J Fenske Architecture

We are quite happy with Jim Fenske's work particularly his design suggestions, his preparation of technical materials and navigation of difficult rules in a quite restrictive preservation minded city, his practical approach, and his support of our multi-year phased and cost effective projects. Jim is personable, practical, knowledgeable, willing to work at our pace, and well respected by city staff and neighbors. Jim Fenske has completed many home projects in our immediate neighborhood, obtaining repeated business from prior home owners as well as new business from local referrals He has done an excellent job in transitioning our outdated house to a loved and practical home and look forward to a few future projects as time and resources permit. There have been absolutely no problems with completing projects, all work easily passing city inspection and completion of permits.

We have had a great working relationship with Jim Fenske. He is easy to talk to, he listens to what you want to do (and gently steers you in a different direction if need be). Over the long process of restoring our house, we have come to consider him a friend. One of the real advantages with working with Jim, is that he really understands Craftsman houses, and what things work well, and what things don't. He always gives us options for how to do things..(and will suggest high-end contractors to do the work, or cheaper options if that is what you prefer). We have used a mixture of outside contractors and Jim's own construction crew to do the work. For us, this has worked quite well. We have been very satisfied with our experiences with Jim Fenske Architecture.

We are lcoated in an area where battliing the city is the norm. Luckily, Jim (the owner) was able to smooth thigns over with the "not so nice" neighbors which made the hearing at the City go very smoothly! Our shcedules are very busy and were surprised that he was able to meet us in the evenings and weekends. he was professional, caring and did a great job listening to our visions. Jim catpured our ideas on paper and came up with cost saving ideas we had not thought of. We would of stayed within Jim's projected budget had we note made changes late into the plan. He handled our changes with grace and had a "can do" attitude that we really appreciated as our changes probably caused him a 4 aspirin headache. We have been through 2 heavy rains and everything is great!! His crew was always polite and hardworking. From start to finish we dealth with the owner which was nice. We were extremely happy and would not hesitate to use Jim again on a future project.

All of our projects have come out very well. We have done at least 5 different projects with Jim Fenske on several different properties since 2000. He has exceeded our expectations. He has always given us many different options dependant upon what our budget was for a particular job. He has no problem with you using your own subs but also has a well trained crew that are well versed in all areas. You can also request specific employees that you like to work with. Mr Fenske has always been very present at all of our jobs. I have been able to call him day or night, weekday or weekend and always have gotten a prompt response. If I have had a question at night or on the weekend he has always come over and checked it out for me. He has also always been very fluid with any changes we have made mid project. and has come up with several different options that enable you to save money but still achieve the look and quality you are striving for.WeI will continue to use Jim Fenske Architecture and Construction and am, in fact, starting a kitchen remodel project with him right now. We would highly recommend Jim Fenske for any job, large or small.

Overall the whole thing was a mess. According to our neighbors he was hardly ever present. They said the workers would sit out front for a few hours at a time. We worked and several times when we came by they said they were taking a 10 minute break.
He hired a person that started a fire on our property. I questioned the kid as to why he had done it and he said, and quot; I was bored.and quot;
I told the owner I did not want him back he said, and quot;Of course not.and quot; He came back. Another one of his workers stabbed a fellow worker and I said under no circumstances did I want this guy anywhere near my home. He brought him back.
This owner lacks any kind of awareness. Comes across very bright and charming. Wolf in sheeps clothing.
By the way we were friends for 10 years. His other friend of 30 years is no longer talking to him. He did such horrible work on her home and stole from her as well.



UPDATED OCTOBER 29, 2012:



see above

He gave me an estimate. It was a good experience. He thinks outside the box. He is very hands on. He listens to your ideas. He was very helpful. His price was competitive.