Everyone loves a bay window for the obvious reasons. It punctuates the room and brings the outside in, but what a difference this bay window renovation will make.

From an ordinary bay window above that we have seen in thousands of homes, to the inspiring full height, floor to ceiling, Marvin window in this breakfast room to the right. I'll show a photo of the finshed exterior in a couple of weeks.

Like Natelli Homes on Facebook and we will contribute 3 meals to the Capital Area Food Bank!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natelli-Homes/361933342450

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In the month of September alone, the Windows for Hunger campaign by Natelli Homes raised enough for 4,200 meals through the Capital Area Food Bank. We are so encouraged by the success, Natelli is now offering 3 meals to the CAFB for every person that "likes" Natelli Homes on FaceBook.

Please support the Capital Area Food Bank by contacting Natelli Homes if you are considering new windows or exterior doors. The results of having new quality windows and doors by Natelli Homes speaks for itself, but now you can also help others in the metropolitan area who are in significant need.

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and tagged with Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Exterior Doors, Potomac, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

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A new custom home built by Natelli Homes for the Darvish / Fallahi family was recently featured in Bethesda Magazine. The details and character of the home fit the client perfectly. Take note of the spectacular iron railings, the tile-work in the bathroom and the enormous kitchen with stone and marble countertops and WoodMode cabinets.

www.bethesdamagazine.com/Bethesda-Magazine/September-October-2011/Dar-House/

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Windows are definitely one of the "glass half full / half empty" situations (pun intended). The views, the ambient light and architectual relief windows that windows provide cannot be replaced. Windows let us experience the outside elements without sensing the heat or cold - but how do yours feel?

If your windows are 5 to 10 years old you might start looking at them. Changes in technology for windows and exterior doors have been dramatic in the past decade. There are compelling reasons to consider changing older windows in your home. Consider the following examples.

The photo on the left shows a window with a broken seal. Windows are made with two panes of glass and the air between the two panes acts as an insulator and is often filled with argon gas, which is effectively a super-insulating gas. When the seal fails, the insulating gas is released and air can freely flow in and out of the space between the two panes. This invading air between the panes of glass can contain varying humidity and pressure. The result is what appears to be condensation or clouding between the two panes that cannot be cleaned. The only solution is replacing the entire window.

The photo on the right shows a door jamb with excessive rot. Old and rotten wood parts are often the primary reason to replace windows and exterior doors. Water can easily get into the home causing mold and mildew. One might consider repairing the bottom of the door jamb with a synthetic material but one should determine if any function of the door has been compromised by the rot and water intrusion first.

The most obvious evaluation is simply to feel if there is cold air coming through your windows. Clients say they could see their curtains move on a windy day before we replaced their windows. If you feel that your home is significantly more comfortable when you pull curtains or window treatments over the windows, then you really should consider replacing your doors and windows. All this plus the evident energy savings make replacing your doors and windows an easy decision.

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and tagged with Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Exterior Doors, Energy Efficiency, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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I am both proud and excited about a campaign Natelli Homes has organized with the Capital Area Food Bank as our focus for the next year.

Hunger is a staggering issue in our community. This condition is an unfortunate and often overlooked result of our country’s economic status. Poverty levels have reached new levels and thousands of people in our area simply don’t have access to appropriate food sources and proper nutrition. The CAFB serves almost 500,000 people each year through its non-profit partners. Surprisingly more than half of the households assisted by their efforts have at least one employed adult and only 5% of the recipients are homeless. Hunger and food insecurity are quickly reaching into households that were previously self-sufficient. Sadly, the numbers of children affected are an increasing component of the statistics.

Natelli Homes hopes to make continuing donations to the Capital Area Food Bank through the installation of replacement windows and doors for our clients. Our “WINDOWS FOR HUNGER” campaign will provide a constant source of funding for the programs at the CAFB. We hope to introduce our clients to the successful efforts made by the Food Bank in our area. There are many ways to contribute to the CAFB, both through volunteering and donations.

I encourage you to learn about the Capital Area Food Bank by visiting their website at www.capitalareafoodbank.org

Please share the attached coupon with anyone who might be interested in assisting the Food Bank when they install new windows or doors in their home. Look for similar opportunities on the Natelli Homes FaceBook page in the near future.

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and tagged with Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Exterior Doors, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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Natelli Homes is pleased to display one of its newest product lines in Arlington this weekend.  The Ashley model is designed and developed for narrow lots in areas such as Arlington and Bethesda.

