Custom homes and additions for Manhattan owners, built by a Lemont company.
Manhattan, IL
A small Will County village that grew by a third in ten years
Manhattan went from 7,051 people in 2010 to 9,385 in 2020, about a third more, and it counted 3,228 housing units in 2020. If you hold a lot here, or bought a few years back and now need more room, RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels in the village.
We work from Lemont, and Frank Lello is on site every day of a job. You get one contact. We build only on land you own, and references are there if you want to talk to past clients. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Will County
Population
9,385 (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 Manhattan
Manhattan's Village office is at 260 Market Place, and new homes use a Residential Building Permit Guide and application. Read the guide before your architect starts, because it tells you what the Village wants in the package. Online applications are accepted only for decks, fences, patios and sheds. A new house or a large addition gets submitted in person at Village Hall.
Two small rules save people trouble. The Village does not keep plats of survey on file, and it asks applicants not to submit the original, so hand over a copy. Permit fees are due when you submit. And starting work before the permit is issued brings a stop work order and fines, so no crew should touch the lot until the paper is in hand.
Contractors must be registered with the Village before the permit process begins. For a home improvement permit, which covers the smaller projects, the building department has up to 5 business days after submittal to issue it. A new house follows the Residential Building Permit Guide instead, so ask the office what timing to expect.
Manhattan has a Metra station on the SouthWest Service line, and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail can be reached at the Manhattan Road access point. On our side, we coordinate the permits, match the plans to what the Village asks for, and handle the electrical in house as a licensed electrical contractor. Details on scope are on our custom homes and additions pages.
Sources: Village of Manhattan home improvement permits, Village of Manhattan new residential building permit, Manhattan, Illinois
Services
What we build in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
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.
FAQ
Building in Manhattan: questions
Can I apply for a Manhattan building permit online?
Only for decks, fences, patios and sheds. The Village says larger projects, which includes a new home or a big addition, are submitted in person at Village Hall at 260 Market Place. Permit fees are due when you submit the application.
What happens if work starts before the permit is issued in Manhattan?
The Village issues a stop work order and fines. Contractors also need to be registered with the Village before the permit process starts, so check registration before anyone breaks ground.
Should I give the Village my original plat of survey?
No. The Village does not keep plats of survey on file, and it tells applicants not to submit the original. Send a copy and keep the original. Permit fees are due at submittal, so have payment ready that day.
Does RL Builders build in Manhattan?
Yes. We take on projects there. We're based in Lemont, build only on land you own, and Frank Lello is on site every day. Ask for references or a tour of a finished home.
Planning a build in Manhattan?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
