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Please read why our clients, partnering architects and vendors have made us one of the most recommended remodeling firms and custom home builders in the area. Clients: “Chris Donatelli’s work throughout the design and building of our home showed his attention to detail and care for his customers. He stands behind his work and made the process as painless as possible. There were no short cuts -- only superior craftsmanship. By far, the most important thing we did was to get a very concrete estimate of costs by picking out a majority of materials prior to the final contract. Our final cost was very close to our contracted cost because the bidding process was based on hard numbers for real items. No other contractor suggested this probably because in not doing so, they had a better opportunity to increase the total cost. With Donatelli Builders, you will be satisfied at the end of a rewarding endeavor. After more than a year, I still couldn't be happier with our home.” -Dr. Carla Carpenter
"We are very impressed with the craftsmanship and professionalism of the Donatelli Builders, Inc. crew. They deliver their work on time and within budget. We will hire them again for further improvements". -Amanda & Dr. James Ferlmann
“Our Donatelli-built home is the second new home construction project that we have undertaken in six years. During that period, we have had the opportunity to work with and interview more than two dozen of the best custom home builders in our area. Although we liked our first custom home, it did not compare to the service and quality that we received from Donatelli Builders, Inc. When planning to build a custom home, there are a lot of choices and decisions to be made. With a growing family, our floor plan had to be unique in that we wanted wide open living spaces and a contemporary craftsman look. Chris Donatelli's extensive new home construction background and vision helped us to achieve the look and feel that we wanted. Quality of work and attention to the very smallest details are some very distinct qualities that resonate when I think of our Donatelli home-building experience. From the very first meeting you get the sense of how organized Chris is with his step-by-step building process that is clearly defined. Chris and his staff are hands-on people that are always accessible. His carpenters are the best craftsmen that I have seen in the business: from framing to trim work, there are never any shortcuts. Chris surrounds himself with the very best suppliers, and his relationship with those suppliers is key in helping you make the right selection and to getting those supplies delivered on time to keep your new custom home on schedule. If you are planning a new construction or to simply remodel, I would strongly recommend Donatelli Builders, Inc. to anyone who is looking for the highest-quality work that you can take pride in.” -Mark & Tracy Kalfas, Wheaton, IL
Chris Donatelli is a class act. I’d recommend him to anyone. The ‘before-and-after’ of our home is dramatic. We always wanted a captivating house in the perfect yellow hue of our choice. We had a picture in our minds of what we wanted it to look like. We’re so pleased with the outcome; it looks great! We didn’t pay more, but we received superior quality that is as close to perfect as can be. The Donatelli Builders, Inc. team is very impressive. Having dealt with three other contractors previously with bad results, I really appreciated having Chris and his team handling our exterior renovation very professionally. They show up when they say they will show up. Chris Donatelli’s expertise is priceless. We told him what we wanted and he provided many recommendations, the first one being among the most important: to work with one of his trusted architects to sketch out plans for us to ensure we would get what we wanted, namely an exterior that requires little or no maintenance. Chris did an excellent job of explaining what he was going to do and why, and continued to provide us options with every decision, things that other contractors would not do. In addition, his team is comprised of artists; they’re unbelievable. You can really notice their craftsmanship. We have peace of mind working with Donatelli Builders, Inc. … we know the work was done right. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to use Donatelli Builders, Inc.” -John & Carolyn Conversa, Elmhurst, IL
“Donatelli Builders has completed several remodeling projects in our home and outdoor living space as well. When we moved into our home, we realized that the sun on our patio was really going to prohibit our sitting outside. We wanted a shaded area that was aesthetically pleasing, and through a friend, found out about Donatelli Builders. Chris took care of all the details: hiring the best architect for the job and keeping in mind our wishes. Together, they designed and created a beautiful pergola that we love. We truly enjoy sitting on our patio and have been told many times how nice it looks from friends and neighbors. “Chris’ workmen were excellent and very trustworthy. We consider them artists … perfectionists who pay attention to every feature, big and small. We felt comfortable having them in our home, and we would go back to Donatelli Builders because of the peace of mind they gave us." “We have also hired Chris for kitchen remodeling and single-room remodeling projects. He has great ideas, and it's the little things – the details – that really demonstrate his creativity and craftsmanship. Chris really is a "nice guy", a pleasure to work with and trustworthy ... all of which are very important to us and whywe wouldmost definitely hire him again for any home renovation project in the future.” -Judy & Dale Talbott
“As a homeowner in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, I purchased a lot with two homes. The interiors of both had been renovated. I needed to completely re-do the exteriors of the houses -- with siding, new windows and decks. Chris Donatelli did an exemplary job of completing the renovation. Chris takes a great deal of pride in his work, and he should. He is honest, communicated frequently, listened to his client, and provided quality workers who completed a first-class job. I have recommended him to others who can support my comments. If I was building a new home, Chris would get the job. That's how much I trust him.” -David Kovy
“Chris Donatelli and his team went out of their way to make our remodeling experience stress-free. Chris assisted us in every phase of the project, right from the beginning with obtaining the building permit. He kept us informed on a regular basis and made recommendations to the original design along the way and provided the cost associated with the change. That helped us in making decisions. Thanks to Chris, our family enjoys the extra living space.”
