--- title: "Chris Donatelli Builders — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chris-donatelli-builders-pfvwus-pf~310505666 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~310505666.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Chris Donatelli Builders" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d5232c1c0eb84785_6568-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "534 Horning St., San Jose, California 95112, United States" latitude: 37.3476 longitude: -121.887 phone: "(408) 287-4886" website: http://www.dcbuild.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 231 last_updated: 2026-08-18 --- # Chris Donatelli Builders Original Houzz profile: [Chris Donatelli Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chris-donatelli-builders-pfvwus-pf~310505666) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** San Jose, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2013), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves After many years in the construction business Chris Donatelli has decided to retire. Two of his employees are starting their own business and taking some of the existing employees with them. They will also continue to use the same Subcontractors and Suppliers. They will carry on the same commitment to quality. You can reach them at Barrios Wagner Builders (408) 287-4886 ### Services Provided - general contractor - design build - residential - remodeling - new home - kitchen & bath ### Areas Served - San Jose - Campbell - Saratoga - Los Gatos - Cupertino - Santa Clara - Mountain View - Sunnyvale - Los Altos - Los Altos Hills - Palo Alto - Menlo Park - Atherton ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Chris Donatelli Builders | | Address | 534 Horning St., San Jose, California 95112, United States | | Phone | (408) 287-4886 | | Website | http://www.dcbuild.com | | License Number | 694031 | | Followers on Houzz | 231 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Donatelli-Builders/58614223488 - Blog — www.dcbuild.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Chris Donatelli Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chris-donatelli-builders-pfvwus-pf~310505666) - **Website:** http://www.dcbuild.com - **Phone:** (408) 287-4886 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NARI - Build It Green - META award - COTY award - Best of Houzz 2013 - Guild Quality - Lead Safe Firm - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2013), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Plumbed Elegance, March 2015** > We provided the plumbing fixtures for Chris Donatelli Builders on the Whole House Remodel and Addition. Our clients could not have been happier. They delighted at the teamwork and communication skills that were constantly present on the job. The expert craftsmanship is evident EVERYWHERE. As you move through the house, with much credit to Tali Hardonag, Architect, there is coziness and attention to detail. It is evident that a superior level of expertise is present since we had to do very little on the job technical support. Given that the plumbing fixtures that we provided were not simple and required advanced technical aptitude, it is obvious that the plumbers that work with Chris Donatelli Builders are of the highest caliber. Our experience with this team was positive and merits our recommendation. **★★★★★ — rhondarek, March 2014** > Chris Donatelli Builders came recommended by the designer who created the plans for our house remodel. From our initial interview with Chris, we were impressed with his extensive experience, knowledge, and integrity. Chris and the entire CDB team was flexible, easy-to-work with, responsive and easy to communicate with. More importantly to us, the CDB construction crew and subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, stone/tile, painting, flooring/cabinetry/millwork, etc) were each committed to the highest quality standards, attended to every detail, and were reliable, honest, and dedicated professionals. The CDB team really understood and respected our design concept and standards. We never felt like we had to make sacrifices in either style or functionality as Chris and team would anticipate our needs or concerns and always proposed ideas or creative solutions. Through weekly check in meetings with our CDB project manager, we were able to get all of our questions answered and make decisions and changes along the way with minimal impact on the initial schedule or budget. Ours was a major remodeling project and we were out of our home for 7 months which can be stressful; however, we always felt confident that our home was in the hands of pros that would not let us down. We are very grateful to Chris Donatelli and his team for building us a beautiful home that we love more every day we are in it! **★★★★★ — Marisa Bauer, March 2014** > Chris Donatelli Builders built our 2 story, 3000 sq ft house nearly from scratch (the foundation and some studs remained from the previous structure). > > Chris is very even keeled. Building a home is stressful, and no matter what came up, Chris was calm and thought problems through very rationally. This absolutely had a calming effect on me and anyone else involved in the project. > > Chris was more knowledgeable than any builder I spoke with about green building. He built our house with fantastic insulation, an HRV and a heat pump, solar panels, permeable driveway pavers, borate treated wood (for structural pest control), fsc certified wood, eucalyptus floors and low VOC cabinets. > > The project was very well organized and moved along very steadily. We had weekly meetings which Chris, the lead carpenter, the project manager and architect all attended, so we always knew what state the project was in. > > Chris, his lead carpenter and project manager are kind, smart and effective people. They seem to have a great relationship