Custom luxury homes built on your lot, with the owner on site every day.
Custom Homes
A custom home builder who is on your job every day
RL Builders builds custom luxury homes across the southwest and western Chicago suburbs. The family has been building here since 1972, and owner Frank Lello still runs every job in person.
We only build on property our clients own. We don't sell land or spec homes, which keeps our overhead low and our attention on your house. Typical projects run $1 million to $3.5 million, and we can fit into any budget.
Homes up to 10,000 sq ft almost always finish in under a year. A shorter build means less interest paid on your construction loan.
Typical project
$1M to $3.5M
Build time
Under 1 year for homes up to 10,000 sq ft
Where we build
Your lot, in 33 suburbs
On site
Owner Frank Lello, every day
What building with RL looks like
Most of our work comes from referrals, and we will give references and tours of any home in our portfolio. The subcontractors we bring to your site have worked with us for 10 years on average, so the crews know our standards before they start.
We confirm the budget, timeline and major choices up front so decisions don't pile up halfway through the build. Then we coordinate plans, permits, selections and scheduling before construction begins.
RL is also a licensed electrical contractor. We handle wiring, lighting and the systems a modern custom home needs as part of the build instead of chasing another trade.
Homes we have built
Our custom work ranges from a ranch home in Homer Glen to Shadow Ridge, a 12,000 sq ft home in Palos Park with copper turrets and limestone block masonry that was featured on Comcast's "Builders & Buyers". All the Bells and Whistles, also in Palos Park, has more than 10,000 sq ft, 10 bathrooms, a theater and indoor and outdoor pools. Both large Palos Park homes were finished in under a year.
How we run a job
One point of contact, start to finish
Plan
We start with a consultation on your goals, budget range, timeline and location. Then we coordinate plans, permits, selections and the schedule so the job is organized before anyone breaks ground.
Build
Frank is on the job every day. We coordinate the crews, track progress and check quality as we go, and you get one point of contact for every question.
Finish
We walk the finished work with you, close out the punch list and stay available after turnover. Past clients say Frank still checks in years later.
Custom Homes RL has built
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.
Brick Estate Home
A two story brick custom home with a finished walkout lower level and a multi level outdoor living setup with a covered patio and deck.
Custom Homes near you
RL works across 33 towns in the southwest and western suburbs. See every town we serve.
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
FAQ
Custom Homes: common questions
How much does a custom home cost with RL Builders?
Our typical projects run $1 million to $3.5 million. We can fit into any budget, so the best first step is a call about your lot, size and finishes. We explain the price and what it includes once we understand the project.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Homes up to 10,000 sq ft almost always finish in less than a year. Shadow Ridge, a 12,000 sq ft home in Palos Park, was also built in under a year.
Do I need to own my lot?
Yes. We only build on client owned property. We don't own land, which keeps our overhead low and our pricing competitive.
Can you build from my architect's plans?
Yes. We can build from your plans or work alongside your architect and designer. If you need one, we can recommend professionals who fit the project.
Do you handle permits?
Yes. We coordinate permitting and line the plans up with local requirements. Every suburb has its own rules, so we handle that part to keep the job moving.
Do you do the electrical work?
Yes. RL Builders is a licensed electrical contractor, so electrical work is handled in house as part of the project. That keeps coordination tight and the schedule moving.
Talk to Frank about your custom home
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will walk you through scope, budget and timing.