-Adil & Rashna Pooniwala “I have never been one to tolerate not being kept informed and this just was not a problem with Donatelli Builders. The attention to detail, the way all of your people tried to keep the mess down, and the speed in which the project was finished was an enormous relief to us.” -Pat Kasper
“While we were going through the steps of our home renovation, we were struck by the fact that what Chris Donatelli said he was going to do was exactly how it was. Everyone from Chris, his in-house labor crew and team of sub-contractors were there when they said they would be, and they finished when they said they would finish. The addition looked like it had always been part of our home. Chris and his workers were respectful of our privacy; the construction team members were always polite and respectful, and every sub-contractor -- especially the heating and air conditioning and flooring sub-contractors -- surpassed our expectations. We still enjoy the sunroom immensely.” -Kevin & Ellen McCue
“We are extremely delighted with the results of our whole-house renovation and pleasantly astonished at the manner in which every professional involved with Donatelli Builders, Inc. conducted themselves. We repeatedly say that the project turned out much better than we had originally expected, and feel that the primary ingredient was the team’s ability to work so well together.” -Vicki & Keith Ovitt
“Chris and his team completed a remodel on our basement. The workmanship was outstanding. The project was not only completed on time, but on budget, too. Chris stayed in communication with us and checked on the progress of the job on a regular basis. He also made some recommendations early on, which resulted in a better-finished product. We are looking forward to working with Donatelli Builders, Inc. on future projects.” -Suzy & Revie Sorey
“We have the unique experience of doing two additions on our home. We did not select Donatelli Builders, Inc. for the first project, and realize it was a mistake on our part. The first remodeling contractor we opted for was not very good and the process was a complete hassle; we ultimately had to remove him from the project. We know what it’s like to run your own business while being responsible for many family commitments; this was not what we had signed on for. When our family continued to expand, we needed to expand the house again. This (second) time there was no way we were going to take any nonsense from a builder. We were expecting a child and this had to be done on time and done right. We met with Chris Donatelli and felt that he would be able to meet our needs. We hired Chris and are very pleased to say the experience was nothing like the first one. Chris was on the site often; we could reach him at any time and the Donatelli Builders, Inc.’s in-house carpenters made a huge difference. They kept the house clean and we felt that our family was safe until all the work was completed. The team at Donatelli is not what we would describe as your average worker: they were some of the hardest-working people we have seen in this business. In the end, we received what we paid for and -- considering the extent of the project -- it went better than expected. For this reason we would highly recommend Donatelli Builders, Inc. to anyone wanting large or small projects done on their homes.” -Ron & Nicole Castaldo
“Chris Donatelli is a business owner and builder I trust. Over the years, West Suburban Bank has provided financing to Donatelli Builders, Inc. for multiple real estate and business transactions. In each case, the transactions were completed smoothly and without a hitch. On a personal note, I hired Donatelli Builders, Inc. on four separate occasions for home renovation and remodeling projects on my home: a master bathroom renovation, kitchen remodeling, basement remodeling and to replace my entire roof. Again, the projects went smoothly each time. I have used – and will continue to use – Donatelli Builders, Inc. for any of my residential remodeling needs because I know the high-quality work, honesty, dependability and attention to detail Chris provides cannot be matched elsewhere. I simply don’t have to worry about the results because I know I will get the right advice, the right service and the right price.” -Kevin Acker
“It’s been almost 10 years since Donatelli Builders, Inc. remodeled our home and it still looks great. We continue to get compliments from people wondering if we’ve recently had it done … surely a testament to the company’s quality work. When we build our next home, we’re sure to go with Donatelli Builders, Inc. We will always come back to Chris because of his attention to detail. In short, he makes it right.” -Kevin & Melissa Bae
“We were exceptionally pleased working with Chris and his team throughout the remodeling of our master bath and kitchen. Chris is extremely professional, thorough and meticulous with detail. He spent many hours with us to determine our needs and tastes so that before we began, we were certain of the outcome. His workmen were timely and very tidy, which made the process run smoothly. I would highly recommend Chris and would not hesitate to use his services in the future.” -Dan & Dana Ayala
"We hired Donatelli Builders, Inc. in 2002 for a major addition to our Wheaton home. We were looking for a highly competent builder and a fair price – and we feel that's what was delivered. We were most impressed by Donatelli Builders, Inc.’s attention to detail, the quality of the workers and subcontractors, and the ease at which we could communicate with Chris. We wouldn't hesitate to consider Donatelli Builders, Inc. for future projects." -Jessica & Scott Hierbaum
