Fairfield Homes, Inc. excels in navigating the complex regulatory permit process, cutting through bureaucratic red tape efficiently. We also provide expert advice on selecting the right building lot for your new home, considering various factors that impact design and cost. Beyond construction costs, numerous hidden fees and regulatory costs arise before receiving a permit. These pre-construction fees and regulatory commitments can range from $25,000 to over $200,000.
In Illinois, fees and requirements vary significantly between different cities, towns, and villages. It’s important to research these fees thoroughly, as different terms may be used. Based on our experience building over fifty new homes in the past eight years, here are some examples of permit fees:
- Arlington Heights: $7,000-8,000
- Mount Prospect, Long Grove: $10,000-11,000
- Des Plaines, Glenview: $11,000-13,000
- Palatine, Kildeer: $14,000-17,000
- Lincolnshire: $17,000-19,000
- Lake Zurich: $38,000+
- Lake Forest: $68,000+
Impact Fees vs. Teardown Costs
Impact fees are often a one-time charge for infrastructure used by new home residents. These fees should only apply to empty lots, not teardowns. For example, in Arlington Heights, we paid almost $10,000 for an empty lot:
- Elementary District 25: $6,200
- Detention: $2,756
- Tree Fee: $802
Affordable Housing Fund
In 2021, one village introduced a fee of $3,532 per new single-family residence permit to fund affordable housing initiatives.
Tree Fees
Villages may charge fees to remove trees, considering the type, health, and size of the tree. Additionally, a cash bond may be required to ensure the health of remaining trees. Costs range from $800 to $40,000, excluding removal costs for diseased or obstructive trees, which add another $2,500 to $15,000.
Landscaping
Requirements from Home Owner Associations, developers, and villages can impose landscaping costs of up to $20,000 or more.
Creeks and Floodplains
Properties touching creeks or floodplains require Floodplain and Wetlands Delineations, costing $2,000 each. These studies investigate critical areas on-site and display boundaries on maps.
Soil Tests
Villages may require soil tests, costing around $2,000, to ensure soil support for footers and foundations.
Septic Systems and Wells
If municipal water and sewer services are unavailable, installing a septic system and well involves a septic soils analysis and plans, costing $2,000-3,000. Additional installation costs range from $10,000-25,000.
Storm Systems
Civil engineering costs ($7,000-10,000) include determining if a storm system is required. These systems direct runoff water to municipal storm sewers.
Driveway Culvert
Properties without city curb and gutter may require a driveway culvert for stormwater, typically costing $8,000.
Fire Suppression
More villages are requiring fire suppression systems for single-family homes, costing $10,000-15,000, with higher costs if water is supplied by a well. One village offers an opt-out fee.
Plumbing
Some villages require copper or cast iron piping, adding $1,500 to $30,000 to the cost.
Natural Materials
Certain villages or Home Owner Associations may require specific building materials, adding $10,000 to $50,000 or more to the cost.
Fairfield Homes takes a strategic approach to handling the pre-construction and permit process, reviewing and packaging applications ourselves. We present solutions to problems to the entire team, expediting responses and controlling costs. Our expertise will save you money, ensuring efficient and cost-effective project management.
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