The Donatelli Builders, Inc. E-Newsletter: Some Suite Ideas to Think About

Our E-Newsletter: Vol. 9 | June 2010

In this Issue:

• Local Housing Market Scene
• Quick Remodeling Facts
• Some “Suite” Ideas to Think About
• Favorite Feature: Custom Doors

Local Housing Market Scene

Statewide total home sales in April 2010 were up 34.4 percent, totaling 10,323 homes sold compared to April 2009 sales of 7,683 homes.

“Home prices made sizeable gains statewide, up five percent for the month of April, with nearly half of Illinois counties reporting home price gains including Cook and Lake counties in Chicagoland,” said REALTOR® Mike Onorato, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and broker-owner of Onorato Real Estate in Coal City.

According to the IAR report, total home sales (single-family and condominiums) comparing April 2010 to April 2009 were up in 57 of 99 Illinois counties reporting with 47 of 99 counties posting median price increases. The following Illinois counties reported sales increases for the month: Champaign up 47.9 percent; Cook up 45.5 percent; Lake up 44.0 percent; McLean up 29.5 percent; Peoria up 21.4 percent; and Sangamon up 23.9 percent. Visit http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/ for more information.

Remodeling Facts That Might Interest You

• In February 2010, Remodeling magazine reported a 13 percent increase in the number of homeowners who say they will remodel over the next 12 months.
• Adding a bathroom is now the most popular project in the United States, according to the latest U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report
• Current market conditions for remodeling activity jumped to 47.0 percent from 36.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI).
• According to the March 25, 2010 edition of the New York Times, the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University indicates that people are moving forward with their remodeling plans, which were previously on hold.

Selected 2009 Cost vs. Value Report Statistics - Average Nationwide Return on Investment
Are you thinking of home remodeling projects that need attention? The following have provided the highest return on investment for U.S. homeowners last year.

• Deck addition -- 80.6%
• Major kitchen remodel -- 72.1%
• Bathroom remodel -- 71.0%
• New roof -- 60.5%
• Family room addition -- 65.3%
• Master suite addition -- 65.2%

Source: 2009 Cost vs. Value Report from REALTOR® Magazine

Feature Article: Is Your Master Suite Spacious Enough?

A master suite, typically defined as a master bedroom including a bedroom, bath and sitting area, should be spacious, yet pampering, to balance everyday life.

“If you live in clutter, your mind never has time to relax and regroup,” says Tracy Davis of Urban Dwellings. To establish a tranquil environment, make sure each area flows together by using consistent features such as window styles, trim and built-ins, regardless of how the space is configured.

Here are few strategies for developing a look that will flow from room to room:

• Use repetition: Use the same decorating style by incorporating the same color palette, fabric and complementary flooring throughout the entire master suite.
• Connect with color: Select compatible styles for each space in the master suite to create continuity throughout the rooms or to create a sophisticated look.
• Invert the color scheme: Choose complementary colors for the different spaces to connect each space.
• Unite fixtures and finishes: Coordinate your finish selections by using similar hardware, wood finishes and cabinetry in your space.

If planned right, a well-coordinated master suite can be a place to escape the outside world. Once you’ve captured the essence of the room, the master suite becomes a calm and peaceful place to soothe your troubles. 

Sources: Urban Dwellings, News & Record

Photo courtesy of Donatelli Builders, Inc

Photo courtesy of Donatelli Builders, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Donatelli Builders, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Deerfield, Ill.-based Collaborate Design Studio, Ltd

Photo courtesy of Deerfield, Ill.-based Collaborate Design Studio, Ltd

Photo courtesy of Deerfield, Ill.-based Collaborate Design Studio, Ltd

Favorite Feature: Custom Doors

Looking to make a statement with your home? Choosing a unique, custom door allows the entrance of your home to stand out. Doors are an integral part of your design. In addition to being focal points in certain areas within your home’s interior space, too, they can complement your design objective.

Chris Donatelli, president and owner of Donatelli Builders, Inc., can gauge a home’s overall quality and skill of the carpentry team by opening and closing its doors. According to Donatelli, a door should have equal margins around the frame and should feel solid without vibrating when closed.

Doors are not just a barrier between two rooms; there are a variety of styles available today that can add a new, unique style to your home. Design professionals and custom home builders often suggest different design combinations for doors to alter the look and feel of your home.

“When I built my home 10 years ago, I underestimated the importance of choosing doors that would tie in with the design I was trying to achieve for both the exterior and interior of the house. Doors have such an impact on the way quality and aesthetics are perceived that I am now in the process of making those changes in my own home, and I frequently hear the same concerns from my clients," said Donatelli.

He continued: “When selecting doors for your home, it is important to work with a supplier that offers a large selection and takes the time to recommend to you good-quality options. We have been working closely for many years with Woodland Windows and Doors in Roselle, Ill., because they take the time to make sure our customers get the very best products for the best price.”

Call Donatelli Builders, Inc. today for ideas on how to select the perfect doors to suit your style.

Photos courtesy of Doors For Builders, Inc.

To find out more about Donatelli Builders, Inc., please visit our Web site anytime at www.DonatelliBuilders.com. Feel free to ask us questions, too: info@DonatelliBuilders.com or call us at 630-289-9981 and we will reply within 24 hours.

Stay in touch and best wishes.

Chris

Chris Donatelli, President
Donatelli Builders, Inc.