4 Ways to Reduce Risk in Construction Loans
A construction loan is used to finance a home’s construction. They are typically short-term loans with a balloon payment due at the end of the loan term. Since they are short-term loans, construction loans typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages.
Construction loans differ from other loans because they involve more risk for the lender. When you take out a construction loan, the lender is lending you the money to build your home, but the home doesn’t exist yet. Lenders ultimately want projects to be finished on schedule, under budget, and without any mismanagement of funds, but this is easier said than done. Here are four ways to reduce risk in construction loans:
1. Pre-closing Builder
Risk management is essential for any construction project, and the best way to mitigate risk is to perform due diligence before the project even begins. Review the builder’s track record, financial statements, and references.
This helps to ensure that the builder is experienced and capable of completing the project on time and within budget. Additionally, ensure the builder has the proper project insurance, certifications, and licenses. This allows lenders to identify any potential red flags.
2. Schedule Regular Draw Inspection
When construction begins, you should order regular inspections to ensure all work items and materials are in place. Draw inspections involve sending an inspector from reputable companies like Northwest Construction Control to the job site regularly to confirm that progress and funds are being used as intended. Even if no draws are requested, it may be worth ordering an inspection to keep tabs on the project’s progress.
By scheduling regular draw inspections, lenders can gain peace of mind knowing that their investment is on track and that funding will not be wasted. In addition, borrowers can avoid costly delays and disruptions by ensuring that progress is made according to schedule.
3. Check for Proper Insurance Coverage
To reduce the potential for harm during building, precise procedures should be followed to guarantee that all currently engaged builders have all necessary permits and insurance coverage. The risks involved in a project can be reduced or eliminated with the right insurance coverage in place.
By using technology to automate the processes now used to gather and track documents and insurance policies, you can be alerted immediately upon discovering a coverage gap or a missing document. When trying to track and expedite draw requests manually, mistakes are simple, yet, you can help avoid potential problems before they happen.
4. Monitor the Progress of the Project Regularly
By staying up-to-date on the construction status, borrowers can identify potential problems early and take corrective action. Additionally, regular progress reports can help to reassure lenders that the borrower is committed to completing the project.
This can be done with software that tracks the project’s status and sends regular updates to the lender. By keeping track of the project’s progress, you can be sure that everything is on track and that there are no surprises. It will help you avoid potential problems and give you peace of mind during construction.
As a lender, it’s important to perform due diligence and stay up-to-date on the construction project’s progress. Doing so can avoid potential problems and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, regular inspections can help to reassure lenders that their investment is on track.
You can avoid any last-minute surprises by keeping track of when loans are due and when projects are scheduled to mature. All these steps will help give you peace of mind during construction.
