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Should I Stay or Should I go? Design & Permitting Process.

January 28, 2026

Ever wondered if it is better to substantially remodel and/or add-on to your existing home, rather than sell and buy another? Real estate values have gone up considerably, and in our current seller's market, it's the buying-back-in that can be costly if it's not timed just right. 

Considering the resources involved in the design, permitting, & construction process, is it worth it to leverage the appreciation gained in your current house and transform it into your dream home? 

The simple answer is: It depends. Each property is unique, and each family is different. The best thing to do is explore all options and make informed decisions with the help of your professional real estate, design, & build community.

We recently ventured down this decision-making process with our Mercer Island clients. They purchased a lovely 1,800 SF lakefront home a few years ago, but it didn't meet their family's personality & lifestyle. They selected Suzanne Zahr as their Architect to help lead them down a path of discovery that would ultimately result in an informed "go / no-go" decision.

With each phase of the design process, new insights were creatively explored and considered. Here's a brief summary of our collaborative journey in creating their 4,500 SF dream home.

Read More
In Design Tags Design, design-build, Mercer Island, Lakefront
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Mercer Island Waterfront Home

April 12, 2020

Ever wonder if it is better to substantially remodel and/or add-on to your existing home, rather than sell and buy another? Real estate values have gone up considerably, and in our current seller's market, it's the buying-back-in that can be costly if it's not timed just right.

Considering the resources involved in the design, permitting, & construction process, is it worth it to leverage the appreciation gained in your current house and transform it into your dream home?

The simple answer is: It depends. Each property is unique, and each family is different. The best thing to do is explore all options and make informed decisions with the help of your professional real estate, design, & build community.

We ventured down this decision-making path with our Mercer Island clients.. They purchased a lovely 1,800 SF lakefront home, but it didn't meet their family's personality & lifestyle. They selected Suzanne Zahr as their Architect to help lead them down a path of discovery that would ultimately result in their 4,500 SF dream home. With each phase of the design process, new insights were creatively explored and considered.

Read More
In Architecture Tags Residential, Real Estate, Design, Lakefront, waterfront home, Mercer Island
Comment
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Mercer Island Lakefront Home: Design & Permitting Process.

May 30, 2018

Ever wondered if it is better to substantially remodel and/or add-on to your existing home, rather than sell & buy another?  Real estate values have gone up considerably, and in our current seller's market it's the buying-back-in that could be costly, if not timed just right.  Considering the resources involved in the design, permitting & construction process, is it worth it to leverage the appreciation gained in your current house and transform it into your dream home?  The simple answer is, it depends.  Each property is unique, and each family is different.  Best thing to do is explore all options and make informed decisions with the help of your professional real-estate, design & build community.

We recently ventured down this decision-making process with our Mercer Island clients, Nicole & Chris Niederman.  They purchased a lovely 1,800 SF lakefront home a few years ago, but it didn't meet their family's personality & lifestyle.  They selected Suzanne Zahr as their Architect to help lead them down the path of discovery that would ultimately result in an informed 'go / no-go' decision.

With each phase of the design process, new insights were creatively explored & considered.  Here's a brief summary of our collaborative journey with the Niedermans in creating their 4,500 SF dream home.

Read More
In Design Tags Design, design-build, Mercer Island, Lakefront
Comment

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2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160, Mercer Island, WA 98040  |   206. 354. 1567