerous areas or situations. Here’s our list of the top 10 potential dangers in your home.