Lauren Stonehouse

Come & Tour Your Next Grand Forks Home!

June 12, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

With almost three years of building in Grand Forks under our belts, you can be sure to find what you’re looking for in a forever home with Thomsen Homes! We have four model homes for you to look through located in south Grand Forks in the Crary’s developments. We encourage our customers to tour a home before building, as it gives you a true sense of what the home can offer you and your family. You will be able to feel and see all of the finishings, floors, and so much more! See a home below that sparks your interest? Just get with your favorite Realtor or reach out to one of our New Home Sales Consultants and we can get you into the home you want to see!

Life Outside: Style Your Deck or Patio

June 10, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

We wait patiently for this every season the time when we can be outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and spend time on our deck or patio. The space off of our homes for unwinding with a cold one, or grilling that delicious steak and indulging in an ice cream cone. We savor the time spent outside with our families in these spaces.

How to stylize my deck or patio

Whether, you use this space to grill, and relax it’s nice to make it your own little oasis off of the home. Here are somethings you can do to make your outdoor space more enjoyable and add some style.

Greenery

An easy way to make your deck or patio pop is adding in flowers or a touch of greenery. This can be a simple way to add color to your outdoor space. If you aren’t a green thumb opt for plants that are low maintenance like succulents or ferns. Flower boxes or pots can compliment the space and are an easy way to stylize and become a fun hobby too.

Outdoor Furniture

This is an area where you can really have a lot of fun! There are so many different ways you can make your outdoor space trendy and comfortable. You can do outdoor furniture like couches, lounge chairs, daybeds, bistro set, gas firepit and so much more the options are endless. We love these rattan chairs from EcoChic compliment them with a textured pillow to add some dimension and color.

Alfresco Dining

Create an outdoor entertaining space with simple outdoor dining sets, neutral table runner and no-fuss place settings. Invest in cute outdoor platters, outdoor cutlery for a fast easy clean up for dining outdoors. We love these place settings from EcoChic that can be used indoors and outdoors. A neutral pallet allows for flexibility to add pops of greenery or color to swap out for the season. This gives you more options when entertaining while keeping your staple pieces simple.

No matter what you decide to do with this outdoor space make it your own. Take time to enjoy those summer days and nights because they are precious! If you decide to build don’t forget that with Thomsen Homes you get deck or patio and a sod yard included in the base price of your home.

Image credits @Ecochic

2020 Spring Parade

June 5, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

We are super excited for this year’s Spring Parade! Thomsen Homes is offering four beautiful homes for you to tour and if you prefer to social distance, we have virtual tours readily available as well! Our homes will be located in three different developments: The Wilds, Grayland Estates, and Brooks Harbor. Agents, as well as Thomsen staff, will be there to answer any questions you have about the homes and/or Thomsen Homes in general. Enjoy!

1110 ALBERT CT W, WEST FARGO | THE WILDS 17TH
MODERN BI-LEVEL | 4 BED 3 BATH | APPROX. 2,180 SQ.FT.
$255,243

This modern exterior style option welcomes you in with a sleek entrance and contemporary elements. Featuring 2,180 finished square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, this home boasts plenty of space to fit your lifestyle. As you venture through the home you will find rebar open railing and black finishes throughout. The kitchen highlights quartz countertops with an oversized island and a pantry for additional storage.

1142 ALBERT CT W, WEST FARGO | THE WILDS 17TH
TRADITIONAL RAMBLER | 4 BED 3 BATH | APPROX. 2,878 SQ.FT.
$312,559

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath rambler boasts charming design along with all of the extras to fit your lifestyle. Throughout the interior you will find warm tone accents, open railing, luxury quartz countertops and tile backsplash. Enjoy entertaining guests in the spacious dining and living area that displays a beautiful feature wall and fireplace. Afterwards, relax in the luxurious master bath which highlights double sinks and shiplap accents.

