New Lenox, IL
A railroad settlement that now has its own winter concrete rule
New Lenox grew from a railroad settlement on the Rock Island line, and the first settlers arrived on Hickory Creek near today's Gougar Road in 1829. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels for owners in the village, which sits in central Will County.
We can set up tours of finished portfolio homes and hand over references, and our office is in Lemont. Frank Lello is on site each day of the build, and you have one point of contact.

County
Will County
Population
27,214 (2020)
Permits
Building Department (Community Development), Village of New Lenox
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
New Lenox permits, surveys and the concrete calendar
The Building Department is a division of Community Development, and the Engineering Department reviews every new build for municipal systems and stormwater detention. All contractors and subcontractors must register with the village before a permit is issued, with a $150 fee, proof of insurance and a $10,000 surety bond. The new-home fee is based on square footage of living, basement and garage area, and an open space contribution may also apply.
The calendar can affect your schedule. The village prohibits placing concrete flatwork from December 1 to March 30, and accepts bonds in lieu of exterior concrete during that period. A foundation survey has to be submitted before framing starts, and the village has a final grade survey ordinance with final grade bonds for new construction. Building inspections need 48 hours notice, and water meter and plumbing inspections need 24.
Codes are the 2018 International Building and Residential Codes with village amendments, and EV charging requirements for new construction took effect January 1, 2024. A miscellaneous permit covers demolition, along with fences, decks, sheds, driveways and generators. Private sidewalks and concrete or paver patios don't need one.
The village also publishes engineering design standards and NPDES II stormwater pages for development. Your engineer will be working to those. RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the village's requirements. See custom homes.
Sources: New Lenox new construction and renovations, New Lenox residential new construction inspections, New Lenox contractor registration, New Lenox building permits and forms, New Lenox building code
Services
What we build in New Lenox
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 New Lenox

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 New Lenox: questions
Can concrete be poured in winter in New Lenox?
Not exterior flatwork. The village prohibits placing concrete flatwork from December 1 to March 30, though it accepts bonds in lieu of exterior concrete during that period. Plan the exterior concrete around that window.
What surveys does New Lenox require on a new home?
A foundation survey must be submitted to the Building Department before framing starts, so framing can't begin until it's in. The village also has a final grade survey ordinance and final grade bonds for new construction.
How does New Lenox set its permit fee for a new house?
The building permit fee schedule is based on the square footage of living, basement and garage area, and an open space contribution may also apply. Contractors and subcontractors each register with the village first, with a $150 fee, insurance and a $10,000 surety bond.
Does RL Builders build in New Lenox?
Yes. RL Builders takes custom home and remodel work in New Lenox. Frank Lello is on site daily, and we can arrange tours of portfolio homes elsewhere and give references.
Planning a build in New Lenox?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