The original home was demolished in the latter part of 2010 and we are already getting prepared for the Owners to move in their new home.  This hand-crafted home was constructed to the same standards as the ultra-custom homes that Natelli Homes builds throughout the Washington metropoliotan area.  With four finished levels, five full bedrooms and an expansive recreation room and den in the basement, there is a surprising amount of room for families.

Please join us this Sunday, May 15th between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m at 1909 N Quebec St in Arlington, VA.  This will be a one- time opportunity to see the most current new home design and quality from Natelli Homes.

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and tagged with New Homes, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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"A picture is worth a thousand words"

We have seen and heard this phrase for decades, perhaps centuries, and I really doubt anyone questioned its meaning because it is so obviously true.  Whether conceived by Frederick R. Barnard in the publication, Printer's Ink, in 1921 or it truly evolved from a Chinese proverb ("a picture is worth ten thousand words") or perhaps it should be added to the many credits of Confucius, it needs no explanation.

With that in mind, tell me what you think:

Before & After

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The weather this January and February has been unique to say the least.  We have had the predictable snow and windy cold days, but to have near 70 degrees this past Friday makes me think of summer.  For those who planned ahead, they will be enjoying a new pool and pool house this summer to combat the intense heat of August in metro DC. 

This project in Bethesda, MD, was planned last summer so we could coordinate the permits and begin construction in the fall.  Overall winter temperatures were pretty forgiving for construction so we made good progress.  The lot has some intense topography so retaining walls anchor the ends of the pool terrace.   At one end, the pool house masks the fact that the project is cut into an 8' tall slope.  We used full masonry walls for the pool house to make it easy to clean and practically a maintenance-free structure.  The walls will have a stucco finish with tile and stone accents.   

A curvilinear concrete retaining wall with field-stone veneer levels the other end of the project and creates a lawn area adjacent to the pool for recreation and casual seating. You can see the stone masons taking advantage of the warm weather in the adjacent photo.  We will excavate the pool soon which fits between the pool house and the wall in the photo on the left.  The before and after images of this project will be dramatic so I'll continue to share the progress as we get closer to completion.

Feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com where you can find valuable coupons for the remainder of February.

and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, pool, pool house

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There are many reasons to replace old windows and doors in a home, but the architectural value of windows can't be overlooked.  Window grilles in particular change and enhance the persona of a home.  Removable grilles can be provided for ease of cleaning,  grilles can be sandwiched between the panes of glass so they provide an apparent division of divided lites, but the most pronounced and historically accurate use of grilles is a permanent application on the inside and the outside of the glass.  This type of grill, also known as "Simulated Divided Lite", produces the authentic look of a traditional window with milled wood and clad components separating the pieces of glass.  Windows with Simulated Divided Lites are significant, they have appropriate mass and are recognized by any layman as quality products that enhance the character and value of the home.

In this home in Potomac, MD, we installed new JeldWen custom sized clad windows with true divided lites.  The existing windows in the home did not have any grille divisions in the glass.  The window openings were effectively black holes in the facade - the home needed some architectural content.  Including windows with grilles immediately changed the look of the home.  The window openings took on a character;  the grilles added color and visual interest to the front elevation.

Using replacement windows with grilles is an easy but often overlooked change to the home.  We get used to how things are sometimes and need to consider options that may not have been considered before. There is a lot more about the architectural potential of windows that we will cover in a future post such as the size  and layout of the window divisions, the type of grilles to use and even the color, but for now just admire the architectural transformation of this home with the simple addition of grilles in the windows.

Feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com, where some valuable coupons for bathrooms, kitchens and windows are available for the month of February.

and tagged with Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Exterior Doors, Design, entranceway changes, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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Arguably the most important rooms in a home are the kitchen and family room.  Families tend to congregate, eat, play, laugh, argue, watch TV and use computers in these rooms.  Dining Rooms are used a couple of times a year and Living Rooms almost have no purpose at all.

For this property owner in Bethesda, like the vast majority in the Washington, D.C. metro area, they needed an affordable expansion of the kitchen, family room and breakfast room.  This project included a family room addition about 20 feet square that adjoined the kitchen and breakfast room.  The family room connects to the kitchen through an open counter-top and two cased openings as you can see in the adjacent photo.  The breakfast room is large enough to house a generous table and will include a wall-mounted TV and wireless computer connections.

This project is ready for the finishes.  The drywall has been installed and primed, the sub-floor has been screwed and prepped to receive the wood flooring and equally important, the home is clean and safe.  A clean project is a safe project.  The windows are ready to be trimmed with casing and stool - this project is ready to continue on its speedy schedule.  Check our posts in a week or two - I will be sure to include some photos of the completed cabinets and trim.

