VA one-time close construction loans · 48 contiguous states and D.C.

Build Your Dream Home with a VA Construction Loan

$0 down up to $1 million
One closing
No payments while you build

Use your VA benefit to finance your lot, your build and your permanent mortgage in one loan with one closing. $0 down on loans up to $1 million, no payments while your home is built, with a loan officer who has specialized in VA home loans for over 20 years.

Apply — soft pull only Book a 15-Minute Call

✓ Soft credit pull only. Applying won’t affect your credit score.

My team reviews your application as soon as it comes in.
If you qualify, you get a pre-approval letter and a full itemized estimate.
If you’re not there yet, you get a clear plan to get ready.

VA loan specialist since 200348 states and D.C., one team start to finishNMLS #336103 · CrossCountry Mortgage

Straight answers

The questions Veterans ask before they build

VA construction loans have their own rules. Here are the ones that matter most.

Already own your land?Build on it with $0 down on loans up to $1 million. Any lot payoff goes into the loan, and your land equity can count.Building on land you own →Do I make payments while it’s built?No. The interest reserve and management fee are built into the loan and paid by your builder.How the interest reserve works →Can I be my own builder?No. A builder approved by the lender before closing builds under a fixed-price contract. No DIY work.Owner-builder rules →What credit score do I need?VA construction loans start at 620, and larger loan amounts may need a higher score. Residual income comes first.Do you qualify? →Can I build a duplex or fourplex?Yes, a 2–4 unit home works when you live in one unit, and projected rent may help you qualify.Building a multi-unit home →What about the 2026 appraisal changes?VA updated its minimum property requirements this year. Here’s what changed for new construction.VA appraisal updates 2026 →

VA construction loan reviews

Dominique S. and her husband signing their VA construction loan closing documents — 5 stars · Google review
“Now it’s time to BUILD our forever dream home”
We have officially closed on our VA Construction Loan — and now it’s time to BUILD our forever dream home. What makes this even more special is knowing this wasn’t just a transaction… it was a journey. A journey of faith, patience, paperwork, prayer, and perseverance. There were questions, moving parts, timelines, and details — but we never walked through it alone. A huge THANK YOU to Tim, Shirley Mueller, and Lisa for your exceptional customer service and commitment to excellence. From start to finish, you walked us through the entire process with clarity, professionalism, and care. Every call was answered. Every question was explained. Every step was guided. You made what could have been overwhelming feel organized and doable — and that matters. We are grateful. We are excited. And we are ready to build.
— Dominique S., VA construction loan

How it works

From pre-approval to move-in, in four stages

One application, one closing and one loan from start to finish.

Get pre-approvedA 10-minute application with a soft credit pull. My team reviews it and sends a pre-approval letter and a full itemized estimate, or a clear plan if you’re not ready yet.Week 1
Lot, builder and plansYour builder is approved by the lender, plans and a fixed-price contract are reviewed, and the VA appraisal values the finished home.About 2–3 months to close
One closing, then buildYou sign once. Your builder is paid in draws as work is inspected, and you make no payments during the build.12-month construction period
Move inAfter the final inspection, the loan converts to your permanent 15- or 30-year fixed VA mortgage, with no second closing.Welcome home

See the detailed timeline Try the construction loan calculator

The VA one-time close construction loan, at a glance

One loan, one closing for the lot (purchase or payoff), the build and your permanent mortgage.
$0 down on loans up to $1 million. Loans over $1 million (up to $2 million) need 5% down.
Credit: VA construction loans start at a 620 minimum credit score, and larger loan amounts may need a higher score.
No payments during the build. The interest reserve and construction management fee are built into the loan and paid by your builder.
A 12-month construction period, then a 15- or 30-year fixed-rate VA mortgage. No monthly mortgage insurance.
Your builder is approved by the lender before closing and builds under a fixed-price contract. Owner-builders and do-it-yourself work aren’t allowed.

Three ways to build

Choose the loan that fits your land

Where you’ll build

VA construction loans by state

Shirley Mueller’s team handles VA construction loans across the 48 contiguous states and D.C.. Popular states:

See all 48 states and D.C.

Real projects

Homes Veterans have built with a VA construction loan

Custom Barndominium on 126 Acres | Real-World VA Construction Loan Texas ProjectHow a Veteran built a custom barndominium on 126 acres in Texas with a VA one-time close construction loan, from buying

Modern Barn HouseSee how a veteran used VA construction loan to build this flexible, modern barn house with shop space in Tyler, Texas wi

Stick Build Home + Metal WorkshopA Veteran in Ralls, Texas is building a 3-bedroom stick-built home and a metal workshop on his own land with a VA one-ti

See the full portfolio →

Shirley Mueller, Sr. VP of Veteran Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage

About Shirley Mueller

A VA lender who knows construction files

Shirley started in mortgage right after college, helping military families with VA home loans, and has specialized in them for over 20 years. Both of her grandfathers served in World War II, so this work is personal. Today she is Sr. VP of Veteran Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage, and her team works with Veterans and active-duty families on VA one-time close construction loans, from builder approval to the day the loan converts.

Her team reviews every application. If you qualify, you get a pre-approval letter and a full itemized estimate, so there are no surprises at closing. If you’re not ready yet, you get a full plan forward.

More about Shirley →

Guides

Learn before you build

All articles → · VA construction loan FAQ →

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