Custom homes and remodels in Mokena, where a village guide sets the steps.
Mokena, IL
Two Metra stations, four school districts, one construction guide
Mokena has two Metra Rock Island District stations, Hickory Creek and Front Street, and elementary school service in the village is split among Mokena District 159, New Lenox District 122, Frankfort District 157C and Summit Hill District 161. Which district your lot sits in is worth knowing before you buy. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels in Mokena.
The nearest portfolio work is in Orland Park and Homer Glen. Frank Lello is on site every day, and you have one contact the whole way. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Will County
Population
19,887 (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 Mokena's residential construction guide asks for
The village's 2026 Residential Construction Guide sets the order of operations. A new single-family permit package needs two printed, stamped and signed architectural plan sets and two stamped plats of survey or proposed grading plans, with digital copies emailed to the department. The grading plan carries a Professional Engineer's seal, is drawn at 1 inch to 20 feet, and shows a benchmark within 300 feet and spot grades at all four property corners.
Money and site setup come before the permit. The village wants receipts for school, park, fire district and library contributions before it issues anything. A silt fence must be installed and approved first, and a dumpster and portable toilet have to be on site before construction starts. Inspections are scheduled by 2:00 PM the day before.
Some rules reach past the house itself. The owner is responsible for a public sidewalk along the property perimeter where it meets a public right of way, and for replacing damaged sidewalk before final occupancy. Every lot needs one parkway tree of 2.5 inch diameter for every 40 feet of parkway, and the village prohibits ash, poplar, Chinese elm, willow, cottonwood, box elder, Siberian elm and Russian olive.
Driveways must sit at least 5 feet from any property line and can't be wider than the garage. Neither driveways nor retaining walls may sit in designated easements. Water meters go in the basement area, not a crawlspace. The residential zoning chapter posted by the village sets floor area ratios between 0.3 and 0.7 by district, and minimum dwelling sizes that reach 2,200 square feet for two-story homes in some districts; that chapter is dated 2017, so confirm which district and numbers apply to your lot. RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the guide and the zoning chapter.
Sources: Mokena 2026 residential construction guide, Mokena residential district requirements
Services
What we build in Mokena
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 Mokena
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
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 Mokena: questions
What has to be paid before a Mokena building permit is issued?
The village requires receipts for school, park, fire district and library contributions before the permit is issued. It also wants the silt fence installed and approved first. Ask early what those contributions come to for your lot.
Who pays for sidewalk on a new Mokena home?
The owner. A new construction permit makes the owner responsible for installing a public sidewalk along the property perimeter where it abuts a public right of way, and for replacing any damaged sidewalk before final occupancy.
What are Mokena's driveway and tree rules?
Driveways must be at least 5 feet from any property line, can't be wider than the garage, and can't sit in a designated easement. Each lot needs one 2.5 inch parkway tree per 40 feet of parkway, and species like ash, poplar and willow are prohibited.
Does RL Builders build in Mokena?
Yes. We take custom home and remodel work in Mokena. Our nearest portfolio work is in Orland Park and Homer Glen, and we can arrange tours and references on request.
Planning a build in Mokena?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
