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Gant Nychay Architecture
Fritz’s professionalism and communication, without exception, were clear and prompt. Beginning with initial contact, RFQ, bidding, and through the construction phase, Mr. Jünker conducts business in a highly professional manner and treats those around him with respect. Particularly with our client, he had what I refer to as a good “bedside manner”.
He provides a top tier product. Regardless of the material, all installations were close to, if not completely perfect. He obviously demands the same level from his subcontractors. He also has the ability to design, thinking ahead through details to compose an elegant final product.
I find Fritz to be approachable - he listens to ideas, is able to offer his own, and is willing to execute whatever is decided. Lastly, I’ll say the man is nothing if not detail-oriented!
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Kirsten Moran
It was a pleasure to work with Fritz on my home remodel. He meticulously moved me through the design process, into planning and scheduling, and through to completion. The project was finished ahead of schedule, and the results were better than I could have imagined.
Fritz designed and delivered a very complex project, that exceeded my expectations. The construction was precise and flawless, and the functionality and beauty of the design and craftsmanship is something that I still appreciate and enjoy every day.
Because the project was complex, there was a great deal of interaction with city officials to approve various technical aspects. Fritz managed this professionally, and with great care and attention to detail. He was very competent, and importantly, the design that he came up with could be built and approved.
I have no hesitation recommending Fritz to other property owners.
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Portland Plaza HOA
As our iconic downtown Portland tower was approaching its 40th anniversary, we began to discover a catastrophic failure of the waterproofing membranes that capped our full city block two-level parking garages, as well as a need to completely re-seal gaskets and panels on our entire curtain wall. We slowly began to realize that previous Boards had never prepared for these capital improvements in reserve studies of the past, and were overwhelmed by the enormity of the impending projects and costs, which in the end was an approximately $10 million dollar project! Fritz, at the time as an owner, Board member, and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, stepped up as a leader with the right skillsets in construction, design, and politics that were desperately needed. He provided an initial 3D concept design for turning ‘lemons into lemonade’, helped us vet an architect, project manager, and construction company, and fearlessly and tirelessly led this diverse community into the biggest project since the construction of the tower in 1973. We tore up a full city block of amenities, gardens, pools, hot tubs, walking paths, and replaced them with new amenities that far exceeded our expectations and the expectations of the market. This bold and innovative ‘re-birth’ was not something that had consensus, but Fritz helped owners realize that investment in amenities and high quality modern design would pay back the difficult investments made by owners. In the end, he was right - the market noticed, design critics noticed, and values noticed! Without Fritz being willing, able and determined to move mountains to help us navigate this process, the final results would not have been anywhere near what the community would have been able to achieve without him. Now, the Portland Plaza looks better than it did when it was built, has a modern facelift that honors it’s original design, and is prepared to age with grace into its next 40 years of life. - Barbara Anderson, Board Member, Portland Plaza HOA, Portland, Oregon.
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Jenny Soyke, M.D.
Fritz works at a very high level of professionalism in all he does. He develops detailed design options, then excels at communicating the options and assisting in design choices. We found it easy to develop shared visions with Fritz because he had such a clear vision of which designs and materials would work in our setting. He always delivered what was promised and kept us in the loop at alll times.
He is a perfectionist and it shows in his finalized projects. The beauty and flow of the whole project is always enhanced by his attention to every detail of design and the materials used. He never cuts corners, but rather persists until the finished project meets his standards. We were never disappointed.
Fritz's expertise starts with design and material choices. Equally important is his knowledge of the engineering of the multi-unit buildings he specializes in, so that he knows what can safely and feasibly be done. He used a combination of his own hands-on work and use of subcontractors he trusted. Every subcontractor he used was of the highest quality and well-supervised by him.
Fritz is talented, skilled, and a very hard worker who always shows high standards in his work. He is also a very nice person to be around, so that all of our collaboration was very pleasant. Gutting a 19th floor condo and rebuilding from the bones up could be a very stressful experience, but thanks to Fritz's talents, skills and personality, we did not find it stressful, but rather just rewarding.
