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Lemont, IL

A builder whose office is in the same village as your lot

RL Builders builds custom homes and high end remodels in Lemont, and the office is here too, at 913 State St. Lemont's downtown is a National Register historic district of about 38 surviving quarry stone buildings, and local stone helped shape the older homes around it.

Frank Lello is on site every day and he's your one point of contact. Homes up to 10,000 sq ft almost always finish in under a year. Our closest finished projects are in Homer Glen, Palos Park and Orland Park, and you can ask for references or a tour of a finished home.

Shadow Ridge, custom home by RL Builders in Palos Park
Shadow Ridge, Palos Park. Built by RL Builders.

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, homeowner
  • Frank 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

Read more reviews on Yelp, Houzz and Facebook.

What to know before building in Lemont

The Village of Lemont Building Department handles permits and inspections. The village says most projects need a permit and asks owners to call 630-257-1580 if there's any doubt. Applications, contractor registration and inspection requests all run through the online permit portal, so you won't be mailing plans around.

Since January 1, 2024 the village has enforced the 2021 International Building, Residential and Existing Building Codes, each with Lemont's own amendments. Planning is a separate track. If your plan needs a variation or a concept plan review, that goes through the village's OpenGov portal, and there's a separate Site Development Permit application too. A job that needs a variation can have two applications in at once.

Check the map before you buy plans for an older street. In 2001 the Village Board created a Historic District covering downtown and adjacent residential areas, including four blocks of Singer Avenue. Exterior alterations there need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, filed through the Building Division's portal. The village also publishes a Guide to the R-4A Zoning District if your lot falls in that zone.

One small thing that surprises people: owners maintain the parkway trees next to their property, and the village only removes them when they're dead, dying or storm damaged.

RL coordinates the permits for you and lines the plans up with the village's requirements. If you're weighing a new build against a bigger remodel, see custom homes and whole home renovations.

Sources: Village of Lemont Building Department, Lemont building code, Lemont Historic Preservation Commission, Lemont planning applications and forms

FAQ

Building in Lemont: questions

Is RL Builders actually based in Lemont?

Yes. The office is at 913 State St, Lemont, IL 60439, and owner Frank Lello runs jobs from here. You can call (708) 301-0700 or ask to see completed homes in the area.

Do I need a permit for a remodel in Lemont?

Most likely. The village says most projects need building permits and inspections, and it asks owners to call the Building Department at 630-257-1580 if they're unsure. A quick call settles it before work starts.

What if my house is in Lemont's Historic District?

Exterior changes in the district need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, filed through the village portal. That review comes before construction, so it's worth confirming your address early.

Which building codes does Lemont use?

The codes effective January 1, 2024 are the 2021 International Building, Residential and Existing Building Codes, each with village amendments. Plans have to meet the amended local version.

Planning a build in Lemont?

Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.