Custom homes and high end remodels in Oak Brook, run by Frank Lello.
Oak Brook, IL
A village of subdivisions, and what that means for your lot
RL Builders builds custom homes and high end remodels for owners in Oak Brook. The village is mostly residential subdivisions, with the retail and office property gathered along 22nd Street and the I-88 corridor, and RL builds only on land the owner already holds.
Frank Lello is on site every day of the job, and you deal with one person the whole way. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Cook and DuPage Counties
Population
8,163 (2020)
Permits
Development Services Department (Building Division), Village of Oak Brook
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 Oak Brook
Oak Brook's Development Services Department (Building Division) takes residential permits through an online portal. Every required document has to be uploaded when you submit, or the application can't be filed at all. A missing plat of survey stops the whole thing, so the package has to be complete on day one.
New homes, some additions, land modification, driveways, retaining walls within easements and work in the village right-of-way all need the village's engineering permit. An addition application asks for architectural plans, engineering plans, a plat of survey, approval from the Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District, energy compliance documents and a covenant running with the land. If your subdivision has a homeowners association, its approval goes in the package too.
Teardowns have their own steps. The demolition application needs a plat of survey, Flagg Creek approval, association approval where it applies and a neighbor notification. The notice is mailed to residents within 250 feet, and the permit is issued no sooner than ten days after the certified mailing date. Once it's issued, the code calls for a six-foot chain link fence around the work and silt fencing for erosion control.
Under section 10-1-6 of the village code, the site also needs a covered dumpster set back at least ten feet from any side lot line, and a construction traffic management submittal has to be in before a demolition or new principal structure permit is issued. The planning and zoning page lists a Certificate of Appropriateness application next to variations, special uses and appeals, so ask the village early which of those your lot might need. RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the village's rules. See custom homes.
Sources: Village of Oak Brook permits and forms, Oak Brook residential permit requirements, Oak Brook demolition packet, Oak Brook planning and zoning
Services
What we build in Oak Brook
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 Oak Brook
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.
Homer Glen Ranch
A custom ranch home in Homer Glen with durable materials, clean detailing and covered outdoor areas. Completed in 2018.
FAQ
Building in Oak Brook: questions
How long before a demolition permit is issued in Oak Brook?
The village mails notice to residents within 250 feet, and the demolition permit is issued no sooner than ten days after the certified mailing date. You also need a plat of survey, Flagg Creek approval and a neighbor notification in the application. Plan the ten days into your schedule from the start.
What fencing does Oak Brook require around a demolition site?
After a demolition permit is issued, the village code requires a six-foot chain link fence around the perimeter of the construction activity, plus silt fencing for erosion control. The site rules also call for a covered dumpster at least ten feet from any side lot line.
Does RL Builders build in Oak Brook?
Yes. Yes. RL Builders takes custom home, addition and remodeling work in Oak Brook. We can arrange tours of other homes and give references on request.
Planning a build in Oak Brook?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
