Remodeling guides

Practical planning advice for homeowners in Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan, from basements and additions to roofs and windows.

Illustrative steel egress window well with built-in steps and a hinged clear cover in light snow; not a documented Three Strands project

Egress windows

Egress window wells and covers: size, drainage and Michigan winters

The well outside an egress window decides whether it works in an emergency. Here is how big it must be, when it needs a ladder and how to handle snow.

October 21, 2026Read article

Illustrative egress window installation with excavation and a newly cut foundation opening; not a documented Three Strands project

Egress windows

How an egress window installation works, step by step

Adding a basement egress window means cutting into the foundation. Here is what happens at each step, from choosing the spot to finishing the trim.

October 21, 2026Read article

Illustrative older home mid-renovation with an opened wall, new header beam and protected hardwood floors; not a documented Three Strands project

Whole house

Whole house remodeling: how to plan the work in phases

Renovating an entire home is easier to manage when the work follows a clear order. Here is how whole house projects usually come together.

October 14, 2026Read article

Illustrative two-story home with a new charcoal shingle roof among autumn trees; not a completed Three Strands project

Roofing

Ice dams on Michigan roofs: why they form and what helps

Ice dams can push water under shingles and into your home. Here is what causes them and how better insulation, ventilation and roofing details help.

September 7, 2026Read article

Illustrative basement during remodeling with framed walls and open ceiling; not a documented Three Strands project

Basements

Planning a basement remodel in Michigan: start with moisture

Before you pick flooring or paint, make sure your basement stays dry. Here is what to check and why it matters for a finished space.

August 26, 2026Read article

Illustrative finished basement family room with built-in oak shelving; not a completed Three Strands project

Basements

Adding a basement bedroom? What to know about egress windows

A basement bedroom needs a safe way out in an emergency. Here is what an egress window involves and how it shapes your remodel.

August 25, 2026Read article

Illustrative remodeled L-shaped kitchen in an older Michigan home with sage shaker cabinets, white counters, subway tile and a window over the sink; not a completed Three Strands project

Kitchen & bath

Kitchen remodel planning: decisions to make before demolition

A smoother kitchen remodel starts with decisions made early. Here are the choices to settle before the old cabinets come out.

August 18, 2026Read article

Illustrative two-story home with a matching single-story rear addition and stone patio; not a completed Three Strands project

Home additions

Home addition or move? Questions to ask before you decide

Outgrowing your home doesn't always mean leaving it. These questions help you decide whether an addition makes sense for your family and your lot.

August 12, 2026Read article

Renovated living room with white walls, hardwood floors, recessed lighting and a sunroom lined with windows, from a Three Strands Construction renovation video

Whole house

Living at home during a whole house remodel: how to prepare

Staying in your home during a large renovation is possible with the right preparation. Here is how to plan for dust, noise, meals and daily routines.

August 3, 2026Read article

Illustrative home addition in progress with timber framing on a new concrete foundation beside the existing house; not a documented Three Strands project

Home additions

Bump-out, sunroom or full addition: which fits your needs?

Home additions range from a few extra feet to a whole new wing. Here is how bump-outs, sunrooms and full additions compare.

July 14, 2026Read article

Illustrative attached garage mid-conversion, with the old door opening framed in around a new window, insulated walls and a raised plywood subfloor over the concrete slab; not a completed Three Strands project

In-law suites

Converting a garage into an in-law suite: what to consider

An attached garage can become comfortable living space for a family member. Here is what a garage conversion involves before you commit.

July 12, 2026Read article

Illustrative in-law suite with an oak kitchenette, sitting area and adjoining bedroom; not a completed Three Strands project

In-law suites

Planning an in-law suite: privacy, access and comfort

An in-law suite works best when it balances privacy with connection. Here is what to think through before you design one.

June 27, 2026Read article

Illustrative remodeled bathroom with a walk-in tile shower and oak vanity; not a completed Three Strands project

Kitchen & bath

Bathroom remodels: what matters behind the walls

Tile and fixtures get the attention, but waterproofing, ventilation and plumbing decide how long a bathroom lasts. Here is what to plan for.

June 23, 2026Read article

Windows

Replacement windows: what to compare before you choose

Window labels, frame materials and installation methods all affect comfort and efficiency. Here is how to compare replacement windows.

June 15, 2026Read article

Illustrative replacement window being installed with flashing tape, shims and a level on the sill; not a documented Three Strands project

Windows

Signs it's time to replace your windows

Drafts, fogged glass and windows that won't open are all clues. Here is how to tell when your windows may need replacing.

June 13, 2026Read article

Illustrative roof replacement in progress with new charcoal architectural shingles laid out to the roof edge over underlayment and decking; not a documented Three Strands project

Roofing

Signs it may be time to replace your roof

Your roof often shows warning signs before it leaks. Here is what to look for from the ground, in the attic and inside your home.

June 8, 2026Read article