Custom homes and remodels in Darien, a city with a detailed permit checklist.
Darien, IL
Building next to Waterfall Glen
The whole south edge of Darien backs up to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, which has the Rocky Glen waterfall and trails. The city sits just north of I-55 and Frontage Road, the old Route 66. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels here.
Frank Lello is on site every day, and you have one point of contact on the job. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
DuPage County
Population
22,011 (2020)
Permits
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
Darien's permit steps, in order
New construction in Darien needs a plat of survey, a site plan, an engineering and grading plan reviewed by a consulting engineer for stormwater compliance, and architect-stamped building plans. You pay the engineering review fees, and the city won't process an application until it's complete. Every contractor and subcontractor needs a City of Darien license, which means proof of liability insurance, a $10,000 bond and a $60 annual fee.
All new residential construction and additions of 800 square feet or more must also go through DuPage County, and the county stormwater permit is paid through the city. A demolition or a large addition could trigger replacement of the existing sanitary sewer pipe, particularly clay tile, which is worth pricing early on an older house.
The city tracks the build with surveys. A spot survey is due within 14 days after the foundation is placed, and nothing but utilities can continue until the city approves it. A final grading survey is due at least four days before the final occupancy request, and sod or seed can't go down until it's approved. A construction driveway of stone or existing hard surface is required within five days after the foundation, along with a portable restroom and silt fence around the perimeter.
The schedule has rules too. Work can't start before 6:30 AM on weekdays or 7:30 AM on weekends, and can't run past 10:00 PM. A permit becomes void if work hasn't started within 60 days, or after one year unless extended, and the city limits a property to one active building permit. RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the city's requirements. See custom homes.
Sources: Darien building permit information packet, Darien, Illinois
Services
What we build in Darien
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 Darien
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".
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.
FAQ
Building in Darien: questions
What survey requirements does Darien have for new homes?
A spot survey is due within 14 days after the foundation is placed, and only utilities can continue until the city approves it. A final grading survey is due at least four days before the final occupancy request, and sod or seed can't be planted until it's approved.
Can I have more than one building permit open in Darien?
No. The city limits a property to one active building permit. A permit also becomes void if work hasn't started within 60 days, or after one year from issuance unless it's extended.
What hours can construction run in Darien?
Work can't start before 6:30 AM on weekdays or 7:30 AM on weekends, and it can't continue after 10:00 PM. Those limits come from the city's permit packet, so any crew on your site works inside them.
Does RL Builders build in Darien?
Yes. We take custom home and remodel work in Darien.
Planning a build in Darien?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
