Teardown rebuilds and high end remodels in a village that watches runoff.
Downers Grove, IL
Small old houses, big new ones, and the water that comes with them
Downers Grove has had one of the highest teardown rates in the Chicago area, with small older homes replaced by much larger new ones. RL Builders takes on custom homes, teardown rebuilds and high end remodels in town. Our work here includes a kitchen remodel for a returning client: new layout, new finishes and lighting, refinished wood floors, about 10 weeks.
Frank Lello is on site daily and is the one person you deal with. The Tivoli Theatre downtown dates to 1928, and Lyman Woods, a 150 acre nature preserve, is in the village too. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
DuPage County
Population
50,247 (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 Downers Grove
Downers Grove takes permit applications and supporting documents only through its online portal, which also handles plan comments, inspections and fee payments. Building and Fire, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning each have their own application path. After an application is verified, a Project Manager is assigned and the first review takes about 10 business days.
The village's adopted codes include the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments, a Zoning Ordinance, and a Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance that applies alongside building permits. That last one is why drainage design starts early. Teardowns have raised flooding and runoff concerns because larger houses send more rainwater into neighboring yards and streets.
Trees come up too. Tree Removal is a business license on the village portal, handled by the Village at 630-434-5700. Ask the village what review applies to trees on your lot before you finalize a site plan.
The village has a voluntary historic landmark and historic district program, and Community Development takes calls about it at 630-434-5515. Its Architectural and Historical Survey covers Denburn Woods, Shady Lane Estates, the E.H. Prince Subdivision, and the Maple Avenue and Main Street corridor. Downers Grove also has 68 confirmed Sears kit homes, so an older house on your block may be worth a second look before you decide to demolish.
RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the village's codes and ordinances. See upscale remodeling and custom homes.
Sources: Downers Grove permits, Downers Grove permit portal, Downers Grove historic preservation, Downers Grove, Illinois (Wikipedia)
Services
What we build in Downers Grove
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 in Downers Grove
Downers Grove Kitchen Remodel
A full kitchen renovation for a returning client: new layout, finishes and lighting, plus refinished wood floors. Finished in about 10 weeks.
Shadow Ridge
A 12,000 sq ft custom home with copper turrets, limestone block masonry and a home theater under a high strength garage floor. Built in under a year and featured on Comcast's "Builders & Buyers".
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.
FAQ
Building in Downers Grove: questions
What did RL do in Downers Grove?
A kitchen remodel for a returning client. It had a new layout, new finishes and lighting, and refinished wood floors, and it took about 10 weeks. Most RL work comes from referrals and repeat clients like this one.
How does Downers Grove handle permit applications?
Only through its online portal, which also covers plan comments, inspections and fees. After verification a Project Manager is assigned, and the first review is completed in about 10 business days.
Why does stormwater matter for a teardown in Downers Grove?
Larger new houses send more rainwater into neighboring yards and streets, and the village has a Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance that applies alongside building permits. Plan the drainage and grading with the house, not after it.
Does Downers Grove have a historic district program?
Yes, a voluntary historic landmark and historic district program. Its survey covers Denburn Woods, Shady Lane Estates, the E.H. Prince Subdivision and the Maple Avenue and Main Street corridor. Community Development answers questions at 630-434-5515.
Planning a build in Downers Grove?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
