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Buying · program 12 of 20

Construction Home Loan

Build your dream home with a single-close construction loan that converts automatically to a permanent mortgage when construction completes.

  • One-time-close construction financing for new builds and major additions.
  • Illustrative — this lender is fictional and cannot lend

What it is

What a Construction Home Loan actually is.

Building your own home is a thrill — and a process. The right construction loan smooths every step from breaking ground to handing over the keys.

The structure described here is the one-time-close construction-to-perm loan: one closing, one set of fees, and an automatic conversion to the permanent mortgage when the home is finished. The alternative, a two-close structure, means qualifying twice and paying closing costs twice, and exposes the borrower to a second rate lock.

During construction, you pay interest only on funds drawn. After completion, you settle into a standard 30-year fixed (or whatever permanent product you chose).


Who it suits

Borrowers this program is built for.

None of these is a rule, and matching every line does not qualify anybody. They are the situations where this program tends to be the one worth pricing first.

  • Custom home builders
  • Buyers of newly built spec homes
  • Owners planning major additions
  • Builders financing model homes

What it gives you

The parts that make it worth choosing.

One Closing

Construction and permanent loan combine into one closing — one set of fees.

Interest-Only During Build

Pay only interest on funds drawn during construction.

Locked Rate

Rate is locked at construction closing — protect against rate spikes.

Conventional, FHA, VA

Construction-to-perm available across most loan types.


How the process runs

4 stages, in order.

This is the shape of a real file, written for a demonstration. Any timeline, fee or turnaround named below is invented for the example and is not a commitment — no step here can actually be started, because Copperline Home Loans does not exist and holds no license.

  1. Plans & BudgetBuilder provides plans, specs, and a detailed budget.
  2. ApplyWe underwrite the construction loan and permanent loan together.
  3. Draws During BuildFunds release in stages as the builder completes work.
  4. ConversionLoan converts automatically to your permanent mortgage at completion.

Questions

What people ask about this one.

Do I need a licensed builder?
Yes — owner-builder programs exist but are rare. Most lenders require a licensed, bonded GC.
How long can construction take?
6–18 months typical; extensions available for complex builds.
Down payment for construction?
20% on conventional, 3.5% on FHA construction-to-perm, 0% on VA new construction.
What happens if the build costs go over?
You cover overages out of pocket. We build in a 5–10% contingency to absorb minor surprises.