Feel free to e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com.  We have valuable on-line coupons for kitchens, bathrooms and windows that will not be available for much longer.

and tagged with Kitchens, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, family room

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Lots of people pause about renovating a home because they worry about how long it might take, interruptions to their family and perhaps the cost.  One of the easiest additions is over an existing garage.  If the existing home was constructed properly it should support the new living space.  There is a lot of foot-print to work with and the demolition is minimal.

In this project located in Potomac, MD, we removed the existing roof and had the new room built in a manner of a few weeks.  The Owners were concerned about disturbance during the forthcoming holidays, but good planning and project management got the job under roof well before the deadlines.

There is a lot of room over a garage.  A Master Suite with closets and a large bathroom will easily fit in the space.  Alternatively two bedrooms and a shared bath would work as well.  The living spaces can easily be enhanced with dormers and vaulted ceilings.  This is truly one of the most logical additions one can make if added bedroom space is a necessity.

The bottom line here is simple.  Don't overlook the obvious.  There is easy inexpensive space over a garage.  I'll talk about the inside improvements in a future post. 

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and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Maryland, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

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 Most people enter their homes through the garage; simply press a button in the car and quickly get into the home. It’s simple, effective and we hardly give it a second thought. But the vast majority of the people, even our good friends, usually come to the front door when they visit.   The front door and a covering / portico can be the first impression for a visitor.  Not only are they a measure of the appeal of the home but they provide a needed function by giving shelter from rain and snow.  The covered area lends itself to kicking the elements off our boots and catching our breath after running through a downpour.  Although I don't have a photo included in this post, one of my favorite views of homes is in the evening when the cone of a downlight or the reflection from a well placed sconce accentuates the architecture of a portico.

Transforming the entrance to a home is not easy.  One needs to consider the existing architecture, overall mass of the home, the owner's preferences and the materials to be used.   In the example on the left located in Potomac, Md., the home did not have an apparent entrance.  The front door is almost hidden in the fascade and the shrubs block the entrance.  The walkway is not even visible.  Visitors might actually have been confused as to where and how to approach the home.  We all want to feel invited, but in this case a visitor does not know where to start.

Construction on this project was significant but the results speak for themselves.  The driveway was changed from asphalt to pavers, new landscaping was installed, stone knee walls frame the walkway and a new concrete foundation with local flagstone paving was built to support the covered portico with stained rough-sawn cedar posts. 

What results is an architectural invitation and an obvious arrival court.  The materials all complement one other.  The textures of the stone paving lead to a natural expectation of the look and feel of the cedar posts and the copper roof will fade to an earthy patina.  Finally there is a single focus, an obvious arrival point;  the invitation to the home we were always looking for.

Feel free to e-mail me with your questions and comments.  I can be reached at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or visit our website www.natellihomes.com

and tagged with Porticos, entrances, front elevations, entranceway changes, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

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Natelli Homes recently completed a kitchen renovation to a home in Potomac, MD.  We used custom WoodMode cabinets, Kashmere Gold perimeter granite countertops with antique honed finishes and professional grade Wolf, Subzero and Dacor appliances - all high-end components that would make any kitchen stand out.  The Woodmode cabinets with a distressed Cottage White finish on the surrounding wall and base cabinets make the rich wood-tones of the island stand out.

The existing kitchen was limited in width so the client made some creative decisions to make the island the most notable feature in the project without harming valuable space.  The cherry cabinets in the island are a rich Burnished Tuscan Sun finish from WoodMode's array of custom options and finishes.  At the end of the island is a maple butcher block that the client found in an antique shop.  We studied the butcher block with our WoodMode kitchen designer and made a custom base that would look as if they were both designed with the original cabinets. 

The most challenging part of the project was the custom zinc top.  Knowing that zinc is a soft metal that can scratch and stain unless properly cared for, we debated for several weeks with the client about that choice of material.  Finally after much discussion on the pros and cons, we carefully measured for the top and made a template for the zinc manufacturer.  Even in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, not many firms are experienced or qualified to make a zinc top, so we ended up using a firm in Texas.  The separation from DC to Texas was not very comforting as all dimensions and details had to be confirmed over e-mail or the phone. Obviously the top came out great.  It is a beautiful, completely unique feature in what could have been an outstanding but somewhat typical kitchen renovation. 

Credit goes to the client for knowing what they wanted, researching the issues and sticking to their instincts.  We are pleased to have been a part of another beautiful kitchen renovation with different challenges and such notable differences in the finished product.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.  I can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com

and tagged with Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

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Arlington, Virginia is such a great location for anyone in the metro DC area.  Quick access to downtown Washington, great neighborhoods, interesting regional restaurants and an abundance of good schools make this one of the most desired places to live in D.C.  Unfortunately the age of the housing stock makes it more difficult for a family to find exactly the right fit for a home.

