Custom homes and remodels in Palos Heights, close to our Palos Park work.
Palos Heights, IL
Near Lake Katherine, with a permit office you'll visit in person
Lake Katherine, a nature center developed from land along the Cal-Sag Channel starting in the late 1980s, is a landmark in the city, and Palos Heights itself was incorporated on April 11, 1959. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions, finished basements and high end remodels here. The city's neighborhoods include Ishnala, Navajo Hills, Westgate Valley and Old Westgate.
Our closest finished work is in Palos Park, including the 12,000 square foot Shadow Ridge. Frank Lello is on site every day and you deal with one contact. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Cook County
Population
12,068 (2020)
Permits
Building Department and Code Compliance, City of Palos Heights
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 Palos Heights
The Building Department and Code Compliance office wants all construction documents submitted digitally. Permits have to be picked up in person and can't be emailed, contractor registration is done in person or by mail, and the city accepts no online payments. Put a trip to the city office in your timeline.
The city keeps separate permit applications for new construction, additions and remodeling, finished basements and garages. Its adopted codes, as listed on the city site, are mostly 2009 International Codes with the 2018 energy code, so ask your designer which edition they drew to.
Demolition takes the most paperwork. The permit needs a licensed well driller sign-off, sewer and water disconnection inspected by the city, proof of gas and electric disconnect, a Cook County demolition permit and a city right-of-way inspection. A notice sign must be posted 10 days before demolition, with silt fence installed and a signed tree protection agreement in place.
New construction also needs a separate tree removal permit. It requires a plat of survey showing the location, size, species and number of trees coming out, and trees in the right-of-way may not be removed. Construction hours are 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays. RL coordinates the permits and lines the plans up with the city's requirements. See custom homes.
Sources: Palos Heights building and code enforcement, Palos Heights demolition requirements, Palos Heights tree removal permit, Palos Heights hours of construction
Services
What we build in Palos Heights
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 Palos Heights
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 Palos Heights: questions
What does a Palos Heights demolition permit require?
It requires a licensed well driller sign-off, sewer and water disconnection inspected by the city, proof of gas and electric disconnect, a Cook County demolition permit and a city right-of-way inspection. A notice sign goes up 10 days before demolition, with silt fence and a signed tree protection agreement in place.
Can I remove trees to build a new house in Palos Heights?
You need the city's separate tree removal permit for new construction, with a plat of survey showing the location, size, species and number of trees being removed. Trees in the right-of-way may not be removed.
Can I pay for a Palos Heights permit online?
No. The city accepts no online payments, requires construction documents to be submitted digitally, and has permits picked up in person since they can't be emailed. Contractor registration is done in person or by mail.
Does RL Builders build in Palos Heights?
Yes. Our closest finished homes are Shadow Ridge and All the Bells and Whistles in Palos Park, and we can arrange tours on request.
Planning a build in Palos Heights?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