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Montemar HOA
We were EXCEPTIONALLY lucky to find Fritz, and his broad knowledge in HOA administration and governance. We were a two year-old community when Fritz helped us with a very complex transfer of official authority from the developer to the community. He interviewed both sides of the transition to create a seamless process, helped us realize that we all had common goals when before we thought we were at odds, and laid out a timeline of one year for the process including benchmark goals on that journey. The process was much simpler than we thought it could be, especially with Fritz’s recommendation of an HOA-specialist attorney, who worked hand-in-hand with us and Fritz to achieve mutual goals. In addition to the transfer of official authority, resulting in the creation of a completely new HOA, bank accounts, financial oversight, and more - Fritz helped us create a 30-year maintenance plan, reserve study, and also helped us implement computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) that allows any owner to create maintenance & repair requests for common elements, track projects, inform budgeting and future reserve studies, and create target goals for owner contributions to reserves. We have seen neighboring HOAs endure absolute and nightmarish battles with poor results. Fritz, with his decades of knowledge in condo design/construction, HOA governance, management and administration consulting, was able to help us turn our beautiful new HOA into the administrative crown jewel of Los Cabos HOAs. Buyers, real estate agents, and the community have noticed that good ideas, implemented with knowledge and experience, can make a huge difference in maintaining physical and fiscal health of an HOA. If you have the chance to work with Fritz, don’t delay. He will save your community thousands of dollars, months of stress and headaches, and valuable time. You will see a return on his consulting fees that is incalculable. - Keith Crocker, Board Treasurer, Montemar HOA, Cabo San Lucas, México
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Dick & Anne Schneider
Fritz is a creative and knowledgeable designer and construction professional. Our project started with a conversation to get ideas on the table and to enable him to get a feel for the requirements and objectives for the remodel. Fritz developed a three dimensional model of the proposed spaces so we could visualize what the new space would look like. This was an iterative process and changes could easily be incorporated into the computer generated design. Alternatives were examined in real time so that we could have a dialog on available options. A satisfactory design process prior to any demolition or construction is one key to a successful outcome.
Before starting the project Fritz presented us with a timeline of the work to be accomplished and a complete itemized budget. We felt we knew what to expect, and he gave us with weekly updates so there were no surprises. Inevitably when problems were encountered Fritz was quick to point them out and to propose solutions. If a change to the cost estimate or project completion date was effected we were notified verbally and in writing without delay. He and his team was especially mindful to try keeping our home as intact as possible. The floors were always covered wherever he and the crew would be walking. Plastic enclosures walled off the work area to contain as much construction dust as possible.
Fritz's communication with homeowners is unparalleled. His explanations about materials, costs, timelines, and suggestions for things we had not thought of were always welcome. He was always respectful of our ideas, even if they differed from his own. His experience working in condos and with condo associations was also helpful. Prior to work getting underway he submitted the necessary paperwork to the condo association for us. He sent letters to owners of adjacent condos explaining the work to be performed, a timeline for the start and completion, as well as his contact information in case they had any concerns.
Fritz is genuinely interested in working with the client to accommodate the clients wishes while taking into consideration whatever constraints, budgetary or design, presented to him. He knows what can be done. He is an excellent communicator, respects the needs of his clients, and shares ideas that could enhance your project. Fritz's design ideas - from a gorgeous chandelier, to the size of a mirror, to his construction specifications on placement of walls and lighting, were always presented with clear explanations of why they were enhancements to the plan. Whenever we faced design challenges he offered solutions and alternatives.
Although we were involved in every decision along the way and watched the work being done, walking into the finished kitchen and bathroom made our heart jump for joy. The finished rooms were exactly what we had hoped for and so worth any inconvenience during the remodel process. The quality of the workmanship was excellent and the finished product met all of our design goals. After completion of our master bath reconstruction, we had no hesitation in signing him up for our kitchen remodel.
If you are searching for a contractor who has experience with condominium remodels, Fritz Jünker would be well worth meeting. He is an excellent communicator, cares about each client's needs, is true to his timeline and budgetary commitments and has design experience as well as construction knowledge. Fritz Jünker should be on the top of your list!
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Greg House & Al Rego
Fritz is the most honest, organized, knowledgeable construction professional we've ever worked with - and that's after doing six remodels of different properties over the past 20 years. We recommend him to anyone who says they're considering a remodel. His integrity is a highly prized gem in the construction industry. This was a mid- to large- size project that included a complete gutting of a high-rise condo back to the concrete walls/floors/ceiling. And to make things a little more challenging, we even moved a bathroom and so had to deal with the city engineers and permits to drill through the concrete to install new plumbing. There were times that we would start to get stressed, but Fritz was always on an even keel and kept us calm and moving forward. The service that Fritz provided was the closest to what I would consider "white glove treatment." He delivered on what he promised in price, quality and timeliness. He was considerate of our neighbors and of the management of the building. He was professional in all respects throughout the entire process and made what could have been a difficult undertaking as stress-free as possible. Best remodel experience ever!
