Construction Loan Payment Calculator

Calculate monthly payments during construction (interest-only) and after conversion to permanent mortgage.

CONSTRUCTION (12-18 MO) PERMANENT MORTGAGE (15-30 YR) INTEREST-ONLY PRINCIPAL + INTEREST DRAWS (DISBURSEMENTS) Fixed monthly payments

Construction Loan Results

NOTE: Construction loan interest is calculated only on the amount disbursed. Average interest during construction is typically 50-65% of the full loan interest because funds are drawn incrementally. Closing costs are usually 2-5% of loan amount.

Construction Draw Schedule Calculator

Calculate disbursement amounts for each construction phase and cumulative interest.

Draw Schedule Results

DRAW PROCESS: 1) Request draw from lender. 2) Inspector verifies work completion. 3) Funds released within 3-10 business days. 4) You pay interest only on cumulative amount drawn. Keep 5-10% as retainage (holdback) for final punch list items.

Interest-Only Period Calculator

Calculate monthly interest-only payments during the construction phase as draws increase.

Interest-Only Payment Schedule

BUDGET TIP: Your interest payments start low and increase with each draw. Budget for the maximum payment (last months). Some lenders offer an interest reserve — they add estimated interest to the loan so you don't pay out of pocket during construction.

Construction-to-Permanent Loan Calculator

Calculate total costs for a single-close construction-to-permanent loan vs. two separate closings.

Construction-to-Permanent Comparison

SINGLE-CLOSE ADVANTAGE: A construction-to-permanent (CTP) loan has ONE closing, saving $3,000-$8,000 in closing costs. You lock in the permanent rate before construction begins. Two-close loans may offer lower construction rates but double the closing costs.

Construction Loan Reference Guide

Compare loan types, current rate ranges, and qualification requirements.

Construction Loan Types Comparison

Feature Conventional FHA VA USDA
Min. Down Payment 20% 3.5% 0% 0%
Min. Credit Score 680+ 580+ 620+ 640+
Rate Range (2024) 7-9% 6.5-8% 6-7.5% 6.5-8%
Max Loan Varies $472K-$1.1M No limit Area limit
PMI/MIP If <20% Yes (life) Funding fee Guarantee fee
Builder Req. Licensed FHA approved VA registered Licensed
Owner-Builder Some lenders No No No
Const-to-Perm Yes Yes (203k) Yes Yes

Typical Draw Schedule

Draw Phase % of Loan Cumulative
1 Foundation & Site Work 15% 15%
2 Framing & Roof 25% 40%
3 Mechanical (HVAC, Plumbing, Electric) 20% 60%
4 Interior (Drywall, Flooring, Cabinets) 20% 80%
5 Finish (Paint, Fixtures, Landscaping) 15% 95%
6 Final (Punch list, CO) 5% 100%

Construction Loan Costs Breakdown

Cost Item Typical Range On $300K Loan
Closing Costs 2-5% $6,000-$15,000
Origination Fee 0.5-1.5% $1,500-$4,500
Appraisal (plans) $500-$1,500 $750
Inspection Fees $100-$500/draw $600-$3,000
Title Insurance 0.5-1% $1,500-$3,000
Builder's Risk Insurance 1-3% annually $3,000-$9,000
Interest Reserve Varies $8,000-$15,000

Construction Loan Calculator Guide

Our construction loan calculator helps you understand the true cost of financing a new home build. Calculate interest-only payments during construction, estimate your draw schedule, and compare construction-to-permanent loan options from conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA lenders.

What Is a Construction Loan?

A construction loan is a short-term financing option (12-18 months) used to build a new home. Unlike a traditional mortgage, the lender disburses funds in stages called "draws" as construction milestones are completed. During construction, you make interest-only payments on the amount disbursed — not the full loan amount. After completion, the loan converts to a permanent mortgage or must be refinanced.

Construction Loan Rates

Construction loan interest rates are typically 1-2% higher than conventional mortgage rates. Current ranges: Conventional 7-9%, FHA 6.5-8%, VA 6-7.5%, USDA 6.5-8%. Rates depend on credit score, down payment, loan amount, and market conditions. Construction-to-permanent loans may offer rate locks before construction begins.

How Do Construction Loans Work?

Construction loans follow a specific process: 1) Get pre-approved with construction plans and budget. 2) Choose a licensed builder. 3) Close on the loan. 4) Builder requests draws as work progresses. 5) Lender inspects and releases funds. 6) You pay interest-only during construction. 7) Loan converts to permanent mortgage at completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a construction loan?+
Requirements: Credit score 680+ (580+ for FHA), 20% down payment (0% for VA/USDA), detailed construction plans, licensed builder, cost estimates, and proof of land ownership or purchase contract. The approval process takes 30-60 days. Tip: Get pre-approved before finalizing plans to know your budget.
FHA construction loan vs. conventional?+
FHA construction loans (FHA 203k) require only 3.5% down and accept 580+ credit scores, but require FHA-approved builders and have lifetime mortgage insurance. Conventional loans need 20% down and 680+ scores but have no PMI at 20% down and allow owner-builders with some lenders. FHA is better for first-time buyers; conventional for those with more equity.
What is a construction-to-permanent loan?+
A construction-to-permanent (CTP) loan combines construction financing and permanent mortgage into ONE loan with a single closing. Saves $3,000-$8,000 in closing costs. You lock in your permanent rate before construction starts. During construction: interest-only payments. After completion: automatically converts to a standard 15 or 30-year mortgage.
VA construction loan — how does it work?+
VA construction loans offer 0% down payment for eligible veterans and active military. No PMI. Competitive rates (6-7.5%). Requirements: VA eligibility (Certificate of Eligibility), VA-registered builder, plans meeting VA minimum property requirements. Fewer lenders offer VA construction loans — shop around. VA funding fee applies (1.25-3.3%).