5 To Do's for a Successful Owner Builder Construction Loan Application

An owner-builder entails accepting the responsibility of a licensed contractor and managing your own undertaking in home construction. The owner-builder construction takes on a number of advantages which include significant savings, total control, and sense of satisfaction. Nonetheless, assuming the responsibility of an owner-builder takes on a lengthy process where each step is required and mandated by law. 

To become an owner builder, you should first get an owner-builder permit. You can apply for an owner-builder permit online if you meet the eligibility requirements below. Or you can also submit your application in person by booking an appointment at the nearest service centre at your area. 

Loan companies are tough and very conservative when it comes to an owner builder construction loan. They usually are skeptical of the borrower's capacity to manage a project and take on the complexities of managing a lengthy construction project and therefore considers this type of loan as a risk. 

You may have a better chance of obtaining an approval from your bank if you have enough savings, equity, and a guarantor to further provide security for the loan. Here are five things you can do in order to get a better chance at getting a loan approval. 

1. Seek for proper assistance. Prior to applying for financial help, it’s a wise decision to get professional financial advice to find out how much you can actually afford to borrow and also whether you’re going to be approved to get an owner builder construction loan. Talk to a financial adviser and also an accountant to assist with your budgeting. You may also want to talk to tradespeople as well as project managers prior to starting the project.

2. Prepare all required documents. Owner-builder loans will require more documents when compared to a standard home loan. The requirements will include the following:

3. Cost Estimate. As part of the owner-builder loan application, loan companies will require a cost estimate for your proposed project. You’ll have to make sure the figures are as precise as is possible, and you ought to always add a 10-15% contingency barrier. Unless of course if you're a licensed builder, loan companies will allow a maximum of about 60% of the construction cost. It is then crucial to have funds to support construction.

4. Seek Pre-approval. It's always a smart decision to seek pre-approval prior to engaging in an owner builder set up. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of what your highest loan-to-value (LVR) ratio is. This will also help you decide if the owner-builder route is the best way to own a home.

5. Practice patience. Patience is the key to being approved. You’ll have to delay until your loan is formally approved before you begin construction. Most loan companies will not approve your construction loan if the project has already commenced. 

A licensed builder can typically borrow as much as 80% of the building cost considering a full doc loan. An owner-builder can borrow from 50% to 70% of the building cost.

Many loan companies worry about lending to owner-builders due to the probability that there could be over budget on the project or not being able to finish the construction. On the other hand, a licensed building contractor can receive a better favor from the banks and loan institutions as a result of their years of experience and better knowledge. 

Once an owner-builder loan had been granted, the loaning company will release funds in progressive payments as opposed to lumping sum payments than regular home loans follow. As each stage of construction is completed, a valuer from the bank will look into the development of the construction before approval of the next progress payment. 

 

An owner-builder construction loan can be a real challenge considering that not all loan companies are confident in the ability of owner-borrowers. Thorough understanding of the process and the requirements of the loan will help you take a big step forward towards obtaining approval. Apply for the necessary documents and other additional requirements that can support your application. Hard work, research, and professional assistance can help you qualify to finance your home construction project.  

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