6363 54TH AVE S, FARGO | GRAYLAND ESTATES
TRADITIONAL 2-STORY | 3 BED 2.5 BATH* | APPROX. 3,217 SQ.FT.
$363,999

This home highlights a spacious and functional mudroom to welcome your guests. The kitchen showcases an extended pantry and a large island with a unique custom paint color where you will enjoy entertaining your friends and family. The second floor features a bonus loft and a spacious master suite which includes an oversized walk-in tiled shower and soaking tub.

1123 COMMANDER DR W, WEST FARGO | BROOKS HARBOR 6TH

LUXURY RAMBLER | 4 BED 3 BATH | APPROX. 3,389 SQ.FT.
$411,882

Walk into a brightly lit, open-concept main floor featuring a lovely brick fireplace adjoined by open shelving. The kitchen highlights granite countertops, custom painted cabinets and pendant lighting. Relax in a master oasis featuring a custom tile shower and soaking tub. Make getting ready in the morning a breeze with two walk-in closets and a custom make-up vanity.

SEE YOU THERE!

TH Together: QTR1 2020

June 1, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

Thomsen Homes is super excited to give you a chance to get to know us deeper and better than before with our new quarterly newsletter, TH Together. This newsletter will one comprised of articles containing interesting and fun news/events we have accomplished through the quarter, fun facts and information on featured employees, as well as off-the-cuff “ads” for different departments and employees. Check it out below!

The Marvelous Miss Miranda: Stand-Up Drafter

May 28, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

Miranda (Randi) is our second Drafter here at Thomsen Homes. She hails from from the quaint little town of Edmore, ND and graduated from NDSCS with a degree in Architectural Drafting & Estimating and Construction Management (I know, long right?) That’s because Miranda is super talented and timely. She’s always got your back when you need her for a side project and can whip up a home for clients in no time! Her persona can be summoned up to a good Cardi B meme, whilst boasting a UND hockey hoodie and cute headband to match! Get to know more about Miranda below!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? – Learning to play guitar, I even have a guitar, just don’t know how to play it!

What fictional place would you most like to go? – Hogwarts!!

Look at your last song listened to on your phone. What is it? – Until You Were Gone by the Chainsmokers & Tritonal ft. Emily Warren

Must pick one! Shark diving, bungee jumping or sky diving? – SKY DIVING!!

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what movie and why? – This is tough…..probably Mama Mia 2. The soundtrack is the best and it’s such a feel-good movie.

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grow up? – Either a writer or fashion designer

What is your most recent TV binge and on what streaming service? – Friday Night Lights on Hulu! SO good

What is one of your favorite smells? – Fresh chocolate chip cookies ?

Describe your perfect pizza? – Light pizza sauce, and as many pepperonis that you can fit on the pizza. Cooked just a little long ?

What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? – Right Direction

Who inspires you to be better? – Mom, she’s always pushed/encouraged me to take everything I do and bring it up a level

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with? – Work: Making plan changes ? Personal: helping talk out situations

What are some small things that make your day better? – A good workout, my friends, my pup ?

What’s a typical day like for you at work? – Prepping plans, doing design meetings, and making plan changes.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? – Communication, I am really good about asking whenever I have questions so that I make sure I’m always on the same page with the Designers/ other team members.

What do you love most about your job? – Easiest question I’ve been asked!! THE PEOPLE! Love love love who I work with.

Depeche Mood (Boards) – Taste, Refined

May 21, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

This edition’s mood board brings a lot of class and refined taste. Libby has put together a classic mood board that will stand the test of time for years to come! She has included dark stained cabinetry combined with white painted cabinetry to give a contrasted, yet simple, look. The oil-rubbed bronze fixtures really pop against the white. Have you seen that beautiful backsplash?! Even though it may be all white, the backsplash’s tile pattern is gorgeously feminine and dainty. The brown and white granite countertop tops off the design by tying in the cabinetry, backsplash and flooring! What is your ideal kitchen design?

