Posts Tagged ‘Thomas Fend’

Lake Front Retreat

Friday, May 14th, 2010

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As challenging as the construction industry has been over the last couple of years I have seen the market expanding of the last few months. In fact I just completed the design of a 5,500 square foot home that will be built for a nice young couple and their two children.

The house will set on a peninsula shape lot on a lovely private lake in Plainfield, Illinois. The three car garage is tucked into the side of the stone and brick exterior.  The finished home will be surrounded by an in ground pool, large decks, patios, plush landscaping as well as the finely manicured lake front.

The interior of the home has been arranged on three levels, with the foyer, principle rooms, master and guest suite comprising the main level. The upper level will contain two bedrooms sharing a large “Jack & Jill” bath and an over sized play loft that overlooks both the two story entry hall and the great room. The lower level which is open to both the rear and side yards consists of a large (more…)

New Office Build-Out

Friday, February 12th, 2010

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Thomas Fend and SWA Architects were contracted by Geriatric Care Associate to design a new office facility to fulfill both their present and future needs. The new facility is located in a one level office building in Westmont, Illinois. The previously vacant 3,000 square foot space had large windows along only two sides which limited the natural light entering the interior of the space. Large interior windows, transoms and arch topped French doors were used to permit the natural and artificial light to flow between rooms and into the centrally locate business offices. (more…)

Inexpensive Home Facelifts

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

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I have been contacted by several potential clients during the last six months who are interested in updating the exterior of their homes.  In most of these cases the homeowners are satisfied with the size, functionality and location of their homes but have become dissatisfied with or tired of the exterior style.

In 2008 we worked with Legacy Design and Construction to complete a facelift to a home in Naperville.  The owners of the home needed to replace the windows in their 25 year old home so they decided to take advantage of the federal government’s energy credit, reduce their federal income taxes and update the style of their home at the same time.  (more…)

Are appraisals slowing the return of the housing market?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

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Right now, one of the biggest hindrances to residential construction appears to be the appraisal.  Good homes are being weighted against the values of short sell and foreclosure properties, which undermines the true value of a well designed and built home. Unfortunately, the appraisal does not truly reflect the cost to build or remodel, but does affect the ability to finance the project.

Recently NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) conducted a summit concerning the effect of low appraisals on the home building industry.   (more…)

Commonly asked questions.

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

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As architects we are often asked to recommend builders, subcontractors and construction products by our clients and others. Inevitably that question is followed by why is this company, person or product better than their competitors?

These recommendations are typically based on years of experience with these people or products. We recommend only builders and subcontractors that we have worked with on several projects and who have been able to successfully satisfy our clients and us with their finished worked, schedule and follow up to warranty issues. (more…)