Custom homes and high end remodels in Aurora, from Victorian blocks to newer lots.
Aurora, IL
Building among Aurora's Victorians and Prairie School homes
Aurora has Victorian-era homes, Prairie School buildings, a 1912 Frank Lloyd Wright house, Sears catalog homes mostly on the West Side and seven Lustron homes. It is a hard city to say one thing about, and a harder one to build in without paying attention to what is next door. RL Builders takes on custom homes, additions and high end remodels here.
We're based in Lemont, and Frank Lello is on site every day, so you deal with one person the whole way through. We build only on land you own, from your plans or with your architect and designer. Most of our work comes from referrals, and we'll set up a tour of a portfolio home.
County
DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties
Population
180,542 (2020)
Permits
What clients say
Homeowners on working with Frank
Frank and his team built our dream home through COVID, and the quality has been exceptional. Years later he still checks in seasonally and stays a call or text away, which is rare and appreciated.
Julie Morris, homeownerFrank handled our kitchen renovation and we could not be happier with the final project. He was on site every day, used skilled craftsmen, and made what could have been stressful feel easy.
Homeowner, kitchen renovation
What to know before building in Aurora
The City's Division of Building and Permits takes applications, payments and inspection scheduling through the eTRAKiT online portal. It has separate applications for single family or duplex new construction, new additions and residential remodels, and a different one for demolition. Pick the one that matches the work, since they are not interchangeable.
Aurora offers design development pre-review meetings, where designers and owners can learn project-specific code requirements before plan review. That is worth knowing about before a custom home or a large addition gets far on paper. The division also issues the certificate of occupancy and publishes a 2026 permit fee schedule and a review timeframes handout. Check those for the current numbers, because we haven't copied them here.
Historic districts are the other thing to check. Aurora's Preservation Commission, created in 1979, reviews Certificate of Appropriateness applications for designated historic properties and decides appeals. The city's historic districts include Near Eastside, Tanner, Stolp Island, Palace Street and Downer Place West. If your house is designated, ask the city what work needs a certificate before the design goes far.
Aurora also reaches into four counties: Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will. Downtown centers on Stolp Island and the Paramount Theatre, and Phillips Park has a zoo and sunken gardens, so the city covers a lot of ground. On any job here we coordinate the permits and line the drawings up with what the City asks for. See upscale remodeling and whole home renovations.
Sources: City of Aurora permit list, City of Aurora building and construction, City of Aurora historic preservation, Aurora, Illinois
Services
What we build in Aurora
Custom Homes
New custom homes on your lot, typically $1M to $3.5M, finished in under a year for homes up to 10,000 sq ft.
Upscale Remodeling
High end kitchen, bathroom and main living remodels with the owner on site every day.
Complete Renovations
Whole home renovations that rework layout, finishes and systems as one project.
Basement Build Outs
Finished basements from framing through final trim, built to last below grade.
Additions and Extensions
Bedrooms, baths and living space that match the house and look original.
Specialty Projects
Fire restoration, demolition and select commercial build outs.
Projects
RL projects near Aurora
All the Bells and Whistles
A Mediterranean inspired estate of more than 10,000 sq ft with 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a home theater and indoor and outdoor pools. Built start to finish in under a year.
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
Brick Estate Home
A two story brick custom home with a finished walkout lower level and a multi level outdoor living setup with a covered patio and deck.
FAQ
Building in Aurora: questions
Does Aurora have historic district rules for remodels?
Yes. The Preservation Commission reviews Certificate of Appropriateness applications for designated historic properties. Districts include Near Eastside, Tanner, Stolp Island, Palace Street and Downer Place West. Ask the city whether your house is designated and what work needs a certificate before you start drawings.
What is a design development pre-review meeting in Aurora?
It is a meeting the City offers so designers and owners can learn project-specific code requirements before plan review begins. On a custom home or a larger addition, it's a chance to hear what the code asks of your project while changes are still on paper.
How do I apply for a building permit in Aurora?
Through the eTRAKiT online portal, which also handles fee payment and inspection scheduling. Aurora has separate applications for single family or duplex new construction, new additions, residential remodels and demolition, so use the one that matches the job.
Does RL Builders build in Aurora?
Yes. We take on custom homes, additions and remodels in Aurora. We work from Lemont, build only on land you own, and Frank Lello is on site every day. We can arrange references and tours.
Planning a build in Aurora?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
