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Before, during, after: builder focus is customer

Suburban Chicago Newspapers
September 17, 2005

A philosophy of providing a welcoming environment to homebuyers before, during and after their home is built is the hallmark of Gladstone Homes.

"A lot of companies boast about the ease of the new home process," said Dave Bolger, the company's founder and president. "There are a lot of good homebuilders in the region; we believe we raise the bar a bit higher."

Bolger's philosophy stems from a lifetime in the housing business. In 1954 his father, Vincent, founded Gladstone Realty in Franklin Park. After completing a degree in real estate and construction management Bolger founded Gladstone Builders and Developers, Inc., with a single parcel of in-fill land in 1989. Three years later Dave's brother Greg completed his degree in business management and joined the firm, serving as vice president overseeing new home construction.

"We now are a team of roughly 30, focused on meeting the needs families," Bolger said. "Our team has experience and expertise, and shares our values."

One is Vicki Romanski, Gladstone's general sales manager.

"We hear a lot of 'wow' when people walk into our models," Romanski said. "But that initial impression must last so we look for ways to wow our customers through the entire process."

A preferred lending partnership with MidAmerica Bank offers Gladstone buyers a free 10-month lock on adjustable rate mortgages, securing the rate through the construction of their home. In addition, MidAmerica offers a free float-down should interest rates drop within 60 days of closing.

In addition, through Coldwell Banker/Gladstone Realtors, Bridget Bolger — Dave and Greg's sister — can assist Gladstone Homes customers in selling their existing home.

"Our heritage has taught us a lot about customers' needs," Bolger said. "And also has helped create a network of trusted partners who share our philosophy."

According to surveys Gladstone customers are truly satisfied, appreciate the personalized attention its staff provides and recognize the value of a Gladstone home.

Gladstone Homes stands by its work. Though the family name isn't on the door — Gladstone came from the Franklin Park telephone exchange where the real estate office opened in the 1950s — it might as well be. The Bolgers have worked many years toward establishing the Gladstone legacy; pride and quality is apparent in every Gladstone home.

"We believe in our homes, in the people who build them and in the quality of the materials and methods we use," said Bolger. "We stand behind our homes with an outstanding one-year warranty program."

During the construction process, customers can log in to the Gladstone Homes Web site to view progress or "milestone" dates on their home. Customers can inspect their homes throughout the building process and are offered two formal inspections prior to the closing.

One to two weeks before closing Gladstone conducts an orientation session to answer warranty questions, and familiarize buyers with home features such as heating, air-conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing and appliances.

Built completely on-site using quality timber, double-hung wood-frame windows and furniture-quality cabinets, Gladstone also includes many special features within its single-family base plans, which range from 3,075 square-feet to 4,012 square-feet.

"Customers often are surprised at all the aesthetic features that are part of our base plans," said Romanski. "We select our materials for beauty as well as quality and durability."

Among included features are hardwood floors in the foyer, kitchen and dinette areas, furniture-quality hardwood cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, custom oak staircases and six-panel solid wood doors. Natural focal points such as fireplaces and panoramic windows, along with complementary arches, trims, architectural niches and plant ledges, also are included. An array of options and upgrades allow each customer to make their home their own. Gladstone Homes' Design Center provides a centralized resource for its customers. Staffed by interior designer Marcia Burns, in her fifth year with Gladstone Homes, customers receive individual, expert support in personalizing their home.

"We believe the selections process should be exciting and fun," Burns said. "We make every effort to ensure that it is."

Gladstone's single-family homes currently are available in Yorkville at Eaglecrest at Grande Reserve, in North Aurora at Moose Lake Estates, in Plainfield at Windemere at Grande Park and Heritage Oaks, and for single-home site development in many areas throughout greater Chicagoland.

For the townhome customer, Gladstone recently broke ground on a 39-unit community along Route 56, west of Mitchell Road, in North Aurora. Several developers submitted proposals to the village for the 8-acre space.

"It's very exciting for us to have been selected for this community," Bolger said. "The plan fits very well within the village."

To learn more about Gladstone Homes' floor plans, communities and customer service offerings, visit www.gladstonehome.com.

9/17/05