01
Gate 1 of 6
Map the project
Define the land position, home type, target budget, location, timeline, and the people who will deliver the build.
Field section 03 / process
From dirt
to permanent.
A construction loan is not one approval and one wire. It is a coordinated path across the borrower, land, plans, builder, appraisal, closing, and draw process.
01Six project gates
02
Gate 2 of 6
Frame the financing
Review borrower qualifications and project assumptions to identify the most realistic loan structure and cash plan.
03
Gate 3 of 6
Assemble the set
Bring plans, specifications, builder contract, cost breakdown, permits, land documents, and insurance details into one file.
04
Gate 4 of 6
Appraise the vision
The appraisal considers the site and the proposed improvements to estimate the completed property value.
05
Gate 5 of 6
Close & build
After approval and closing, construction funds are typically released in stages as work is completed and verified.
06
Gate 6 of 6
Finish permanent
At completion, final inspections and documentation clear the way for the permanent phase under the approved loan structure.
Decision set / plans + numbers
01ABefore underwriting
“The drawings describe the house. The budget describes whether the same house can actually be delivered.”
A-SETPlans + specs
COSTBudget + contingency
TEAMBuilder + contract
SITELand + utilities
02Start-file checklist
Bring what you know. Mark what you don’t.
You do not need a perfect package for the first conversation. You do need enough context to separate open questions from expensive assumptions. If the team is still taking shape, start with how to choose a builder the construction file can support.
Site
Address or parcel, ownership, purchase timing, liens, restrictions, utilities, and access.
Scope
Plans status, square footage, home type, finish level, and major site improvements.
Team
Builder status, contract type, architect or designer, and expected construction duration.
Numbers
Land cost, build budget, contingency, available cash, and target monthly payment range.
03Draw phase
The loan keeps moving as the work gets verified.
Construction funds are commonly disbursed in stages tied to completed work. Requests, inspections, lien documentation, and timing all become part of the operating rhythm of the build.
Before the first invoice, read what happens before a Texas builder gets paid.
Talk through my timeline