Business Details
40 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Chicago, IL
Founded in 1986, Gort Custom Homes has established itself as a trusted family-owned custom home builder serving the Chicagoland area. Our founder, Gerry Neilan, brings decades of hands-on experience in residential construction, fostering strong relationships with local trade partners, suppliers, and community leaders. We specialize in transforming clients' visions into reality through personalized custom home design and construction, emphasizing quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and meticulous attention to detail. Our process includes lot selection, architectural design, permit acquisition, and construction management, supported by a 20-25 page specification document to ensure clarity and client satisfaction.We prioritize direct client involvement at every stage, offering hands-on supervision and daily accessibility to address concerns. Our commitment to ethical business practices, competitive pricing, and innovative design has earned us a reputation for excellence. We serve clients across Chicago, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, and Hinsdale, focusing on creating homes that reflect individual lifestyles. Our smaller company structure allows for personalized client relationships and efficient project management. We provide a two-year limited warranty and comprehensive support throughout the construction journey, from initial concept to final closing.
Services
Custom Home Building
Home Remodeling
Lot Selection
Construction Management
Design Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of hands-on experience in Chicagoland residential construction.
- Our family-owned structure ensures personalized attention and direct client communication.
- We provide 20+ page construction specifications for complete project transparency.
- Gerry Neilan offers daily on-site supervision and immediate accessibility via direct cell.
- We maintain strong relationships with local trade partners for cost-efficient solutions.
What people say
Great experience from start to finish
Exceeded deadlines
Solid home construction
Creative ideas from experience
Completed ahead of schedule
Services
Custom Home Building
We design and construct fully customized homes tailored to individual preferences. Our process involves collaborative planning, architectural design, and hands-on supervision to ensure every detail meets client expectations. The service includes lot selection assistance, permit acquisition, and comprehensive construction management from groundbreaking to final inspection.
Home Remodeling
We transform existing homes through modernization projects and structural modifications. Services range from updating outdated rooms to complete home makeovers, including basement conversions and family space expansions. Our approach maintains the home's original character while incorporating contemporary features and functional improvements based on client requirements.
Lot Selection
We assist clients in choosing optimal building sites from our available properties or work with client-owned lots. The service includes a $5,000 refundable deposit to secure preferred locations during the design phase. We provide guidance on zoning regulations, neighborhood characteristics, and construction feasibility for selected sites.
Construction Management
We coordinate all aspects of the building process with hands-on supervision from owner Gerry Neilan. Services include scheduling tradespeople, quality control checks, and progress tracking through approximately 150-200 construction days. Clients receive regular updates and participate in key decision points throughout the building timeline.
Design Services
We offer comprehensive design assistance using existing blueprints or creating custom plans. Services include architectural collaboration, material selection guidance, and specification documentation. Clients can personalize features like cabinetry, countertops, and exterior finishes through our detailed selection process.
People
Gerry Neilan
Owner
Founder of Gort Custom Homes since 1986 with extensive Chicagoland construction experience. Known for daily on-site supervision, direct client communication, and maintaining high-quality standards through strong trade partnerships.
Questions
How long has Gort Custom Homes been in business?
We've been building custom homes in Chicagoland since 1986.
Can you build on my existing lot?
Yes, we construct custom homes on client-owned lots anywhere in the Chicagoland area.
How do you ensure construction quality?
Gerry Neilan provides daily on-site inspections and maintains behind-the-walls quality standards.
What's included in your construction specifications?
We provide 20-25 page detailed specifications covering all construction aspects for transparency.
How are construction payments structured?
Payments occur at key milestones: foundation, roof, rough-in trades, drywall, cabinets, and final closing.
Can I communicate directly with the builder?
Yes, owner Gerry Neilan provides his direct cell phone number for immediate communication.
Videos
