Custom homes, additions and remodels in Joliet, from Victorian blocks to newer lots.
Joliet, IL
Large Victorians, historic districts and a city across nine townships
Joliet has large Victorian homes, many of them cut into apartments in the 1940s, and about 52,737 housing units in total. You might own one of those and want it back to a single family home, or have a newer lot and want to start from scratch. RL Builders takes on custom homes, additions and high end remodels here.
We work out of Lemont, and Frank Lello is on site every day, so you have one person to call. We build only on land you own, from your plans or with your architect and designer. Most of our work comes through referrals, and we'll arrange references and tours.
County
Kendall and Will Counties
Population
150,362 (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
What to know before building in Joliet
Joliet requires permits for new construction, additions, structural alterations, interior remodels and system changes. The Building and Inspectional Services Division is at 150 W. Jefferson Street. Contractors must have registration on file before a permit is issued, and electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors each need a letter of intent for every project. Line those up before you submit.
New construction inspections include footings, foundation walls, framing, insulation and final, and the building must be complete before a certificate of occupancy. The city lists the 2015 IBC and IRC with the 2024 IECC as its energy code. It also has a Storm Detention Ordinance, No. 7039, which your plans may need to respect.
Historic review is the part many owners miss. Exterior changes to designated historic properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, and it must be approved before you apply for a building permit. Interior modifications to those properties are not subject to Commission approval. The Joliet East Side Historic District (1980) and the Upper Bluff Historic District (1991) are on the National Register of Historic Places. Ask the city whether your address is a designated property.
The city also runs across nine townships, more than any other Illinois city. We coordinate the permits, line the plans up with the city's codes, and keep the electrical in house as a licensed electrical contractor. For an older house, look at our whole home renovations.
Sources: Joliet building code information, Joliet local historic districts, Joliet, Illinois
Services
What we build in Joliet
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 Joliet
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.
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 Joliet: questions
Do I need historic approval to change the outside of my Joliet house?
If it is a designated historic property, yes. Exterior changes need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, approved before the building permit application. Interior modifications are not subject to Commission approval. Ask the city whether your address is designated.
What do Joliet contractors need before a permit is issued?
Contractor registration has to be on file before a permit is issued. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors each need a letter of intent for every project, so every trade has paperwork to file before work starts.
What inspections does a new Joliet home need?
Required inspections include footings, foundation walls, framing, insulation and final. The building must be complete before the city grants a certificate of occupancy. The office for questions is at 150 W. Jefferson Street.
Does RL Builders build in Joliet?
Yes. We take on custom homes, additions and remodels in Joliet. We're in Lemont, build only on land you own, and Frank Lello is on site every day.
Planning a build in Joliet?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