with all of their subs. Conversation was always civil, and they seemed to always get what they needed out of the subs. > > Everyone on the project was very respectful, friendly and kept the site very clean. > > The project finished on time and more or less within budget (perhaps 5% over the initial cost, much of this due to owner decisions). > > We are very, very happy with the house. The workmanship is great, and we are very happy with how all of the decisions were made - it is the perfect house for our family. **★★★★★ — sheilalunny, Jan. 2014** > Donatelli Builders were always courteous with clear communication skills as remodeling was taking place, and flexible if something needed to be changed. The workers were skilled and competent in their respective crafts. **★★★★★ — patmarriott, June 2013** > Contractors usually have a bad reputation. When we told friends we were going to build a house, they said we were crazy and we'd end up divorced. But they don't know Chris Donatelli. We truly enjoyed the entire construction process. > > Chris did a major remodel for us 20 years ago. He said it would take 6 months. Skeptics said it would probably be a year. They were wrong. We moved into an apartment on April 1 and were back in our remodeled home on Sept. 1. > > So, when we decided to build a new house, we knew we wanted to work with Chris. He is a third-generation builder and is absolutely honest and reliable. > > Chris said it would take one year to build our house. Critics scoffed. But Chris’ scheduler keeps a day-by-day detailed work plan, which we reviewed every week with the team. If we wanted any changes (there were very few because we scoped everything out at the beginning), Chris wrote a Change Order detailing any additional costs/time. He would not do anything unless we signed the Change Order, thus there were no surprises and no cost overruns. > > Construction began March 23, 2008 and we moved into the house March 25th, 2009. And we finished on budget as well as on time. So much for the critics. > > All of Chris' employees and subs are top-notch professionals with many years of experience. And they are all great to work with. Our next-door neighbor says she misses our job foreman! > > We have a gorgeous "green" house and we are really happy in it. Our friends all comment on the details and the fine workmanship. > > If you want to have a beautiful well-built home, if you want a contractor with integrity whom you can trust, if you want to have fun on your building project, call Chris Donatelli. He is absolutely THE BEST!\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **★★★★★ — jeanne222, June 2013** > We were referred to Chris Donatelli Builders by our designer, who had helped us with two previous remodeling jobs. For those jobs we had worked with a very highly-rated remodeling company who had done excellent work for us, but since she was no longer on their staff, we decided to try Chris. For this project, we were remodeling our kitchen. It was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with new cabinetry, countertops, windows, plumbing, lighting, and all new appliances. We found that Chris was very easy to deal with. He was considerate of our concerns, always available when we had questions, and eager to solve problems when they occurred, which luckily, was not often. He has an excellent crew, and the project manager for our job, Leo, was tops. They met all their deadlines and included us in weekly jobsite meetings to discuss job progress and answer our questions. After the job was done, we had to call them back to fix a small problem, which was done without question. We highly recommend Chris Donatelli! **★★★★★ — User, May 2013** > Completely remodeled our kitchen from bare studs. Introduced us to a kitchen design person who helped us arrive at a set of plans and select the cabinets, appliances and appearance. Provided onsite leadership and supervision coordinating multiple trades and providing a Lead Carpenter who did a lot of the carpentry as well as handling the inspections. Passed all inspections the first time. There were very few change orders and those that came up were for items that were discovered after removing the walls. All the trades were timely, professional and delivered on time. The project was completed on schedule and on budget. Highlights of the project included new Bay window, new French sliding door, custom room divider, specially configured granite countertop, recessed LED lighting, semi-custom cabinetry. **★★★★★ — cindee\_c, Nov. 2012** > Chris Donatelli Builders has remodeled our two bathrooms so far. I cannot say enough positive comments about this company. I am so happy with the way both bathrooms look. The quality of their work is exceptional. The communication could not have been better. Time frames were always communicated well and they were always on time. I now look forward to remodeling our kitchen. **★★★★★ — hkapitulnik, Nov. 2012** > what a wonderful remodeling experience. smart, extremely professional and perfectionists. they have delivered much more than expected. we did a very complicated professional restaurant style kitchen and it was amazing to see the research and dedication to the project, I would not hire anyone else for my next project **★★★★★ — Susan Stieglitz, Aug. 2012** > My home was built by Chris Donatelli Builders. Truth be told, when I met with Chris I was hoping for a bid that would simply reassure me about another builder I had already chosen. Chris's bid was not the lowest, but his extreme professionalism and knowledge in that meeting won me over. For our home, a spreadsheet with accurate timelines was created that helped us understand what to expect as far as stages of the construction and tear down, and when fixtures needed to be ordered or on site, and when money was necessary. He kept to this schedule with just a few reasonable alterations, and