If you’re like many homeowners today, you probably have been thinking about making some home improvements. Right now, you’re probably looking at starting those big projects in 2027. It’s a great idea to prepare for these updates whether you are planning to stay in your home or sell it in the new year.
Many upgrades to your home can be done easily and quickly, by you or your family, if you decide to go DIY. For other, bigger improvements, you may be gathering estimates and ideas for the changes you have envisioned.
Keep in mind that making changes to your home can be exciting. Dreaming about things like a new kitchen or room addition or even a new leak-free roof or shiny draft-free windows can be fun.
As you experience that thrill over your prospective home projects, there are several things to account for when drawing up plans for these big changes to your home.
Financing first
Early in the game, figure out your finances for upgrades you have outlined. If you are just updating one light fixture, changing out some bathroom faucets, or replacing a single window, you likely have the money saved up for these smaller projects.
However, if you are refreshing your kitchen down to the studs, adding a room on to your home, or finishing the basement, you are probably looking to finance this major work.
For larger projects, you’re going to want to have your financing in place through a home equity loan, a home refinancing, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), if you don’t have the cash readily available.
All of these options require some time with your lender to get through the application process, provide documentation, and close the refinancing and home equity loan. A HELOC may require less time, but will still involve an application and documentation process.
Start the financing aspect of the project now, so that when you begin the work in 2027, you have access to quick cash for deposits and payments you will be making to your contractor(s). If you need lender recommendations, contact an LW Reedy professional for info.
Planning for permits
The city of Elmhurst, like many Chicago suburbs, requires a permit for building and construction projects. All projects must comply with city building codes that safeguard health and welfare. Details and forms can be found on the Elmhurst's website.
Here is a small selection (see the complete list here) of common residential Elmhurst home projects that require permits:
Additions/dormers
Air conditioning/furnace/HVAC
Catch basin
Deck
Demolitions
Downspouts/gutters (and relocate/bury downspouts)
Drain tile/sump pump
Driveway
Dumpster
Electrical services
Elevator
EV charger
Exterior steps/stoop
Fence/gate
Fire pit
Fireplace
Footing/foundation repair
Garage/garage slab
Generator
Grading/regrading
Interior remodel
Lawn sprinkler
Outdoor kitchen/grill/gas line
Patio
Pergola
Pool (above and inground)
Porch
Radon mitigation system
Sewer/storm line (repair/replace)
Shed (100 square feet or larger)
Siding
Solar panels
Spa/hot tub
Sport court
Water line repair/upgrade
Windows
If your Elmhurst home project is not on the required permit list, please call Elmhurst city hall at 630-530-3030. The city will confirm if a permit is required for your project and what type of permit is required.
If your home is located outside of Elmhurst city limits, review your city’s website for details on permit applications and requirements or contact your city’s town hall for details.
In addition, many contractors, especially when completing a larger remodeling project, include managing the required permit(s) as part of their project management. Consult with your contractor before applying for a permit for your project.
Applying for permits
Elmhurst provides an online Citizen Self-Service Portal. This online tool allows homeowners and contractors to:
Apply for a permit.
Track the status of a permit application.
Submit required documents related to the proposed work.
View required inspections.
Schedule inspections.
Review inspection reports and inspector notes.
Pay fees.
Set up email reminders to all interested parties (homeowners, contractors, project manager, architect, etc.) on permit status.
Communicate with city staff.
Other cities outside of Elmhurst should include information on their city website regarding requirements for applying for and monitoring home project permits. If you have questions, call your city hall for details.
Be patient. Permits take time. No matter who applies for the permits, city staff need to process the permit and receive the appropriate documents supporting your permit application.
It’s always good to keep in mind that scheduling inspections and reinspections may require extra time around city holidays. Project delays can also occur if a reinspection is required.
You’re almost ready
Let’s recap your 2027 home improvement project plan checklist.
Arrange financing for your projects.
Contact your city for details on whether a permit is needed for your project(s).
Discuss the permit needs with your contractor(s).
Schedule and manage progress of project(s).
Enjoy the finished project.
Chat with an LW Reedy real estate pro if the upgrades were done in preparation of a home sale.
Plan ahead on your home projects and make 2027 the year you make your home more enjoyable for you and your family!
Share the info
If you learned something about planning for a big home project, be sure to share this blog post with your neighbors, friends, and family who might be thinking of making home improvements. We’d also love to help those who might be selling or buying a home in the Chicago area in the new year.
LW Reedy is Elmhurst’s local real estate resource for 75 years and counting. Rely on us for useful, practical real estate information. Contact us with your real estate questions.
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For more information about maintaining your home, preparing it for sale, or buying a new home in Chicagoland, contact your LW Reedy real estate agent.
