Burr Ridge Whole-Home Generator Planning Guide

Power flickers are stressful, especially when you are protecting your family, your technology, and your home’s systems. If you are thinking about a whole‑home generator in Burr Ridge, you want it safe, quiet, and approved the first time. This guide walks you through sizing, fuel choices, placement, permits, HOA steps, costs, and what to save for resale. You will leave with a clear plan and a checklist you can use today. Let’s dive in.

Define your backup goal

Start by deciding what “whole‑home” means for you. Some homeowners power every circuit at once, while others cover only essentials like heat, refrigeration, sump pumps, lighting, and Wi‑Fi. Your choice affects generator size, cost, and the transfer equipment you need.

A licensed electrician should perform a formal load calculation using National Electrical Code methods to right‑size your system. This prevents overloads from undersizing and avoids paying for capacity you will not use.

Right‑size the generator

Create an inventory of your major loads: furnace or boiler, air conditioning compressors, water heater, range, dryer, well or sump pump, refrigerators or freezers, EV charger, lighting, and outlets. Note that motors and compressors draw higher starting current than running current. Generators are rated in kilowatts and must handle those start‑up surges.

As general guidance, essential‑loads systems often fall between 8 and 16 kW, many full‑house solutions for modern single‑family homes land around 20 to 30 kW, and larger homes or those with electric heat or EV charging may need 40 kW or more. Your electrician will confirm the final size and coordinate any needed service upgrades with ComEd.

Transfer switch options

Most standby systems use an Automatic Transfer Switch. You can switch the entire service for true whole‑home coverage or route only critical circuits through a dedicated subpanel. Your electrician will match ATS ratings to the generator and your service amperage and set up proper grounding and overcurrent protection per code.

Choose your fuel in Burr Ridge

Natural gas provides continuous supply during long outages and eliminates deliveries. In Burr Ridge, coordinate with Nicor Gas and a licensed plumber to confirm line sizing and capacity. Gas outages are rare, but they can happen, so factor your risk tolerance.

Propane offers on‑site storage and independence from the pipeline. You will need tank space, permits, and periodic refills. Plan for delivery truck access and HOA‑compliant screening or burial if allowed. The Fire Department will review tank placement and setbacks.

Diesel is common in large commercial installs but is uncommon for suburban homes due to stricter storage rules and fuel maintenance needs. Battery hybrids are another option. Pairing a battery system with a generator can deliver instant backup plus extended runtime, though system complexity and cost are higher.

Placement, noise, and curb appeal

Standby generators sit outside on a level pad, usually concrete or a composite base, slightly above grade for drainage. Locating near the main electrical service and gas meter can reduce wiring and piping runs, but you must follow manufacturer clearances from windows, doors, and air intakes and direct exhaust away from occupied spaces.

Most residential models publish noise ratings in the 60 to 75 dBA range at a set distance. Burr Ridge neighbors and HOAs care about sound, so prioritize quiet models, smart placement, and screening. Consider evergreen plantings, lattice, or a purpose‑built enclosure that maintains ventilation and service access.

Permits and approvals in Burr Ridge

Plan on permits and inspections. The Village of Burr Ridge Building Division may require electrical and building or mechanical permits for the unit and ATS. Gas piping or propane systems require plumbing or fuel permits, and the Burr Ridge Fire Department reviews propane or diesel storage. Zoning review can apply if your placement is close to setbacks.

Expect to submit manufacturer specifications, a site plan with measured distances, load and transfer equipment documentation, and any screening details. Inspections typically cover gas piping, electrical work, tank installation, and final commissioning. Coordinate early with ComEd for meter or service changes and with Nicor Gas for any capacity increases.

Timeline and budget expectations

From decision to a running system, plan for several weeks to a few months. Permit review, contractor scheduling, material lead times, and weather can affect timing, especially if concrete work is involved.

Installed costs vary widely by capacity and site conditions. Essential‑loads systems are typically the most affordable. Whole‑house systems in the 20 to 30 kW range can land anywhere from several thousand dollars to the tens of thousands when you include equipment, installation, permits, tanks, screening, and any service upgrades. Get two to three written quotes and confirm exactly what is included.

Operation and maintenance

Schedule annual or semi‑annual maintenance. Typical service includes oil and filter changes, battery checks, and an exercise test. Propane systems require periodic tank inspection, and diesel setups need fuel quality management. Keep a clean log of service records to support warranty compliance and future resale.

HOA and resale essentials

If you live in an HOA, apply to the Architectural Review Committee before you file permits. Include product literature, a scaled site plan with setbacks, elevations that show screening, and a basic noise‑mitigation plan. This preparation shortens review time and reduces revisions.

For resale, save permits, inspection sign‑offs, maintenance logs, and warranty documents. If you use propane, keep the fuel tank lease or ownership paperwork and any delivery agreements. Buyers and lenders appreciate clean documentation, and a neat, code‑compliant, well‑screened installation reads as a premium reliability feature.

Quick checklist

• Define your coverage goal: full‑house or essential loads.
• Hire a licensed electrician for an NEC‑based load calculation.
• Confirm utility needs with ComEd and Nicor Gas early.
• If choosing propane, consult a certified propane dealer on tank size, access, and setbacks.
• Contact the Village of Burr Ridge Building Division and the Burr Ridge Fire Department to confirm permits and reviews.
• Secure written HOA approval before submitting permits.
• Obtain 2 to 3 detailed quotes that include permits, pad, ATS, interconnection, startup, and warranty.
• Choose screening that protects airflow and allows service access.
• Set up a maintenance plan and keep all records for resale.

When to call in pros

Bring in licensed electricians, plumbers or gasfitters, and certified propane vendors at the start. Their early input prevents redesigns and delays. If you are planning to sell or to market reliability as a feature, connect with The Deidre Collective to align your installation, budget, and documentation with buyer expectations in Burr Ridge.

Ready to talk through value, timing, and what to save for closing? Schedule your complimentary market consultation with The Deidre Collective.

FAQs

Do I need a new electrical service for a generator in Burr Ridge?

• Possibly; your electrician will determine this during the load calculation and can coordinate any service or meter changes with ComEd.

What permits are required for a whole‑home generator in Burr Ridge?

• Expect electrical and building or mechanical permits, plus plumbing or fuel permits for gas or propane; propane or diesel storage is reviewed by the Fire Department.

How big should my generator be for whole‑home coverage?

• Many modern single‑family homes fall around 20 to 30 kW for full‑house coverage, but you should rely on an NEC‑based load calculation by a licensed electrician.

Is natural gas or propane better for Burr Ridge homes?

• Natural gas offers continuous supply if the utility remains online; propane provides on‑site storage and independence but needs tank space and deliveries; choose based on site, HOA rules, and comfort with logistics.

How loud are standby generators in a neighborhood setting?

• Typical residential units are rated around 60 to 75 dBA at a set distance; careful placement, screening, and model selection can reduce perceived noise for neighbors and HOAs.

How long does installation take from start to finish?

• Most projects take several weeks to a few months depending on permits, contractor schedules, weather, and any service upgrades or tank work.

What documents should I keep for resale if I install a generator?

• Save permits, inspection sign‑offs, maintenance logs, warranty details, and any fuel tank lease or ownership records to support disclosures and buyer confidence.