We could not be more pleased with the final outcome and with the workmanship. Since the remodel finished, we have had other architects and builders come through the condo and marvel at the detail and precision of the workmanship. We could not be more pleased with the outcome. The only differences between what was promised and what was delivered were the few items where Fritz surprised us by giving us a better version of something than we thought we were getting. There were a couple of times that subcontractors working on the job would do something that was good but not great, and Fritz would give us a call right away to let us know that he was going to have the item redone because it wasn't up to his standard. And there was never any haggling over additional cost for something like that - he just made it happen for the original price. We loved that treatment. We've had to have tough discussions with other designers about things like that before, but not with Fritz!
We think one of the keys to Fritz's very satisfying approach to our remodel was his upfront planning. Our project was a complete and total remodel of a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit in a high-rise condo. Fritz spent a lot of focused time with us to understand what our preferences were and how we wanted to use the space. Then he came back to us with a 3D draft of what the fully-executed remodel would look like. That was our starting point for working on the details. It was very enjoyable to work with such an organized and knowledgeable designer. Fritz did a really amazing job managing the timing of the entire project. He set very clear expectations early on as to what the timeline would be and he did an amazing job of keeping it right on schedule the entire time. There were a couple of things that we decided to add to the project in the middle of the construction, and Fritz handled it very smoothly. He worked with us to understand exactly what our expectations were for the new items, he came back to us with a fair price and an updated schedule. We never felt like things were not moving along perfectly well.
Fritz is an excellent communicator. Not only with us as the owners, but also with the building manager and our neighbors. His style is easy-going and he is very approachable. He kept us updated all along the project timeline. Whenever we texted, called, or emailed him, we received a response within an hour or less. We never felt that we didn't have the latest information as to what was happening. And he did such a good job communicating with our neighbors in the building that no one ever contacted us with a complaint or concern during the entire project.
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Barbara Anderson
On January 1, 2010 my husband and I left town and trusted Fritz to start remodeling our condominium. We lived on the other side of the country and did everything long distance through phone, photos and emails. I always looked forward to Fritz's updates, even if it was just a picture of walls being torn out. With any changes we made throughout the project, Fritz showed us the financial results of our decision so there were no surprises at the end.
We arrived back to find our unit completed. Nothing prepared us for what we found when we walked into our newly remodeled space. We were speechless! It was way beyond our expectations. Every little detail had been taken care of and the craftsmanship was extraordinary. We could not believe that we were owners of such a beautiful space. Now nine years later I still smile to myself every time I rediscover some little "Fritz" detail that was thoughtfully added - still loving the space as much (or more) than when we moved back in.
We had been through two major remodels of our previous home and although they were well done, there was a big difference with the end product. Fritz's attention to details and ongoing communication far outweighed any other of our past experiences. Our project was completed in 6.5 months which included taking everything down to the studs and back out with many custom made cabinets and furniture. In January he said he would finish in June, and in June it was complete and ready to move in. Right on schedule.
I loved working on the design process with Fritz. He would invite us into his home (which was also his showroom) and let us look and talk as long as we wanted. This helped me decide which features I wanted to incorporate into my unit, right down to the height of the kitchen counters. Fritz had fun and creative ideas as well as incredible patience with us when we wavered on making decisions. When needed he was also very adept at helping us talk through our concerns and making the final call.
I am one of Fritz's most ardent admirers and am now grateful to be able to call him my friend. Yes, at the end of the remodel we were and are still friends! Fritz is knowledgable within his trade and self confident. He has a strong personality which allows him to move mountains if he must, to get things accomplished. He hires superior subcontractors who genuinely seem to love working for him and this shows in the end product.
Fritz is honest, talented and has incredible attention to detail - all wrapped up with his great communication skills.
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Martha Court HOA
Before Fritz, we didn’t even know what we didn’t know! None of the owners in this new suburban metro Portland community had ever owned - or much less been tasked to manage - in an HOA prior. Thankfully, Fritz stepped in just before things were starting to go in the wrong direction. He helped us realize the importance of a maintenance plan, reserve studies, proper capital improvement budgeting, and appropriate reserve contributions. Our meeting prior to Fritz were essentially scheduled arguments and fights - all of us were beyond frustration, and didn’t know what to do. Fritz skillfully created an entire Board and Committee structure, educated us all about running meetings via Roberts Rules of Order, helped those with needed skills to volunteer in appropriate areas of governance, overhauled our CC&R and Bylaws, and connected us with professionals in areas of need. We took his advice to appropriately contribute to reserves, and to organize our upcoming and past-due maintenance projects. He sat patiently through several Board meetings, until we got the hang of things. He helped mend old disputes, and bridged gaps between owners that ultimately made Martha Court a more fun, peaceful and happy place to live. Fritz was a savior - I can’t stress this enough! He literally saved us from ourselves. - Bree Ali, HOA Board Member, Martha Court HOA, Milwaukie, Oregon.