was available weekly for update meetings, and also returned phone calls and had an excellent understanding of our project at all times. The crew was dependable, the work was excellent. Chris had so many inspiring ideas and suggestions when my architect's plans were a little vague. Looking at the old house we were remodeling, Chris had mentioned potential areas that turned out to need more attention than we planned, but the costs were reasonable. He also allowed us to pitch in on some of the cleanup and painting to save costs. We couldn't have had a better outcome which was amazing after all the horror stories one hears about remodeling. ## Selected projects - [Kitchen Built for a Chef - META Platinum Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-built-for-a-chef-meta-platinum-award-pj-vj~354919) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Kitchen remodel and addition increases space to better accommodate all the cooking activity that happens here. Hosting large groups is a regular occurrence, so the addition of commercial grade appliances was a welcome part of the project. The range area takes center stage and is a chef's dream. A large island provides plenty of counter space, while butcher block and stainless steel counters offer durability. - [Period Home Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/period-home-update-pj-vj~22607) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This kitchen was completely remodeled from an existing galley kitchen. New custom cabinetry, countertops and appliances were included. Period theme of the home was retained through specific design, trim pieces and lighting. Kitchen space was opened up to family room area, with new island providing seating and transition space. - [Guest Bath Retreat - META Gold Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/guest-bath-retreat-meta-gold-award-pj-vj~317082) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: An addition onto a hall bath creates room for a large bathtub as well as a new vanity with vessel sink. Modern fixtures and finishes create a sleek design. - [Modern Kitchen Remodel - META Gold Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-kitchen-remodel-meta-gold-award-pj-vj~136634) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This home had a modern twist in the original design. The homeowner wanted to take it to the next level, while also opening up the space significantly. Interior walls were removed and replaced with structural beams. This integrated well with the exiting vaulted ceiling. A new island provides a boundary between kitchen and living room. Sleek cabinetry provides a large amount of storage in a subtle modern design. Lighting choices were made specifically for the vaulted ceiling application. - [Flexible Family Room - META Gold Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flexible-family-room-meta-gold-award-pj-vj~379966) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: A former playroom was going unused. The clients desired a space that would fit their lifestyle better and cater to their growing children. Custom cabinets offer storage and display space, as well as a simple computer station for doing homework. - [Master Bath Renewed - META Gold Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-renewed-meta-gold-award-pj-vj~380019) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Fixtures and finishes, including a new vanity with apron sink, transformed this outdated and cramped master bath. A new glass shower enclosure looks much more stylish. Glass mosaic backsplash adds a dash of color and pattern to space made of clean and simple lines. - [Chef's Kitchen in Palo Alto](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chef-s-kitchen-in-palo-alto-pj-vj~118257) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: Winner 2014 META Platinum Award, NARI Silicon Valley Chapter For two avid cooks, the kitchen they had been working in for the last 18 years was too small and too dark. What they dreamed of was a professional restaurant-style kitchen. The challenge was to incorporate industrial scale appliances while creating a family scale kitchen. An addition to the house added the necessary space. Large windows and skylights were possible, as were wider openings from the kitchen into adjoining rooms. Tying in… - [Bath Spa Retreat - META Silver Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bath-spa-retreat-meta-silver-award-pj-vj~315640) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: A bathroom is enlarged and separated into vanity, shower and closet areas for a more spa like experience. - [Functional Kitchen Upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/functional-kitchen-upgrade-pj-vj~391235) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Galley Kitchen - META Gold Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/galley-kitchen-meta-gold-award-pj-vj~149994) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: A narrow galley kitchen needed an upgrade. The layout of the home, budget and preservation of the existing style dictated that no walls could be moved. Focus was given to the cabinets, counters and appliances. This project received Gold for Residential Kitchen Remodel in the 2011 META Awards (sponsored by NARI Silicon Valley). - [Exterior Upgrade for a Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-upgrade-for-a-cottage-pj-vj~387303) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Transitional New Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-new-home-pj-vj~387250) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: A new home in a transitional style. A young family of four wanted a space that could be functional for kids while also offering space to grow. Public spaces on the first floor offer wide open floor plans and a guest area. Upstairs rooms are more intimate and functional. Steep and varying