Builder Resource Center

Builder Registration Checklist: Documents to Gather Before Your Buyer Applies

✓ Written and reviewed by Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor, NMLS #225375 . Published September 27, 2026 . Updated September 27, 2026

One list, one pass, fewer delays.

Use this printable checklist to gather the documents commonly requested for builder registration on PRMG construction programs. Exact requirements depend on the program and the project, and additional items may be requested.

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Short answer: Builder registration commonly requires a current contractor license, general liability insurance (commonly at least $1 million), workers' compensation where required, builder's risk insurance, owner ID, business information, financial statements or tax returns where required, an experience and project list, references, and a VA builder ID for VA loans. Each project also needs a fixed-price contract, plans and specifications, a line-item budget with contingency, and a draw schedule. Registration is a documentation review for program eligibility, not an endorsement.

At a glance

Company: license, insurance, ID, business info.
Financial: tax returns, P&L, balance sheet where required.
Experience: project list and references.
VA loans: VA builder ID.
Project: contract, plans, budget, draw schedule.

On this page

How do I use this checklist?
Which company documents are needed?
Which financial documents may be requested?
What experience documents are needed?
Which project documents are needed for each buyer?
Ken's Take: avoid the common delays
FAQs

How do I use this checklist?

Short answer: print it, check off each item as you gather it, and send the full package at once. Complete packages commonly move faster than documents sent piecemeal.

Background on why these are requested is in the builder registration guide.

Builder registration is a documentation review for program eligibility. It is not an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of any builder's work.

Which company documents are needed?

☐Current contractor license in the state where the home will be built (verify California licenses with the CSLB license lookup; New Jersey builders check requirements with the NJ Division of Codes and Standards)
☐Retailer or installer license, for manufactured home projects
☐General liability insurance certificate, commonly at least $1 million per occurrence
☐Workers' compensation certificate, or exemption where allowed
☐Builder's risk insurance for the project (can be bound before closing)
☐Government-issued photo ID for the owner or principal
☐Business information: legal name, entity documents, address, phone, email, and tax ID

Which financial documents may be requested?

Short answer: where the program requires them, commonly two years of business tax returns, a current profit and loss statement, and a balance sheet.

☐Two most recent years of business tax returns, where required
☐Year-to-date profit and loss statement, where required
☐Current balance sheet, where required
☐Bank reference or other financial information, if requested

What experience documents are needed?

☐Experience summary, commonly 3 or more years building new homes
☐List of recently completed projects with addresses and completion dates
☐References (clients, suppliers, or lenders)
☐VA builder ID, for VA construction loans

Which project documents are needed for each buyer?

☐Signed fixed-price, turnkey contract with the buyer, builder as general contractor
☐Plans and specifications that match the contract
☐Line-item budget with a contingency line, matching the contract price
☐Draw schedule (commonly about 5 draws on site-built, about 3 on manufactured)
☐Permits, or permit status (in California, typically required before closing)
☐Builder's risk certificate naming the project

Draws pay for work in place only, with lien waivers commonly required. See draw process and how builders get paid.

Ken's Take: avoid the common delays

Check expiration dates on every certificate before you send it.
Make the budget total match the contract price exactly.
Keep a digital folder so you can resend documents the same day.
Send renewals proactively so registration stays current for the next buyer.

Where available: PRMG programs are available in every state where PRMG is licensed, which is all states except New York, including California and New Jersey, subject to eligibility and program guidelines. In California, permits are typically required before a one-time close loan closes.

Frequently asked questions

Answered by Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor. Program availability and requirements vary and are subject to change.

What documents are needed for builder registration?

Commonly a contractor license, general liability and workers' compensation certificates, owner ID, business information, financials where required, an experience list, and references.

How much general liability insurance is needed?

Commonly at least $1 million per occurrence, depending on the program.

Are tax returns required?

Where the program requires them, commonly two years of business tax returns plus a profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

Do I need a VA builder ID?

Yes, for VA construction loans.

Is builder registration an endorsement?

No. It is a documentation review for program eligibility.

Do I register for every buyer?

Commonly no. Registration is typically reused while documents stay current, but project documents are needed for each buyer.

What project documents are needed?

A fixed-price contract, plans and specifications, a line-item budget with contingency, a draw schedule, and builder's risk insurance.

Can I print this checklist?

Yes. Use the print button at the top of the checklist.

Related programs and guides

Sources consulted

Guidelines change. Verify current program requirements with Ken Clark Jr. before relying on them for a transaction.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend, a guarantee of approval, or a rate quote. Loan programs, down payment requirements, terms, and eligibility depend on borrower, property, project, builder, and program qualifications, are subject to underwriting, and vary by state. Not all applicants or projects will qualify. Builder registration is a documentation review for program eligibility and is not an endorsement of any builder. Equal Housing Opportunity. Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG), NMLS #75243. Ken Clark Jr., NMLS #225375. PRMG is licensed in 49 states, excluding New York.

About the Author: Ken Clark Jr.

Certified Mortgage Advisor and Branch Manager at PRMG Mortgage (NMLS #75243). 28 years in mortgage lending. Specializes in FHA, VA, conventional, DPA, jumbo, Non-QM, renovation, and construction financing for buyers and investors in Sacramento, New Jersey, and nationwide. PRMG is licensed in 49 states, excluding New York. Three-time Gold Award winner for Highly Reviewed Mortgage Team in Sacramento (2023, 2024, 2025). NMLS #225375.

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