It takes a village: COVID-19 Emergency Fund

May 6, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

On March 21^st, Thomsen Homes launched a give back initiative to help alleviate some financial instabilities due to COVID-19. The initiative, which was originally set for $50,000, was to be given to those different individuals, businesses, and organizations that had been affected by the pandemic. Thomsen Homes had taken to social media to request nominations from the community and asked our social following to submit their recommendations on who should be nominated for the relief fund. The response to the give back initiative took off, and we sought out other businesses that wanted to help, in the hopes of making a greater impact. Through the generous donation of almost $60,000 from ten other businesses, along with Thomsen’s 50% additional match, the total impact reached $139,000.

156 businesses were nominated throughout the community that needed help. Through our committee, donors, and partnership with the FM Area Community Foundation, we narrowed our suggested recipients from 156 down to 30 different individuals, businesses and non-profits with the highest needs. We then utilized a range that was established to determine the amount given to each individual, business, or organization to help them through the challenges they are facing due to COVID-19.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to give back like this,” said Chris Thomsen, Founder/CEO of Thomsen Homes. “It’s really amazing to see how something like this can truly bring people together. The support and positivity that came from this initiative and our generous partners in the community is indescribable. We live in a very special place with some very amazing people.”

The 30 recipients spanned from non-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals in the F-M area as well as Grand Forks. We worked closely with FM Area Community Foundation and funds were distributed in mid-April.

We would like to recognize our ten donors below:

FM Title, Bank Forward, Weyer-For-Hire, Dawson Insurance, Anderson, Bottrell, Sanden & Thompson Law Firm, Northridge Construction, American Family Insurance DJ Colter, D&M Industries, All Season’s Mechanical and Ferguson.

Can He Draft It? Yes He Can! – Colin Freichels

May 4, 2020 by Lauren Stonehouse

Colin is our head drafter at Thomsen Homes. This tall, wonderfully dressed dude (seriously his style is on point!) is as witty as they come. He’s always got a good joke to tell and is up for a conversation about music and life. He keeps the Design ladies’ area in check and also keeps them in line when building a house. I mean, he IS the one building it out! He brings a health of knowledge to his role and we couldn’t be more happy to have him on out team!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I’d play as many different instruments as I could.

What fictional place would you most like to go?

Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings books.

Look at your last song listened to on your phone. What is it?

Your Love (Déjà vu) by Glass Animals

Must pick one! Shark diving, bungee jumping or sky diving?

Can I pick all three?! If I had to pick one, I’d go shark diving.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what movie and why?

The first Guardians of the Galaxy.

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grow up?

I was never really a kid who dreamed of doing this or that. But I had quite the interest in computers and taking anything I could apart to try to fix them at that age.

What is your most recent TV binge and on what streaming service?

The Iron Fist on Netflix

What is one of your favorite smells?

Almond Extract. I smell that and I’m insta-hungry.

Describe your perfect pizza?

Stuffed crust, lots of cheese, and pepperonis that are just starting to get crispy on the edges.

What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

Something quarantine related seems too obvious… maybe, Building for the Future

Who inspires you to be better?

My wife: She’s the kindest, most organized, and most caring person you’ll ever get the privilege to meet.

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

People tend to ask me for advice.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Snuggles from my Golden Retriever, getting to sneak in some woodworking in the evening, and that cool feeling when you first crawl into bed in the evening.

What’s a typical day like for you at work?

Prepping plans for design meetings, making changes to house plans, completing and submitting permitting paperwork with various cities, communicating structural changes to truss companies, doing various take-offs for pricing estimates, checking if houses fit on certain lots, reading up on city codes, and coming up with new plans, layouts, or solutions to issues. Oh, and replying to lots of emails.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?

I’m able to easily visualize a 3D concept of a house from just looking at the plans and drawings. That helps me catch potential issues and fix problems. I have a little design background as well so that helps with adjusting layouts.

What do you love most about your job?

I get to draw houses every day. But mostly the people.