By Ken Clark Jr. ยท Certified Mortgage Advisor & Branch Manager ยท NMLS #225375 Last updated:
Ken Clark Jr.
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Construction Loans

โœ“ Last verified against available program guidelines: May 17, 2026

Build your home, finance it once, lock the rate.

A construction loan funds the land purchase and the cost to build a new home, then converts to a permanent mortgage when construction completes. PRMG offers one-time-close construction-to-permanent loans across FHA, VA, Conventional, and Jumbo programs.

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What is a construction loan?

A construction loan funds the land plus the cost to build. With a one-time-close construction-to-permanent loan, you close once at the beginning, lock the permanent mortgage rate, draw funds as construction progresses, and the loan automatically converts to a regular 30-year mortgage when the home is finished. No second closing, no second appraisal, no requalification.

Construction loan programs we offer

FHA One-Time-Close Construction-to-Perm

3.5% down, low credit minimums, fixed rate locked at closing. Limited to FHA county loan limits.

VA One-Time-Close Construction-to-Perm

0% down for eligible veterans. No funding fee escalation during construction.

USDA One-Time-Close Construction-to-Perm

100% financing in eligible rural areas. Single close.

Conventional One-Time-Close

5-20% down, jumbo amounts available, primary or second home.

Jumbo Construction-to-Perm

Loan amounts above conforming limits. 10-20% down typical.

Renovation-to-Perm (FHA 203k, HomeStyle, CHOICERenovation)

Combines home purchase plus renovation cost into one loan.

Custom Builder Programs

Work with your selected licensed builder. Builder must be approved.

Construction loan qualifying basics

Credit score

FHA: 580+. VA: 600+. Conventional: 680+. Jumbo: 700+.

Down payment

FHA 3.5%, VA 0%, USDA 0%, Conventional 5-20%, Jumbo 10-20%.

Builder

Licensed, insured, approved by lender. Owner-builder allowed on some programs.

Plans and budget

Detailed plans, specs, and itemized construction budget required at application.

Land

Already owned or being purchased simultaneously. Land equity counts toward down payment.

Reserves

6-12 months of permanent loan PITIA typical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on construction loans, answered by Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor.

What is a one-time-close construction loan?

A one-time-close (OTC) construction loan combines the construction financing and the permanent mortgage into a single loan with one closing. You lock the permanent rate at the start, draw funds as construction progresses, and the loan converts to a 30-year mortgage when the home is finished, without needing to requalify or close again.

How does a construction loan work?

You close once on the construction-to-permanent loan. The lender funds the land purchase if needed, then disburses construction funds in stages (called draws) as the builder completes work. During construction, you pay interest only on the funds drawn. When the home is finished, the loan automatically converts to a 30-year mortgage with principal and interest payments.

How much down payment do I need for a construction loan?

Down payment varies by program. FHA construction requires 3.5% of total project cost (land + construction). VA allows 0% down. USDA allows 0% down in eligible areas. Conventional requires 5-20% down. Jumbo construction typically requires 10-20% down.

Can I use a VA loan to build a home?

Yes. The VA One-Time-Close Construction-to-Permanent loan allows eligible veterans to build a home with zero down. The funding fee is paid only once, not at construction close and again at conversion. Builder approval is required.

What credit score do I need for a construction loan?

FHA construction requires 580+. VA typically requires 600+. Conventional construction requires 680+. Jumbo construction requires 700+. Builder approval and contingency reserves are also reviewed.

Can I be my own builder?

Owner-builder construction loans exist but are limited and require strong construction experience documentation, larger reserves, and tighter draw schedules. Most one-time-close programs require a licensed general contractor.

How long does construction financing last?

Construction periods typically run 9 to 12 months for a single-family home, with options to extend. Permanent loan rates can be locked at closing for up to 12 months in most programs.

Related Programs & Tools

FHA Loans โ†’ VA Loans โ†’ Non-QM Loans โ†’ Refinance โ†’ Renovation Loans โ†’ DPA Finder โ†’ Calculators โ†’ First-Time Buyer โ†’

Let's talk through your construction loans scenario.

Schedule a free discovery call with Ken Clark Jr. and get a clear plan for your construction loans financing.

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