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Lana Griffith
This was my first remodel. I was pleasantly surprised with how smooth and stress free it was. Fritz incorporated my goals and objectives (accessibility, efficiency and ergonomic design) in the plan and delivered everything as promised. Fritz's attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a final quality product is evident throughout every step in the process. I am thrilled with the final results. You can trust that he will deliver what he says he will deliver - he is extremely efficient.
I thoroughly enjoyed the design process, and I am more than satisfied with the quality of the design advice I received from Fritz. Having both the designer and contractor in one package made the process smooth, seamless, efficient and conflict free. He asked many questions, made suggestions and stretched my thinking and imagination. The remodeling process requires a lot of decision making. Fritz will provide his professional opinion but recognizes that the final decision is yours. The results exceeded my expectations. I had a long wish list and a tight budget, and he was able to meet my needs while staying on budget and delivering on time.
Communication throughout was excellent. I always knew what was going to happen, when it would happen and if there were any changes. All my questions were answered. Fritz is very thoughtful, has a great sense of humor and is extremely professional which makes the process enjoyable.
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Ron & Brenda Pfeiffer
We found Fritz to be eminently approachable, thoughtful, and responsive. He was graciously amenable to making changes in the design process, and was a veritable fountain of superb suggestions when we were uncertain of what we wanted. Fritz was extremely accommodating in setting a timeline for our remodel, which was especially welcome because of some uncertainty as to when we would be moving to Portland and selling our previous home. Fritz made absolutely sure we knew what we were getting and what it was going to cost. He went out of his way to provide choices and alternatives that would fit both our tastes and our budget.
Fritz was unfailingly available, responsive and reliable, not only throughout the project but also after it was completed. This was far beyond our expectations! The final product, In one word, was outstanding. What we got was exactly what we requested, and credit his outstanding and innovative design talents. The stone wall in our living room and the bookshelves in our study, both suggested by Fritz, are something that several years later I still enjoy immensely for their visual appeal.
It is hard to find a man who is both superbly skilled at his craft and honest to a fault, but Fritz is such a man.
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Jenny & Joe Gilhooley, M.D.
Fritz performed a two-phase remodel of our downtown condo, first with the kitchen and living room areas, and then a couple of years later with the laundry room, powder bath, and master bath. Knowing him well after all this work, we would give Fritz our highest recommendation. From the very first contact, and through a series of multiple projects throughout our condo, he has always been professional, on time, on schedule, meticulous with attention to detail, and able to see the big picture. As he has expertise in design, he is able to give you a written and visual 3D plan for your project. This allows great conversation to make the project your own.
Fritz is a very talented designer and contractor who is highly intellectual, and possesses the ability to work with a variety of personalities, styles of design, and different materials. He is easy to have in your home during the project and respects it as his own. He is able to listen and create plans for you as the owner, that you may not have thought of in order for the results to be beautiful, efficient and practical. Throughout the project he may make suggestions for you to consider that could further enhance the beauty of your remodel. His suggestions and ability to reconsider aspects of the design specific to our condo were incredible assets.
Compared to previous remodels and other contractors, the difference was night and day. Other contractors were over budget, not timely in their daily work or the completion of the project, and incredibly messy. Fritz is meticulous in the care of your home while working on the project. Fritz has a level of professionalism beyond anything we have experienced which includes frequent communication. He works personally with all subcontractors, micro managing their work for the optimum outcome.
The remodeling project ends when you are satisfied. The workmanship is excellent quality. He furthers the project with ideas for accessories to increase the beauty and efficiency of the spaces. The results have always been beyond our dreams. Fritz has excellent expertise in design and materials and is able to answer all questions and reassure you throughout the process to make sure you are comfortable with the final design. Ideas come alive on his 3D design which enable you to visualize the design prior to the start of the remodeling project.
I’ve said it previously, but I’ll say it again - his communication skills are excellent. We spoke multiple times throughout the day regarding the project, work schedule and delivery of materials. Besides this daily communication, he managed all communication with the Home Owners Association, getting approval of the design, and worked daily with the condo management team during the remodel to schedule deliveries, water shutoffs, noise and other aspects that would effect the condo building.