Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan—a city renowned for its dynamic culture, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community spirit. Known as "Beer City USA," Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant craft beer landscape, with over 80 breweries enhancing its reputation as a haven for beer enthusiasts. Yet, it offers so much more than just its rich brew!
Art lovers will find their muse in Grand Rapids, home to the world-renowned ArtPrize, an annual event that transforms the
city into a gigantic gallery with stunning installations around every corner. Complementing this creative energy, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, with its impressive collections, invites visitors to explore the world's artistic wonders.
Nature enthusiasts can savor the tranquility of the Grand River, which meanders gracefully through the city, providing picturesque parks and trails like the Fred Meijer Trail Network, perfect for hikes, bike rides, or leisurely
Grand Rapids, Michigan
4 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Spring Issue
Hello Grand Rapids, Michigan • Spring Issue |5
strolls.
Family life thrives amidst top-tier schools, diverse communities, and countless recreational options like the John Ball Zoo or Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where learning and fun seamlessly blend. Grand Rapids' culinary scene, diverse and delectable, promises a feast for the senses, highlighting everything from fresh local produce to international delights.
In Grand Rapids,...
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Vibrant Heart of the Mitten State
Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan—a city renowned for its dynamic culture, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community spirit. Known as "Beer City USA," Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant craft beer landscape, with over 80 breweries enhancing its reputation as a haven for beer enthusiasts. Yet, it offers so much more than just its rich brew!
Art lovers will find their muse in Grand Rapids, home to the world-renowned ArtPrize, an annual event that transforms the city into a gigantic gallery with stunning installations around every corner. Complementing this creative energy, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, with its impressive collections, invites visitors to explore the world's artistic wonders.
Nature enthusiasts can savor the tranquility of the Grand River, which meanders gracefully through the city, providing picturesque parks and trails like the Fred Meijer Trail Network, perfect for hikes, bike rides, or leisurely strolls.
Family life thrives amidst top-tier schools, diverse communities, and countless recreational options like the John Ball Zoo or Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where learning and fun seamlessly blend. Grand Rapids' culinary scene, diverse and delectable, promises a feast for the senses, highlighting everything from fresh local produce to international delights.
In Grand Rapids, the warmth of its people fuels a spirit of innovation and community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and flourish. Whether you're a newcomer seeking new adventures or a lifelong resident proudly calling this city home, Grand Rapids truly offers the best of all worlds.
How to Choose the Right Remodeling Contractor in Grand Rapids
Hiring a remodeling contractor can feel overwhelming, but starting with the right approach makes the process much easier. Begin by checking that the contractor holds proper licensing in Michigan, carries insurance, and has experience with projects similar to yours. These basics protect you and ensure
the work meets state standards. Experienced remodelers will also provide references and examples of past projects, giving confidence in their skills and reliability.Communication is just as important as credentials. A contractor should clearly explain timelines, required permits, and what to
6 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Spring Issue
How to Choose the Right Remodeling Contractor in Grand Rapids
Hiring a remodeling contractor can feel overwhelming, but starting with the right approach makes the process much easier. Begin by checking that the contractor holds proper licensing in Michigan, carries insurance, and has experience with projects similar to yours. These basics protect you and ensure the work meets state standards. Experienced remodelers will also provide references and examples of past projects, giving confidence in their skills and reliability.
Communication is just as important as credentials. A contractor should clearly explain timelines, required permits, and what to expect at each stage of the project. When a contractor takes the time to answer questions thoroughly, it shows they value transparency and organization. A contractor who communicates well upfront is likely to handle challenges professionally and keep your project on schedule.
Before making a decision, ask practical questions about costs, payment schedules, and potential delays. Understanding these details prevents surprises later and helps you compare multiple contractors fairly. It is also wise to verify that the remodeler is bonded, licensed, and insured in Michigan, which adds another layer of protection in case issues arise.
Experience with your specific type of project matters. A contractor familiar with kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, or whole-house updates will anticipate challenges and recommend materials or designs that fit your goals. Contractors who specialize in certain areas often have preferred vendors and trusted subcontractors, improving both quality and efficiency.
Checking online reviews and local references provides additional insight. Positive feedback from past clients is a good indicator of reliability, work quality, and professionalism. Pay attention to how contractors handle concerns or complaints, as this reflects how they manage communication during a project.
