Jeff: Design and price out your project, then find the right lender. Construction loans usually cover the costs of land, permits and fees, plans, labor and materials, and closing costs. Not all lenders offer construction loans, so you will need to find one that does.

Tiffany: Avoid scope creep! Every construction project is going to require some tweaks to the original scope of work. These adjustments to the original scope are not necessarily damaging if the increase in scope of work is handled and documented properly. The two best ways to manage changes to the scope of the project are through proper communication and proper contract procedures w/ your developer.

Jeff: Make sure to understand difference between conditional and unconditional lien releases:

A construction lien waiver is a legal document saying a party waives future lien rights against a property. Lien waivers are designed to protect both a payer and a payee. Payers are protected from the threat of a mechanics lien, and payees are protected from not receiving a payment.

There are two categories of lien waivers: conditional and unconditional. What is the difference between the two? An unconditional release means that there are no restrictions on the release of the lien. This type of lien release is often used in final project documents to confirm that the project is complete, payment has occurred, and you release all future rights to file liens on the project. Conditional lien releases are often used to confirm or prove the amount owing for a certain period of time, and they are sent and signed before payment is issued.

Matt: Get familiar with the draw process on a construction loan:

Construction loans are similar to a line-of-credit in that they can be drawn against as desired. As construction funds are drawn, interest builds only on the balance drawn. Draws are typically submitted monthly, but can be arranged bi-weekly or as needed by working with your lender. Most Construction loans have a preset number of draws included and paid for. If additional draws are required, depending on the lender - there may be additional fee incurred.

Uwe: Sometimes, construction will begin on a project before the construction loan is in place. When this happens and the deed of trust securing the construction loan has not been recorded, it is called “a broken priority.” In the past, a title insurance company was willing to insure over a broken priority when it had a sufficient comfort level and a person or entity with substance would indemnify the title insurance company against liability. Inquire with your title company for up to date regulations.

Matt: Know your money reserves. Don’t get caught by surprise.

Jeff: Add up Hard costs + project costs, knowing what you need to have in reserve for requirements and different parts of process.