Custom homes and remodels in Willow Springs, near our Palos Park work.
Willow Springs, IL
A small village on the Des Plaines River with clear contractor rules
Willow Springs was founded in 1892 and named for springs along the Des Plaines River, which also put it on the Chicago portage. It had 5,857 residents in 2020, and a small part of the village reaches into DuPage County. RL Builders builds custom homes, additions and high end remodels here.
Palos Park is our nearest project town, and Shadow Ridge there runs 12,000 square feet. Frank Lello is on site every day and you get one contact for the job. References and tours of finished RL homes are available on request.
County
Cook and DuPage Counties
Population
5,857 (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
Contractors, permits and variations in Willow Springs
In Willow Springs, new buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions and temporary buildings all need building permits and inspections, and permits are submitted through the Village Clerk's Office. The village says to allow a minimum of 5 business days for processing. It also asks for a signed contract listing project cost and scope, and a plat of survey for outside structures such as sheds, driveways and fences.
Every permit needs a registered contractor. Registration is a $100 fee, a $10,000 surety bond, $1,000,000 in general liability insurance and $500,000 in workers compensation, and the general contractor and every subcontractor must register. Inspections are requested with the cards you get at permit pickup, with 48 hours notice. A re-inspection costs $50.
Finish-line rules are firm. A dumpster must be on site before construction begins, and no occupancy permit is issued until the site is cleared of debris. Before occupancy the builder must submit an as-built site development plan in triplicate, sealed by a registered engineer, and engineer inspection fees are added to the permit price. The village also posts a fines notice for work done without a permit.
If your plan doesn't fit the zoning, a variation is decided by the board of trustees after a public hearing before the plan and zoning commission, based on practical difficulty or hardship. RL coordinates permits and lines the plans up with the village's zoning and building rules. See custom homes.
Sources: Village of Willow Springs building department, Willow Springs dumpster requirements, Applying for a zoning variance
Services
What we build in Willow Springs
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 Willow Springs
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 Willow Springs: questions
What does a contractor need to register in Willow Springs?
A $100 registration fee, a $10,000 surety bond, $1,000,000 in general liability insurance and $500,000 in workers compensation. The general contractor and all subcontractors must register, and every permit requires a registered contractor.
What does Willow Springs need before it issues an occupancy permit?
The builder must submit an as-built site development plan in triplicate, sealed by a registered engineer, and the job site must be cleared of debris. Engineer inspection fees are added to the building permit price.
How does a zoning variation work in Willow Springs?
The plan and zoning commission holds a public hearing, and the board of trustees decides the variation based on practical difficulty or hardship. The village posts a 2025 zoning map, so check your lot against it first.
Does RL Builders build in Willow Springs?
Yes. We take work here. Our closest finished projects are in Palos Park, and we can arrange tours and references on request.
Planning a build in Willow Springs?
Call (708) 301-0700 or send a few details, and Frank will talk through your lot, budget and timing.