Finally, trust your instincts. A contractor may be licensed and experienced, but you also want someone who respects your vision, listens carefully, and explains solutions clearly. A strong working relationship built on trust and communication often makes the difference between a stressful remodel and a satisfying result. Choosing carefully at the start can save both time and money, and ensure your home remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
Ray Runyon, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
expect at each stage of the project. When a contractor takes the time to answer questions thoroughly, it shows they value transparency and organization. A contractor who communicates well upfront is likely to handle challenges professionally and keep your project on schedule.Before making a decision, ask practical
questions about costs, payment schedules, and potential delays. Understanding these details prevents surprises later and helps you compare multiple contractors fairly. It is also wise to verify that the remodeler is bonded, licensed, and insured in Michigan, which adds another layer of protection in case issues arise.Experience with your specific type of project matters. A contractor familiar with kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, or whole-house updates will anticipate challenges and recommend materials or designs that fit your goals. Contractors who specialize in certain areas often have preferred vendors and trusted...
A contractor who communicates well upfront is likely to handle challenges professionally and keep your project on schedule.
About the Author
Ray Runyon is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Avalon Roofing & Exteriors, where he leads client engagement, business development, and strategic marketing to drive growth and elevate the company’s presence in the West Michigan exterior remodeling market. Avalon delivers roofing, siding, windows, and exterior services with quality and integrity.
HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Spring Issue |7
Seasonal Checklist for Basement Waterproofing
Each spring, melting snow and heavy rains can combine to create challenging conditions for basements in Michigan. Homeowners often focus on interior symptoms such as musty odors or damp corners, but the root cause of basement moisture almost always begins outside. Effective waterproofing demands
attention to how water approaches, accumulates, and drains around the home, not merely how it is removed once inside.Begin with a walk around the exterior. Look closely at the ground’s slope; water should move away from the foundation, not toward it. Pooled water near walls or under decks often
8 | HelloGrand Rapids, Michigan • Spring Issue
Seasonal Checklist for Basement Waterproofing
Each spring, melting snow and heavy rains can combine to create challenging conditions for basements in Michigan. Homeowners often focus on interior symptoms such as musty odors or damp corners, but the root cause of basement moisture almost always begins outside. Effective waterproofing demands attention to how water approaches, accumulates, and drains around the home, not merely how it is removed once inside.
Begin with a walk around the exterior. Look closely at the ground’s slope; water should move away from the foundation, not toward it. Pooled water near walls or under decks often points to drainage issues. Downspouts deserve equal scrutiny. If they discharge too close to the structure, they allow runoff to collect at the foundation. Extensions should carry water at least five feet away from the house. Clogged gutters are another recurring problem, allowing overflow that saturates the soil below.
In areas such as Kalamazoo, the freeze-thaw cycle introduces additional concerns. As soil freezes, it expands and applies pressure to foundation walls. When it thaws, water floods previously compacted areas. This cycle weakens structural materials over time, even when no cracks are visible. Spring runoff from melting snow adds to the load. For these reasons, external barriers, membranes, coatings, and French drains play important roles in long-term protection.
Inside the basement, signs of moisture should never be ignored. A persistent earthy smell may indicate hidden mold growth. Water stains near window wells or floor joints can suggest seepage. Inspect sump pumps for performance and test backup systems during wet conditions. Even a well-maintained pump cannot overcome constant inflow if outside defenses are failing.
Basement waterproofing depends on preventing water from reaching the foundation in the first place, not just removing it after it arrives.
Routine seasonal inspection creates a clear picture of a home’s vulnerability. Early detection allows targeted maintenance, regrading, gutter cleaning, or drain repair before structural damage occurs. Though interior fixes may offer temporary relief, exterior intervention can be the most effective and lasting method. In climates where temperature swings and runoff are common, this approach can prove necessary.
Charlie Hill
points to drainage issues. Downspouts deserve equal scrutiny. If they discharge too close to the structure, they allow runoff to collect at the foundation. Extensions should carry water at least five feet away from the house. Clogged gutters are another recurring problem, allowing overflow that saturates the soil below.
In areas such as Kalamazoo, the freeze-thaw cycle introduces additional concerns. As soil freezes, it expands and applies pressure to foundation walls. When it thaws, water floods previously compacted areas. This cycle weakens structural materials over time, even when no cracks are visible. Spring runoff from melting snow adds to the load. For these reasons, external barriers, membranes, coatings, and French drains play important roles in long-term protection.Inside the basement, signs of moisture should never be ignored. A persistent earthy smell may indicate hidden mold growth. Water stains near window wells or floor joints can...
Basement waterproofing depends on preventing water from reaching the foundation in the first place, not just removing it after it ar...
About the Author
Charlie Hill is the founder and Managing Member of Great Lakes Waterproofing Solutions, established in 2020 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With a rich background in residential construction—having built over 150 homes—he now leads the company’s innovative, family-driven approach to safeguarding properties through cutting-edge waterproofing techniques across the Great Lakes region
