Custom homes, additions and basement finishes, permitted through the One Stop portal.
Willowbrook, IL
A Route 83 and I-55 village where most remodels need drawings
Willowbrook grew up in the 1980s along Illinois Route 83 and I-55, with old Route 66 along its south edge. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, open since 1946, is still there. RL Builders takes on custom homes, additions, basement build outs and upscale remodels in Willowbrook.
Willow Pond along Route 83 has a walking trail and is a popular winter ice skating spot. Frank is on site daily and is your one point of contact. Homes up to 10,000 sq ft almost always finish in under a year. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
DuPage County
Population
9,236 (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 Willowbrook
Willowbrook's Community Development Department issues building permits and enforces the building, property maintenance, fire and zoning codes. Every new permit application goes through the village's online One Stop portal, and the same portal handles planning and development projects and code enforcement complaints.
Legally the permit is the property owner's responsibility, but contractors can submit and obtain permits on the owner's behalf. Drawings are required for major residential work: new single family homes, basement finishes, additions, remodels and three season rooms. Plan on having them ready before you apply.
Basement finishes need drawings just as a new home does, which surprises people who think a basement is simple. Review time depends on size. Large residential remodels can take up to 10 business days for review. The village uses SafeBuilt for large plan reviews and inspections.
The 2020 census counted 4,509 housing units in Willowbrook, and about 35 percent of households were single person households. Ask the village early about zoning for your lot, since that goes through the same portal as the building permit.
RL coordinates the permits, lines the plans up with the village's codes, and works from your plans or with your architect and designer. See home additions and basement build outs.
Sources: Willowbrook building permitting, Willowbrook, Illinois (Wikipedia)
Services
What we build in Willowbrook
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 Willowbrook
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.
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
FAQ
Building in Willowbrook: questions
Does RL Builders work in Willowbrook?
Yes, we take on work in Willowbrook. You can ask for references and tours of finished RL homes.
Where do I apply for a permit in Willowbrook?
All new applications go through the village's One Stop online portal. The owner is responsible for the permit, and a contractor can submit and obtain it on the owner's behalf.
Do I need drawings for a basement finish in Willowbrook?
Yes. The village requires drawings for major residential projects, including new homes, basement finishes, additions, remodels and three season rooms. Have them ready before you apply through the portal, since the application goes in online.
How long does a large remodel review take in Willowbrook?
Large residential remodels can take up to 10 business days for review, and the village uses SafeBuilt for large plan reviews and inspections. Ask the village what to expect for your project.
Planning a build in Willowbrook?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