roof pitches offer a enjoyable visual to all spaces. - [New Kitchen with Family in Mind](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-kitchen-with-family-in-mind-pj-vj~386120) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [New Take on Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-take-on-traditional-pj-vj~22613) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Updating a dated kitchen was the motivation for this client. The scope of work extended to an interior remodel. Spaces and layout were kept close to original, with the exception of small additons made to intersect a front set-back line. Trim and finshes needed to reflect the traditional style of furnishings and decoarative pieces. The front of the existing ranch was transformed into a facade more suitable to the owners interior style changes. - [New (Green) Craftsman Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-green-craftsman-home-pj-vj~150789) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: This is a very special home build. Not only did the architect create a warm and welcoming craftsman inspired home...it is built using a new "green" technology. All walls of the structure are built with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs). Each panel consists of foam sandwiched between OSB plywood sheets. They offer both insulation and strength. These panels are made from accurate floorplans at a factory, then shipped to the site. The home is assembled like a puzzle. The ceiling and roof structu… - [Two Elegant Bathrooms - META Silver Award](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-elegant-bathrooms-meta-silver-award-pj-vj~156898) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: These two bathrooms were created within their existing spaces. The clients wanted maximum design impact without major remodeling. No walls were moved. Fixtures remained in existing locations to further simplify job and to be more budget friendly. Focus was given to fixtures and finishes. The project designer created elegant spaces using clean lines, tile choices and lighting accents. This project won a SILVER in the 2013 META awards sponsored by NARI (National Organization of the Remodeling Indu… - [Whimsical Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whimsical-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~149843) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: The client did not want to change the size or layout of this kitchen space much. The main motivation was to replace the very outdated cabinets, appliances and finishes. One major change was raising the ceiling, which provides options for modern lighting touches. A unique design of cabinet layout and materials creates an eye-catching design. High quality tile and counter tops make for a robust touch. A new island provides function and seating, while dividing the space visually from the dining are… - [Refresh of a Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refresh-of-a-kitchen-pj-vj~149945) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: The client wanted a kitchen with an updated design and finish that created a more visually appealing space. Cabinets from Dynasty offer storage and function. Stainless steel appliances and fixtures present a clean look. Replacing the washer/dryer area of the room makes a huge difference to the space. Room for these appliances, along with the water heater, was found in a new hallway closet space. - [Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-pj-vj~156705) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: These clients desired an update to their master suite bathroom. We kept the traditional style in the home through cabinet and trim choices. These cabinets and crown are factory custom pieces. Counter and shower sill is granite. - [Eichler Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eichler-kitchen-pj-vj~156580) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: These clients loved preserving their Eichler style home. The existing kitchen was getting worn out after decades of use. They wanted to create a new kitchen that integrated into the rest of the home while still providing modern appliances and cabinet functions. The finishes for cabinets and counters are durable and easy to clean, while also being very streamlined. [See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/chris-donatelli-builders-pfvwus-pf~310505666) ## Community Q&A **Q: what are the room dimensions? what are the shower dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The bathroom is about 6.5 feet x 7 feet. The shower is about 30 inches x 30 inches. **Q: Wall Tile** *(in Photo Questions)* What tile was used on the walls? A: That job was back in 2007. I can't find the specific supplier, but the material is Limestone. **Q: What is the countertop made of and where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The material is Caesarstone in "Lagos Blue Polished". It is distributed through tile shops and design centers. Here is the dealer listing page: http://www.caesarstoneus.com/en/How-To-Buy/Pages/default.aspx **Q: Love the decorative border! Where did you find it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is called "Agate Martini Blend". Here is the website: http://www.lunadabaytile.com/LBT\_agate\_martini\_blend.html **Q: Size of island** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions of the island? A: Sorry I overlooked your question...The island measures 7 foot 3 inches long and 3 foot 6 inches wide (in the middle). The cabinets are 30 inches deep. **Q: Lights** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful bath! I love both of the lights you have here. Can you provide the name of them and place to purchase? A: The lights are by "Hubbarton Forge". Visit www.vtforge.com to learn about products and where to buy. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*