Our fearless leader, Suzanne Zahr, has decided to demolish and build-new her own personal home - every Architect’s dream! As a design/build team, we thought it would be informative & fun to highlight certain design features, aspects of the permit submittal process, sustainable building systems and techniques, and much more, as we progress. Join us on this arduous but rewarding journey!
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“Location, location, location” is the real estate world’s most time-honored adage. And those words have never been more apropos, perhaps, than in the daring renovation of Chris and Nicole Niederman’s Mercer Island home. Helmed by architect Suzanne Zahr and designer Kat Lawton, the project took the existing home on the site, a 1974 cottage of a smidge less than 1,900 square feet, and more than doubled its size thanks to a savvy remodel and addition. Not only did the endeavor preserve the stellar views, but the undertaking made them even more prominent.
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On July 17 Kristin Sisco opened her doors to a deliciously delightful contemporary French bakery on Mercer Island. The SZ Team worked closely with Kristin and her Landlord, Ken Dayton, in transforming the previous Pho restaurant into this inviting indoor/outdoor Parisian corner of our Town Center. Congratulations Kristin for realizing your vision, your dream! We’re proud to have played a supporting role & wish La Fête sweet success.
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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.
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