Custom homes and remodels in Clarendon Hills, a village with a strict permit package.
Clarendon Hills, IL
A village laid out like Riverside, with a strict permit package
Clarendon Hills was laid out to resemble Riverside, a park-like planned suburb, rather than on the Downers Grove street grid, and it incorporated to avoid being annexed by Hinsdale. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels here.
Frank Lello is on site every day, and you get one contact for the whole job. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
DuPage County
Population
8,702 (2020)
Permits
Community Development Department, Village of Clarendon Hills
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 Clarendon Hills
The village's Community Development Department treats a new single-family home, or an addition of 800 square feet or more, as one complete package. Partial submittals aren't accepted. For a new home that package includes architectural plans sealed by a registered architect or structural engineer, and a grading plan sealed by a professional engineer showing one-foot contours and trees of 4 inches or more in diameter.
Stormwater is the next layer. Calculations by a professional engineer are required, and a net increase of 300 square feet or more of impervious area triggers post-construction infiltration storage of 1.25 inches for the new surfaces. New homes also need a DuPage County Stormwater Management Permit application, a ResCheck energy worksheet and village business licenses for the general contractor and trades. The village also publishes a floor area ratio calculation sheet with its forms, and new codes, including the 2024 International Building and Residential Codes, took effect February 1, 2026.
Teardowns cost real money up front. Adjoining owners get certified-mail notice at least three weeks before demolition. The posted packet lists a demolition fee of $8,600 and a $1,000 right-of-way protection deposit, and asks for a $1,000,000 certificate of insurance, a surety bond of at least $10,000 held through the final certificate of occupancy of the new home, and utility disconnection letters. Confirm the current amounts with the village, then add them up before you decide between a remodel and a rebuild.
The site plan has its own checklist. Plans must show 6 foot chain link construction fencing on private property, along with the location of public parkway trees and private trees 4 inches or more in diameter. RL coordinates permits with the village and lines the plans up with these requirements. See custom homes.
Sources: Clarendon Hills building permits, New home and addition submittal requirements, Clarendon Hills demolition packet, Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Services
What we build in Clarendon Hills
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 Clarendon Hills
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.
Towns near Clarendon Hills
FAQ
Building in Clarendon Hills: questions
Can I submit part of a permit package in Clarendon Hills?
No. A new single-family home, or an addition of 800 square feet or more, must be submitted as one complete package, and the village doesn't accept partial submittals. Sealed plans, the sealed grading plan and the stormwater calculations all go in together.
What does a demolition cost to set up in Clarendon Hills?
The posted packet lists an $8,600 demolition fee and a $1,000 right-of-way protection deposit, so confirm current amounts with the village. It also requires a $1,000,000 certificate of insurance and a surety bond of at least $10,000 held through final occupancy of the new home. Adjoining owners get three weeks notice by certified mail.
Does a new Clarendon Hills home need stormwater engineering?
Yes. The village requires stormwater calculations by a professional engineer and a DuPage County Stormwater Management Permit application. A net increase of 300 square feet or more of impervious area triggers infiltration storage of 1.25 inches for the new surfaces.
Does RL Builders build in Clarendon Hills?
Yes. We take custom home and remodel work in Clarendon Hills.
Planning a build in Clarendon Hills?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
