Common financing structures for custom builds.
Construction-to-Permanent Loan
A single loan that converts from a construction loan to a traditional mortgage once the home is complete. One closing, one set of fees. This is the most common financing structure for custom builds.
Stand-Alone Construction Loan
A short-term loan covering only the construction period. You refinance into a permanent mortgage at completion. This offers flexibility to shop for the best permanent rate when the home is finished.
Land + Construction Loan
Covers both land purchase and construction in a single financing package. Ideal if you haven’t yet acquired your building lot.
A framework for planning your total investment.
Land Acquisition
Your lot cost, including any site improvements needed before construction can begin. Consider access, utilities, and terrain.
Design & Engineering
Architectural design, structural engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical reports, and interior design fees.
Permitting & Fees
Building permits, impact fees, utility connection fees, and any HOA or design review fees.
Construction
The core build cost, including all materials, labor, subcontractors, and project management. We align how this phase is specified and budgeted with your overall financing and contract structure, so the numbers your lender reviews reflect your build accurately — without presenting any single contract type as the default.
Contingency
A responsible budget includes 5–10% contingency for owner-requested changes. How contingency and builder-side risk are handled depends on your agreement; we work through that with you and your team up front and document it clearly, whether you are building on a cash basis or with a construction loan.
We work alongside your lender from day one.
Construction lenders require detailed project documentation: specifications, draw schedules, builder qualifications, and insurance certificates. We prepare all of it.
Clear, detailed specifications and a thorough budget help lenders evaluate construction cost and can reduce appraisal gaps. We prepare documentation in the format your bank expects, work directly with your loan team as questions arise, and tailor the agreement to your project and financing so you have confidence in the value you receive from every building dollar. For how budgets are built in the first place, see the Cost Guide; for how this all sits inside the full build sequence, the process page walks every phase end-to-end.