“We didn’t want to move because we loved the location of our home. We hired Donatelli Builders, Inc. for our home addition and kitchen remodeling. Doubling the size of our family room and adding a custom fireplace has made our house so much more inviting. During the winter, we have fires several times a week. It's so nice to stay home and play board games or cards as a family in front of the fire. Since having remodeled the kitchen, we get to host holiday dinners with ease. We have neighbors over to cook dinner together, and the 8-foot desk in the kitchen is absolutely wonderful. There's enough storage for all of the kitchenware and all of our school supplies. Our house is amazing to live in and entertain in.” -Greg & Kathryn Powell
“You have made our home into a palace. In our estimation, our project was quite large and encompassing and we felt that without question your pricing was fair and we received excellent value and quality for the money. Your pricing was amazingly accurate. Be proud of your subs and the quality of work that you, your own employees and your subs maintained throughout the project. My joy of late is showing off our house to friends and neighbors, and constantly we are deluged with compliments of the highest order.” -Terri Steinberg
“You spent a lot of time with us, giving us valuable information to help us make a decision.” -Mike & Nancy Burk
“I have never been one to tolerate not being kept informed and this just was not a problem with your company. The attention to detail, the way all of your people tried to keep the mess down, and the speed in which the project was finished was an enormous relief to us.” -Marian Calkins
“We really enjoy the sunroom that Donatelli Builders, Inc. designed and built for us, and appreciate the hard work the team did in upgrading our home and making it a more fun and functional place to live. Donatelli Builders, Inc. provided a high-quality job at a reasonable price.” -Greg & Nancy Puchalski
“Your thoroughness and attention to detail made our working relationship smooth as silk.” -Michael F. Moone, West Suburban Bank
Architects and Designers:“Rarely do I work with a residential builder that is organized, timely and can pull off the level of creative detailing that our home renovation projects require. Chris Donatelli and his staff were able to do just that. As one of the leading design firms in Chicagoland, we require the builder to meet a few important objectives. First, we need them to follow the drawings precisely – this is critical. Issues will always arise; that's the nature of construction, but we never want the builder to assume anything. Donatelli Builders always contacted our office for clarifications and suggestions before proceeding with the home renovation work. This is a big deal for our office. Second, we need to make sure that the client is happy with both the construction process and the end product. In this business, client references are critical to future projects. The current client needs to be able to convey to prospective clients that he or she enjoyed all aspects of the project: design, construction and the finished product. By working together, employing quality subcontractors, and communicating with our mutual client, all three objectives were met. The end result are homeowners that rave about their home renovation and the construction process – and are ecstatic to share this experience with others. We look forward to our next opportunity to work with Chris and his staff.” -Jim Prisby of Caprio Prisby Architectural Design P.C., Hinsdale
“I like working as part of the team with Donatelli Builders, Inc. It’s nice to bounce ideas off of each other right from the beginning of the design phase on through to the end of the landscaping. Whenever I or the homeowners make suggestions about the design, Chris Donatelli always takes the challenge seriously and strives to see if and how it can be done. Sometimes builders can be timid and just say, “No, we can’t do that; that’s not the way we are used to doing it.” But not Chris – he’s a “can-do” type of guy as opposed to a “can’t do it” type of guy. His solution-minded nature allows the architectural design to be bold, free and creative while remaining practical and buildable. I trust Donatelli Builders to carry out my designs to the high level of quality that I and the homeowners expect.” -Ron Haas, Architect of Ronald T. Haas & Associates
“Chris Donatelli and Donatelli Builders embody the concept of a team approach to every project with which they are involved. As landscape architects and designers, we are energized and inspired when working with a team of other like-minded design professionals. Chris and his staff also make sure the team draws on the experience and input of his team of contractors and the craftsmen who implement the plans to get their valuable input throughout the entire process. “Donatelli Builders’ synergistic philosophy and approach to every project creates a final product that exceeds expectations. I personally look forward to each and every client and garden we work on with Chris, as we know it will be another landscape we will be proud of.” -Dan Wanzung, Architect and President of American Gardens, Inc.
“As an architect, it is a pleasure working with Chris because he takes pride in the quality of his workmanship. It is not often that I can honestly say that a general contractor is able to estimate a project, sign a contract and bring the project in at the amount agreed to without numerous extras. Donatelli Builders, Inc. has shown its ability to work with the architect and complete projects in a timely and economically feasible manner.” -Chris H. George, P.C.
“Chris Donatelli gives attention to detail, communicates well and always keeps the best interest of his clients in mind.” -Bill McClaughry, sales representative of Pella Windows & Doors
“In the custom homes business, talk is cheap. Chris and the Donatelli Builders, Inc. team possess all the hallmarks of a great builder/contractor: the ability to predict market trends, dedication to every detail in every home, and the passion to be unique from all other builders. When it comes to creating a dream home where no detail goes unnoticed, Donatelli Builders, Inc. is unequalled.” -Pete Hanson, millwork specialist of Artisan Millwork, Inc.
-Ken Mariotti, president & co-owner of Woodland Windows & Doors
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