
Risks for construction loans include improvements not being completed, cost overruns, mechanic’s liens and faulty construction. Steps of the Appraisal ProcessĬonstruction loans are usually higher risk than loans for completed properties. Keep this general timeline in mind as you’re getting into the appraisal process. So how long does a construction loan appraisal take? The appraisal itself can take two to four weeks or even longer if the area is farther away from where the appraisers work and live. How Long Does the Appraisal Process Take? If the house is not completed within this period, either the appraiser will complete a “Recertification of Value” or a new appraisal, although there is an exception for VA loans. The appraisals are still good for 120 days or 180 days for VA loans. This appraisal process starts off with a “subject to” appraisal performed at the time of the initial underwriting. In this process, there are no drastic differences between this and builder financed. Will use the loan funds to pay their builder.Have a contract for construction with a builder.Usually, when the homeowner is the borrower, they: The other side of the coin is if you, the buyer, will be financing the construction. It’s important to note that if the builder finances the construction, the Loan-To-Value (LTV) is calculated by using the lesser of the purchase price or the appraisal. When the house is complete, the appraiser will provide a “Final Inspection” report. If the house is not completed within this time, either a “Recertification of Value” or a new appraisal will be completed by the appraiser before the purchase is finished. “Subject to” appraisals are a good way to make sure you don’t “over-improve” your home.Īppraisals are good for 120 days or 180 days for Veterans Affairs Loans (VA). It helps you evaluate the home after the improvements have been made. If you’d like the builder to fund the construction, then a “subject to” appraisal will be performed at the time of the initial underwriting.Ī “subject to” appraisal is where the value of the property is based off what the home will be worth in the future. Don’t know who the future homeowner will be.Usually, when the builder is the borrower, they: The two options here are if the builder will finance or if the buyer will finance. For new home construction, the appraisal is even more important than an appraisal for an existing home.

The appraisal is just as important as your income, credit and assets when you’re applying for a construction loan. The appraiser must follow set rules when appraising a property. The Role of the Appraisal Process in Construction FinancingĪn appraisal is an opinion given by a licensed appraiser on the value of a property.

Existing homes are usually easy to appraise because they can be compared to other homes. Are you looking to finance a new construction project? Before your loan can be approved, your lender will need an appraisal for the home construction.