One of the many strengths of Natelli Homes is the ability to provide exceptional value without sacrificing quality.  Builders have many way to cut costs during construction, but our standards are not going to change whether we are building a custom home for millions of dollars or a home for a client with lower budget.  In fact, many of the vendors and subcontractors used on projects at both ends of the price spectrum are often the same.

Especially in Arlington and Bethesda, we work with clients to evaluate the potential to renovate verses the possibility of tearing down an existing home and building new.  Building new does not mean building expensive; one just has to be smart about making the right choices.

This home will have  engineered floor systems spaced at 16" on center, not 24" on center just to meet the minimum code requirements, clad aluminum windows with Low-E high performance glass, hot water recirculating water lines and many other features that are always included in a Natelli home.  The home even incorporates a split zone heating and air conditioning system to address the needs of particular rooms when needed, not just blast air throughout the home when the fan comes on.

We will keep you posted about the progress and features of this fine new home in future posts.  Feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com

and tagged with Quality, New Homes, Design, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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Full window replacement systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Marvin Window's system using a Kynar jamb extension is a nice way to provide a clean and maintenance free exterior application.

In the photo on the right, the old window has been completely removed and a new Marvin full replacement window has been installed in the opening.  Note how the minimally expanding foam fills the entire cavity between the window frame and the rough opening.  Nothing can get though the gap - not wind, not water nor bugs.

But to cap it off, literally, Marvin has a clean system that snaps into the exterior window frame and butts against the existing brick opening.  This jamb extension using Marvin's extremely durable extruded aluminum is substantially stronger than roll-form aluminum and features a protective 70% Kynar® 500 paint finish for superior resistance to fading and chalking.  Kynar, in particular resists fading and comes in 19 colors.

I am very impressed with this replacement system from Marvin and encourage anyone who is ready to consider new windows to look at Marvin.

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and tagged with Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Details, Energy Efficiency, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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"Just do it!" - a notable trademark of Nike that catches everyones eye.  I always wanted to make tee-shirts for my employees that said, "Just do it right!"  I paused for fear of trademark infringement, but still like the message.  I am confident that our team thinks that way, even though we don't have the tee-shirts.

In the case of replacing a dormer window, it would have been easy to plug the new window in and consider the job done, but that would have been a huge disservice to our client.  The trim around the window was rotting and the siding was all but deteriorated.  I wonder how much water was getting into the home through the trim and siding alone.

We chose to remove everything, down to the exterior sheathing so we could observe the flashing and ensure that the dormers were flashed, sealed and water and air infiltration were managed properly.

The new finished product assures our client of a weather-proof installation that will stand the test of time.  We used synthetic exterior millwork, 70% Kynar 500® cladding on the Marvin Windows and a cement based siding on the sides of the dormer. The Kynar cladding from Marvin Windows and Doors comes with a 20 year warranty.  The synthetic trim and cement siding takes paint well and resists rot and deterioration for years to come.  The future maintenance requirements will be minimal.

Always look at the bigger picture and don't cut corners on a significant investment such as window replacements.  Find a contractor that is familiar with the best products and procedures in your marketplace.  Evaluating all the issues for a client up front is a detail that can't be overlooked.

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and tagged with Quality, Windows, Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Details, Exterior Doors, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, arlington virginia

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Fireplaces are wonderful complements to any home. When the resources are available for stone or antique mantles, the attention to detail becomes all that more crucial. Steep roof lines and exotic stone work make for beautiful design features, but a chimney and flue that leak quickly become a damaging and very costly repair job. Spending the time and energy to do it perfectly from the outset, is the name of the game.

The chimney block at right has been waterproofed completely, before any finished veneer is applied, and the through-wall flashing has been wrapped around the block and stepped-down to accept the stone and brick that will create the finished surface. The entire structure is fabricated to repel and channel water off the roof, before any stone veneer is applied or brick laid.
Knowing that the construction of a chimney has been given the same attention as the fine millwork and details within the home can be very comforting for an owner. When striking stone work is coupled with contrasting roofing tiles and dramatic angles, the home becomes a movie set in the making.

But it cannot be overstated. If your builder treats a chimney and fireplace as just something else that has to be done, then find a builder that understands how to build that one-of-a-kind fireside masterpiece.

This marriage of an antique French fireplace to a flue and chimney system, that are works of artful design and engineering, will create a stunning atmosphere of warmth and singularity for many years to come.

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and tagged with New Homes, Details, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

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